Macro Rail Transit 090210

8/2/2019 Macro Rail Transit 090210

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Rail transit services


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Rail transit services

Macro offers a complete range of

services - from concept through

Implementation

When operating a rail transit system, transit agencies rely on secure and well-equipped Opera-

tions Control Centers (OCC). Todays transportation control centers are architectural showpieces

complete with ergonomic workstation furniture, status overview displays, situation rooms, access

control systems, and sophisticated environmental air handling and lighting controls. These facilities

combine to promote a secure, efficient, modern, and safe workspace for dispatchers, passengerinformation specialists, service and maintenance supervisors, and others that interact daily with

passenger rail management systems.

Is your existing OCC fully meeting your operating needs? Macro is often asked about the state

of the art in OCC capabilities. Client questions we repeatedly address during our assignments

include:

> Are our OCC staff levels appropriate for todays operation?

> Are there additional users with related expertise who belong in the OCC?

> Should we revise our OCC business processes to better respond to todays demands?

> Knowledgeable passengers expect more timely information about our service; how should

we upgrade our customer information systems?

> Would new technology make our operation safer and more efficient?

> Are we conforming to best industry practices?

> Do we need a backup control center to support operations during emergencies?

> Should we renovate our existing OCC or should it be replaced?

> Would a multi-modal center, possibly including security, staff be considered?

> Should our new OCC be staffed and equipped to cooperate with regional emergency

management centers?

> Can you help us select a new OCC site?

Macro works directly with end-users, as well as the industrys leading architecture and engineer-

ing design firms, to answer these questions. In doing so, we conduct operational, physical, and

ergonomic analyses leading to the optimal design of new control systems, workstations and dis-

play systems. Macro has the operational knowledge and the planning, engineering, and project

management experience to design and oversee the construction and commissioning of these

control centers and the systems that meet our clients near- and longer-term needs.

Specification preparation Database definition

Display prototyping Pre-award services Migration planning

Design reviews Technical support during

construction Factory and field testing Commissioning support

Procurement

Implementation

Feasibility studies

Operational plans Business process reengineering OCC site selection Cost benefit analyses Implementation approach

Planning

Requirements analysis Communications engineering Systems configuration Integration with enterprise

systems Facilities design

Design

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Macros services cover all of the disciplines associated with designing and operating a transporta-

tion Operations Control Center, including the following:

Operations studies and staffing plans - Macro conducts a needs assessment to define

evolving OCC operational requirements. This conceptual plan covers new control center systems

such as train control, SCADA, surveillance, customer information, enterprise network applica-

tions and other support system functions. Macro prepares a Staffing Matrix that summarizes the

activities to be conducted by each operator or train dispatcher with consideration given to both

functional responsibilities and to territorial assignments. This matrix presents each labor category

active in the control center, quantifies the number of representatives in each category, identifies

changes in staffing that occur during the various shifts and predicts growth in personnel as the

center expands.

Business process reengineering -Macro conducts an extensive review of the critical opera-

tions control center processes and identifies revisions needed for process improvement. Typical

improvements include new OCC staff, technology improvements and acceptance of industry best

practices.

Operations Control Center services -Macro provides an impartial evaluation of candidate sites for

the OCC, as well as for the backup control center. Macro has developed a rigorous site selection methodol-

ogy that culminates in an unbiased appraisal of the candidate sites based on agreed-upon criteria. Once

the site is selected, we work with you to fully identify the current and future needs of the staff, systems and

facilities needed to support operations over the life of the control center. We follow ergonomic consider-

ations to develop a theater design that will allow users to readily interact while viewing all critical information

needed to conduct their duties. Macro provides this conceptual design for use by our clients architect in

completing the facility design, thereby assuring its clients that the resulting OCC will satisfy all operational

and technical requirements.

