Path based signalling with dual-sided stations

Question

I have just been introduced to Path Based Signalling (referred to as PBS) by a friend, and no matter how much I read I can't seem to figure out how to get a station to work properly which has trains coming in from both sides.

I have ended up with using Path Signal behind each platform entrance to 'terminate' the reserved train paths to allow other trains to reserve a path across the signal block. I have included a screenshot to better illustrate my current way of working with these new signals.

I have circled the One-Way Path Signals to highlight them.

As you can see, this setup works okay as the first trains reserved path is terminated allowing the second train (grain/livestock) to enter the station.

I'd like to know is this optimal, or even correct usage of these signals?

l I · Answer

You are on the right track (pun not intended).
There are just a few minor improvements you can make to this station:

It doesn't seem like there is a way for your left most track to actually reach the 'out' line at the bottom right of the screen without going through a lot of bends.
Its not optimal to have both the in and out lines share a common path as that can cause a lot of backup, especially if you have a slow train.
Avoid unnecessary turns in your tracks as that causes slowdown as well.

My favorite type of station to use is a "Ro-Ro" station where trains entering and leaving don't interfere with each other.
This is the simplest version to build and easiest to extend to whatever size station you want:

(source: openttd.org)
The same concept can also be applied to dual sided stations:

(source: openttd.org)

Path based signalling with dual-sided stations

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