AWS stands for what in CBTC?

• A. Automatic Wayside System
• B. Auxiliary Vehicle System
• C. Auxiliary Wayside System
• D. Advanced Wayside Service

Answer: (C)

In CBTC, AWS stands for Auxiliary Wayside System. This is a trackside support subsystem that works alongside the main CBTC components to handle interfaces and safety-related monitoring for trackside devices such as signals, track circuits, and turnout machines. Its role is to monitor and relay the status of these devices to the onboard CBTC computer, support fault detection, and help ensure safe operation by providing necessary information about the trackside equipment without being the primary decision maker for movement authority. The other terms don’t fit because they describe vehicle-focused systems, a nonstandard designation, or an interpretation not used in CBTC terminology.