Macros conceptual design provides floor plan and elevation drawings of the operating theater as well as

design parameters covering the following critical OCC needs:

> Situation/training rooms

> Power/HVAC load analysis

> Site and building security

> OCC lighting and acoustics

> Emergency and backup power systems

> Projection display and console design specifications

> Graphical renderings


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Design of new OCC systems -Macro has expertise in the design of all of the systems associ-

ated with the management of transportation systems, including systems supporting the following

functions:

> Train tracking and identification

> Manual and automatic routing

> Maintenance of train schedules and headways

> Movement authorities

> Reports summarizing performance, incidents and maintenance actions

> Traction power SCADA

> Station and/or tunnel SCADA for fans, pumps, flood gates

> Passenger information

> Supporting communications and infrastructures

Communications systems -Macros communications systems engineering expertise cov-

ers both wireless and land-lined telecommunications to support state-of-the-art control center

systems. We specialize in the planning and engineering of land mobile radio systems, microwave

backhaul, control center communications to field devices and other voice and data systems.

Integration with enterprise systems -Macro investigates all legacy systems and their func-

tionality to determine which operational systems should be integrated to improve operational

coordination. A detailed requirements analysis defines these interfaces in the procurement speci-

fication for a new system.

Migration planning services -Macro examines the implications to the agency for cut-over

to the new system(s) and prepares a detailed approach that meets the operational requirements

for continued services during the transition. The plan includes a systematic phase-in of the new

system and fallback procedures with the criteria defined for such actions.

Post-operational support services -After the system is in service, final acceptance is com-

pleted, and the system has been operational for a period of time, Macro will schedule an op-

erational review. Macro will observe the operations personnel proficiency, system effectiveness,

degree of accomplishment of goals, and system reliability and maintainability. Macro will prepare

recommendations aimed at achieving optimal use of the new OCC.

Over the course of more than four de-

cades of consulting activities, Macro

has developed a consulting method-

ology that achieves project objectives

in a timely and cost-effective fashion.

This methodology, well proven in prac-

tice, encompasses a comprehensive,

yet fl exible, set of activities.

Support System Integration

Train

ControlSystems

TractionPowerSCADASystem

IncidentReports

TrainSchedules

CrewDispatching

IntegratedCommunications

Switch

CustomerInformation

TrainLine-upData

TrainDelayReports


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The Macro approach concentrates on first identifying the system requirements, present and future,

before developing corresponding solutions. An emphasis on individual client requirements is criti-

cal as each clients needs differ. There are, however, many commonalities in the available solutions

that Macro, as an experienced consultant, can identify and recommend. Our experience clearly

demonstrates that adhering to a systematic requirements-before-solution method will achievelogical and cost-effective results.

Planning and specification guide -A scheme that effectively organizes the sequence of tasks

and keeps the project on schedule is essential. Recognizing the importance of this need, Macro

has developed its Planning and Specification Guide. The Guide is a series of specific questions de-

vised to uncover important information needed for the effective startup and execution of a project.

The Guide consolidates Macros experience on previous projects for use on subsequent ones. It

directs the project team through the initial key steps of determining the operational requirements

and system performance objectives. The analysis of feasible alternatives then follows logically.

The Guide ensures orderly, swift and thorough progress through the information gathering phase.

Quality control -Over the years, Macro has developed a structured approach for controlling the

quality of project work and the resulting deliverables. Our ability to deliver quality services stems

chiefly from the high level of expertise of our professional staff and from our internal technical audit

procedures. These procedures require that all project deliverables receive a rigorous audit before

we release them to the client.

In addition to the internal Macro quality reviews, client personnel have an opportunity to review a

preliminary release of each report and specification section, as well as a draft of the entire docu-

ment, to ensure they meet all needs.

Technology transfer - Equally important is the need to provide our clients with up-to-dateknowledge and accumulated experience pertinent to their specific subject. By sharing and ab-

sorbing Macro experience through use of the Planning and Specification Guide, the project team

will be better prepared to review the results presented and assess the solutions suggested by

Macro.

Macros proven, systematic Question

and Answer method ensures that all

project participants clearly understand

the motivation behind and the reasons

for the specifi c recommendations that

follow.

Macro recognizes that transferring

information and experience is one of

our responsibilities to our clients.

