Table of Contents
Path based signalling differs from the block based signaling in this way, that block based signaling uses blocks, in which only one vehicle may enter, versus PBS may use multiple paths in the same block. The paths must not cross. Path based signaling brings advantages and disadvantages in the same time. However, more advantages exist with this signalling
A better traffic workflow is warranted
Multiple vehicles may be on the same crossing, as long as their paths do not cross
Only one vehicle may reserve a certain path, which must not cross with the path of another vehicle wishing to use it at the same time. You can see visually, which vehicle has reserved which path.
Gridlock might also happen by using PBS, although much more seldom than on PBS crowded routes. Sometimes saving the game, and reloading it helps. Also, sometimes, just opening the schedule of the vehicle and closing it helps. Anyway, maybe the AI recalculation of route just failed...
Stations also count as signals in PBS, and this might sound confusing at first. So, for example, some old block based railway traffic grid layouts may cease to work correctly in PBS system. Below is an example of a layout that worked before PBS, and now would cause troubles, if more than one vehicle is in the block at the same time, and tries to reserve the path through an other vehicle on the same track at the same time. This leads to a stuck situation of both vehicles!
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On the other hand, all other cases (where no one-track station is between two crossings), PBS is much more efficient. To avoid the catch above, always use station with two tracks, one in each direction. Do not place one track station between two crossings, if more than one vehicle could use that path at the same time.