Portion working

Pairs of DB AG ICE 3 trains can be used in portion working.

In rail terminology, portion working refers to the operational practice of coupling two or more passenger trains together over common sections of their respective routes, but otherwise operating the trains separately.[1][2]

Typically, the common sections will be the busiest parts of the totality of the routes covered by a portion working arrangement.[2]

History

The practice of portion working has been followed for a long time on the third rail network of lines in the South East of England, and has been more widely practised in continental Europe.[1]

Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the practice has been less common, because of a general reluctance to design the necessary modern signalling systems, and because of legal constraints on competition between operators.[1]

Possible combinations

A variety of portion working combinations is possible. For example:

Issues

For portion working to be successful, the operator may need to address many issues. For example:

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Potential for Increased On-Rail Competition" (PDF). Renaissance Trains/Office of Rail Regulation UK. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 "Further written evidence from Jonathan Tyler, Passenger Transport Networks (HSR 138A)". House of Commons. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
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