The Resignalling Challenge: Investigating the Possibilities and Limitations of a New CBTC Signalling System on the Copenhagen Metro

This study explores the feasibility and advantages of implementing a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system on the Copenhagen Metro. As urban rail transit faces increasing passenger demand and the impending obsolescence of its current signalling system, CBTC emerges as a promising solution to enhance operational efficiency. Through microsimulation, the study compares the existing system with CBTC, focusing on key performance indicators such as headway adherence, running time reliability, and delay management. Results demonstrate that CBTC significantly improves service reliability, capacity, energy efficiency, and operational robustness. Additionally, the study identifies Vanløse station as a critical bottleneck in capacity utilization, which can be alleviated through CBTC deployment. This research underscores the potential of CBTC to transform urban rail systems, providing insights into its application in brownfield projects.