Passenger system
A passenger system is a technical device that allows trains to enter a partially occupied track of a train station regularly and without too much delay . This is necessary because train journeys may only be allowed in track sections that are free of vehicles. If there is already a train on a track in the station that is to be used, the arriving second train must stop in front of the entry signal and can only enter at a significantly reduced speed (on sight) upon a written command .
A passenger system is used primarily to allow the quick coupling of train parts on connections with wings ; Another use is when a track is used by several trains at the same time, for example in Cologne Central Station or Hamburg Central Station .
Technically, this is usually implemented in such a way that the track in question is divided into several sections by one or more train cover signals . These are integrated into the interlocking technology in such a way that they can serve as target signals for routes . An arriving train can therefore enter at reduced speed (due to the lack of slip path ) without stopping until the train cover signal is directly in front of the stationary train. If coupling is then required, the train can now cover the remaining short distance as a shunting run .