Management approach


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Project experience

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)San Diego Trolley Operations Control Center and CTC / SCADA SystemMacro completed a feasibility study and design of a new Operations Control Center (OCC) for

SANDAGs light rail operating agency, San Diego Trolley, Inc., (SDTI). A primary goal of the study

was to determine the facility space and equipment requirements for a new control center to

support the SDTIs expanding rail operations. The new OCC was required to have modern train

control and traction power SCADA systems supporting full train tracking capabilities over the

entire operating territory. An area in SDTIs original maintenance facility was selected for the new

Trolley OCC. Macro designed a refurbishment of the facility, and it now a modern, fully functional

control center for SDTIs staff.

Another goal on the project was to determine the future train control systems that SDTI would

need when the Mission Valley East extension began revenue service. This extension resulted in a

level of operational complexity that required a full complement of operating tools and communi-

cations systems. We performed a requirements analysis for light rail operations and presented its

findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors. These recommendations became the

foundation for the new central control facility and operational support systems. In a subsequent

project phase, Macro prepared the procurement specification and assisted with the selection of

a contractor for an integrated Train Control/SCADA system, including new field systems that sup-

port data retrieval and control of substations, signal boxes, and train-to-wayside controllers. Trolley

Operations is also committed to a new passenger information system.

Our experience in transit control cen-

ter technology and operations, and

the supporting communications net-

works for these systems, is extensive.

The following pages present short

project stories about some of Macros

assignments.


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Amtrak Northeast Corridor

Centralized Electrification and Train Control (CETC) Systems and Control CentersThe Northeast Corridor (NEC) from Washington to Boston serves more than 100 million

passengers per year and is the most heavily used passenger train corridor in the United States.

Amtrak engaged Macro to conduct a comprehensive study of both the systems and control

center facilities that were currently in use, and recommend ways to improve operations, enhance

security and reduce maintenance costs.

Macros responsibilities included preparation of a comprehensive design specification for a new

CETC system to replace the existing systems that were approaching the end of their useful lives.

Macro assisted Amtrak with selecting a supplier for the new systems and is currently engaged in

final testing of the new CETC system.

When completed, Amtraks Northeast Corridor service will realize the benefits of a modern train

and traction power control system with improved functionality, simplified maintenance and im-

proved communications with neighboring railroads.

Metropolitan Atlanta Transportation Authority (MARTA)Replacement Train Control System and Multi-modal Operations Control Center

Macro is leading MARTAs replacement of their existing Train Control System (TCS) that monitors

and controls Atlantas rapid transit system. Our responsibilities include the design of the central

office equipment and the interfaces with field equipment and other MARTA operational support

systems. This project included extensive business process re-engineering of 20 of the most criti-cal OCC processes. We diagrammed and reviewed process improvement revisions with MARTA

management to arrive at a final design for the processes. The project included a requirements

definition phase and preparation of a technical specification for procurement of the TCS replace-

ment system. MARTA also retained Macro to support the TCS procurement activities and provide

technical support during the detailed design, implementation, testing, cutover, training and com-

missioning of the TCS.

An additional consulting assignment involved design of new primary and backup OCC facilities

for rail operations.


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Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)New Control Center and Integrated Support Systems

Macro conducted a full range of services associated with replacing TTCs OCC and dispatchsystems. We assisted with the design of a new transit control center to accommodate future

expansion of the TTCs rail network and to modernize all control and communications systems as-

sociated with the existing 70-station transit system. Macro assisted TTC in procuring and installing

centralized monitoring and control systems related to train control, traction power, fire/life safety,

security, communications, ventilation, and mechanical applications required to operate subway,

surface and automated rail routes.

The OCC provides operating space for 30 dispatchers in three major operational areas: transit,

power and dispatching. This is one of the most comprehensive transportation control centers

in North America, utilizing 52 status boards displaying real-time status of the rail and traction

systems.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)Railroad Division Control Center

Macro was responsible for the design of SEPTAs Railroad Division Control Center (RRDCC), a

new centralized traffic control (CTC) system and a traction power SCADA system to manage train

operations on SEPTA commuter rail network serving metropolitan Philadelphia.

