If carborne ATC equipment fails, how must the train be operated?

When carborne Automatic Train Control (ATC) equipment fails, operating the train in ATC Bypass mode is essential for safely continuing its journey. This mode allows the train to bypass the automatic control provided by the ATC system, enabling the operator to retain some degree of control over the train's operation while ensuring safety protocols are followed.

In ATC Bypass mode, the typical safety features of the ATC system are disabled, which allows the train to operate without the automated protections that the ATC system usually enforces, such as speed restrictions and stopping at signals. This mode is specifically designed for scenarios where the ATC equipment has failed to prevent total loss of functionality, and it allows the operator to navigate safely, albeit with increased manual vigilance.

Understanding this context is crucial because it highlights the need for operators to be properly trained and ready to manage train movements under conditions where the automated systems are inactive. Other operational modes like standard operating mode or manual control mode may not provide the framework necessary for addressing a failure in carborne ATC equipment, emphasizing why ATC Bypass mode is the appropriate response in this scenario.