Conflicts and their resolution

Conflicts between trains is one of the main threats to punctual operations. Let's look at each of the following areas:

• Conflicts concerning connections

• Freight vs. passengers

• Automatic speed optimization

• Conflicts due to work projects

Given the numerous junctions and dense train schedules in the Zurich area, once a number of suburban (S-Bahn) trains are 6-7 minutes late, the times between too many trains becomes too little, and the slightest problem has much worse consequences.

Although most lines of the Zurich suburban (S-Bahn) network run on double track, some - like line S9 to Zug - are mostly single track, with passing sidings at stations. On such a line, tardy trains also affect those running in the opposite direction.