Macro designed the RRDCC theater layout to accommodate a large, diverse CTC and Power

SCADA operating staff. The control room theater has two rear-projection status boards using 26

individual screens. The status boards present train operation and the status of the traction power

network.

Macro completed three sets of procurement specifications one for the RRDCC facility; one for

the CTC, associated field systems, and extensions to SEPTAs fiber optic communication system;

and one for the SCADA system. Macro assisted SEPTA with the evaluation of bid responses, the

awarding of contracts, the design review period, and factory and field-testing.


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NJ TRANSITTrain Control and Management/SCADA System

NJ TRANSIT engaged Macro for the design, technical specification development, and bid evalua-

tion and construction management for a new Train Management and Control system (TMAC). NJ

TRANSIT installed the new control system in a new 42,000 square foot control center complex,

the Rail Operations Center (ROC), also designed by Macro.

Dispatchers and controllers are presented with full-graphic displays of each districts territory.

Display and control of substations are provided for traction power dispatchers in a separate area

of the ROC. Interfaces with neighboring rail agencies permit identification of traffic entering and

leaving NJ TRANSITs territory. Project display status boards present overviews of train and trac-

tion power status. An interface with NJ TRANSITs corporate network enables the exchange of

crew data, schedules and other information affecting train operations.

Macro assisted NJ TRANSITs architectural design firm to establish the design criteria, floor layout

and personnel assignments for the new 42,000 square foot ROC. Macro assisted in the site

selection process and prepared the 30 percent design specifications for the control theater, which

allowed NJ TRANSIT to undertake this project on a design-build basis.


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Macro project summary

The following table presents many of Macros clients and the specific

project responsibilities completed on each assignment.

Macro Corporation

Rail transit experience

OCCstaffingplans

Businessprocessreviews

Conceptofoperations

Traincontrolsystem

SCADAsystem

Passengerinformation

Systemsintegration

Integratedcommunications

Projectiondisplays

Fieldtelemetrysystems

OCCconceptualdesign

Completefacilitydesign

Implementationplans

Amtrak

SEPTA

San Diego Trolley

LA Metro Red

LA Metro Blue

LA Metro Green

MARTA

MBTA

San Francisco Muni

WMATA

NJ Transit

Buffalo LRT

Dallas LRT

Toronto Transit


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Macro Corporation overviewMacro Corporation, a widely recognized provider of independent consulting services for more

than 40 years, brings unmatched experience in transit control center systems and facilities de-

sign. Founded in 1968, the firm is headquartered in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, with branch offices

in Boston and Oakland, CA. Macros long list of satisfied clients among transit, utility and public

safety companies is a testament to the quality of its services.

Macro staffs projects with highly experienced consultants who are recognized experts in controlcenter systems, communications infrastructure and facility design. Specialists are available to

assist throughout the system-engineering processes to analyze the clients needs and to formu-

late concrete recommendations for the design and implementation of the desired facilities and

systems.

Since its founding, Macro has continued to enhance its services to meet the dynamic needs of a

growing list of clients by remaining ahead of advancing technology. This success has contributed

greatly to Macros continued ability to attract and retain senior technical engineering staff. By

consistently employing structured system engineering processes, modern project management

techniques and real-world, hands-on experience, Macro can deliver the value-added knowledge

resource clients seek.

Macro Corporation

4377 County Line Road

Chalfont, PA 18914, USA

T +1 215 997 5100

[email protected]

www.macro.com

Macros staff offers extensive en-

gineering experience gained from

more than 400 successful con-

sulting assignments. The follow-

ing is a list of Macros rail clients:

> Amtrak

> CTA

> DART

> LACMTA

> LIRR

> MARTA

> Maryland MTA

> MBTA

> Metra

> Metro-North

> MUNI

> Niagara Frontier

> NJ TRANSIT

> NYCT

> Port Authority NY/NJ PATH

> San Diego MTS

> SEPTA

> TTC

> WMATA


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090210

Documents

Macro Rail Transit 090210