Light rail vehicle simulator: A review

• Main Authors: Dee, Dustin Aaron, Guico, Miguel Benjamin, Po, Brian Leemark, Quinio, Gino, Garcia, Gregg R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Subjects: Street-railroads—Computer simulation; Street-railroads—Philippines; Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/6175
• Institution: De La Salle University

The use of train simulators is becoming a standard in the training and development of the train operation industry. Alongside the trend, the range of existing simulators has been expanding from kinematic motion to advanced mechanical detail to precise models which simulate even the physics of the trains. One of the notable reasons behind this is the decreased costs and increased safety and security parameters that these simulators are able to carry with them as they are used in the train industry. Currently, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) does not have a simulator for use in the training of their future train operators, and in keeping the skills of current operators sharp. Additionally, plans have been made to extend the line, requiring familiarization with the new routes. The group's aim is to create a partial simulator for a specific line of LRT, and a specific train model in order to better the training of train operators at a lower cost. Moreover, in the Philippine context, improving LRT operations and its efficiency is of paramount importance because current infrastructure are mostly and generally above ground. As such, this can be an excellent infrastructure for cities and local government units when major floodings and similar catastrophe will render existing major roads practically impossible for urban mobility and disaster preparedness and interventions.