Quantitative Dependability Evaluation of Train Control Systems in Presence of Uncertainty: A Systematic Literature Review

Technological advances in Train Control Systems (TCSs) hold substantial promise for revolutionizing railway transportation dependability in terms of safety, availability, and operational capacity. This transformation is primarily driven by cutting-edge distancing policies such as Moving Block (MB) signaling and Virtual Coupling (VC), which are powered by sophisticated train localization technologies including satellite-based positioning systems. At the same time, these technological advances raise notable concerns about the effects that uncertainty in critical TCS parameters, such as train position and speed, may have on dependability-related attributes. This is an extended abstract of the journal paper [6], where a comprehensive systematic literature review investigating quantitative methodologies for assessing TCS dependability under uncertain conditions is presented. Through selection and analysis of 42 peer-reviewed publications spanning 2011–2023, we provide empirical insights and a taxonomic framework on research and practice in quantitative dependability assessment of TCSs.