A method of controlling the movement of plural trains along a network of track, comprising: (a) dividing the network into plural planning areas (10), with each pair of adjacent planning areas sharing at least one common boundary element (20) on track common to said adjacent pair of planning areas;. (b) developing a local movement plan (24) for each planning area independently of the movement plan for other planning areas to control the movement of trains into and out of the selected boundary elements associated with the planning area;.(c) evaluating the local movement plans for adjacent planning areas to identify conflicts at the respective boundary element; and (d) modifying the local movement plans for adjacent planning areas to resolve the identified conflicts.