Train control is carried out in a train control centre (train operations centre).

Typically, a train controller decides when to intervene on a train's timetabled movement in response to incidents such as late running, accidents or a rolling stock/track maintenance requirements and advises the train controller.

A signal controller manipulates train movements to achieve the train controller's decision by remotely operating the signalling equipment in the field.

All decisions are only effected if the interlocking determines that the intervention is safe. The interlocking and the signalling equipment in the field are the safety-critical signalling system.

The system that relays vital and non-vital information is the signalling communications system.

Train Controllers manage the safe and efficient path of trains in a defined geographical area of responsibility.  They set priorities and:

• oversee signallers
• manage train services
• give authority for work to be conducted on tracks
• give authority for trains to proceed
• manage incidents by liaising with relevant operators and maintenance representatives
• respond to equipment failures and warning alarms
• give relevant information to other train controllers and signallers
• report breaches to relevant authorities
• maintain relevant network records and reports

See also signaller.

A system where train identification numbers are stored (often obtained off a stored timetable) and are displayed to signallers on their VDUs or display panels. Typically, the train identification number is shown with the position of the train, and it may also be shown with the route that has been set in front of that train.

A train station, railway station or simply a station is a railway facility where trains regularly stop for passengers.

Generally, stations consist of one or more platforms providing easy access to board and alight arriving train services. Most urban stations have a variety of features such as ticket sales staff (or machines), travel card swipe devices, waiting rooms, toilets, CCTV, etc. Stations may be staffed full or part time and would usually have revenue protection officers or security officers randomly present.

Typically located close to intersections with major roads, stations may be at, below or elevated relative to surrounding ground level.

Within the centre of major cities, they are often in underground tunnels or upon viaducts (elevated tracks).

Access to other transport modes such as intersection rail lines (junction stations), buses, trams or light rail may be provided.

Some suburban stations may have all-day car parking and "kiss and go" drop-off points for car passengers.

A through station is a station along the line. A terminus is the station at the end of the line from which the train makes a return trip.

Training Packages are sets of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications for recognising and assessing people's skills.

Training Packages describe the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively in the workplace. They do not prescribe how an individual should be trained. Teachers and trainers develop learning strategies (the "how") depending on learners' needs, abilities and circumstances.

Training Packages are developed by industry through national industry advisory bodies, recognised bodies or by enterprises to meet the identified training needs of specific industries or industry sectors. Reviews ensure Training Packages remain current to meet industry needs and allow issues that arise during their implementation to be addressed.

To gain national endorsement, developers must provide evidence of extensive consultation and support within the industry area or enterprise. Training Packages complete a quality assurance process and then are endorsed by the National Quality Council (NQC) and placed on the National Training Information Service (NTIS).

Up local. Refers to the train that is on, or to the track itself, that carries the local traffic (around the station) in the up direction. 

Up main. Refers to the train that is on, or to the track itself, that carries the main through traffic in the up direction. 

See also down main.

An electrical device that provides instantaneous power to a circuit when the main power source fails. 

A training package has many units of competency.

A unit of competency has multiple elements of competency.

Each element of competency describes what a person should be able to do to achieve the unit of competency. These are broken further into performance criteria.

In most countries — but not all — a train travelling in an "up" direction is travelling towards the capital city. Where a train travels between two regional cities, one may be designated the up direction.

The train is often referred to as an up train (i.e. the 13:20 up train).

The signals that face this train are often called up signals.

Also see down direction.