Articles · cbtcbook.com

Technical articles on CBTC

Procurement, agency case studies, technical deep-dives, standards, and operations — drawn from the manuscript of Communications-Based Train Control and twenty years of US deployment experience. New articles ship two or three times a week.

procurement

How to Write a CBTC RFP That Doesn't Lock You Into One Vendor

A practical framework for US transit agencies drafting a Communications-Based Train Control procurement that preserves competition for the next 30 years. Drawn from twenty years of US deployment experience.

May 8, 2026 10 min
comparative

Siemens Trainguard MT vs Alstom Urbalis: Architecture Compared

A neutral architectural comparison of Siemens Trainguard MT and Alstom Urbalis CBTC platforms, oriented to US transit agency procurement decisions.

May 8, 2026 11 min
definitional

What Is Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC)? A 2026 Plain-English Guide

Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) explained for US transit professionals: what it is, how it works, why agencies adopt it, and where it stands in 2026.

May 8, 2026 10 min