positive train control what it is, and what it does scort – september 2015
TRANSCRIPT
POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL
What it is, and what it does
SCORT – September 2015
Outline
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT.2
1. What is Positive Train Control (PTC) and what does it do?
2. How could it impact SCORT members?
3. What types of systems are currently under development?
4. What is the process for certifying a system?
What is PTC?
A type of train control required on most passenger and certain freight routes – with limited exceptions
It is required by law by under the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA)
By statute a compliant PTC system must: Prevent train-to-train collisions Prevent over-speed derailments Prevent incursions into established work zones Prevent movement of a train through a switch
left in the wrong position Be Interoperable
Example diagram of a wireless based PTC system
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT.3
4
How could PTC affect SCORT members?
New services may need to implement PTC or be interoperable over existing routes
Any passenger equipment procured needs to be properly equipped, or otherwise interoperable
Changes to service providers will need to account for PTC requirements/responsibilities
e.g. If new equipment is employed it will need to be tested and certified P42 Cab control stand modified for PTC.
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT.
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What types of systems are currently under development?
Railroad System
Type Status
BNSF IETMS Non-Vital Overlay
Certified for Use
UP, CSX, NS, CN, CP, KCS & Most non-NEC Passenger/Commuter
IETMS Vital* Overlay
Type Approved
(In Developmen
t)
NEC Carriers ACSES/Cab
Signals
Vital Overlay
Certified for Use
AMTRAK (Michigan)
ITCS Vital Overlay
Approved for Use
PATH CBTC Vital Stand Alone
Development
CALTRAIN CBOSSIETMS/ITCS
Vital Overlay
Development
Tri-Met, SMART, AAF
EATC Vital Overlay
Type Approved
GPS antenna (top), ACSES transponder (bottom)
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT.
*Note: Some carriers may elect to implement a non-vital version of IETMS
Phase 1 – Implementation Planning• Establish how a system will comply with the applicable
regulations, or provide justification for exemption• Submittals: Implementation Plan (PTCIP)
Phase 2 – System Development • Details technology to be used and how it will work• Submittals: Development Plan (PTCDP), Notice of Product
Intent (NPI), or Type Approval Identification & Variance
Phase 3 – System Deployment & Testing• Designs finalized, installation & testing begin• Submittals: Test Plans
Phase 4 – Certification & Full Deployment• System functionality is verified and deployment
continues until fully implemented• Submittals: Safety Plan (PTCSP)
A brief overview of the PTC system certification process
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT. 6
For discussion purposes only. Not the official position of FRA/USDOT. 7
FRA Contacts
Technical Questions:
Mark HartongSenior Electronics EngineerFederal Railroad Administration(202) [email protected]
or
David BlackmoreStaff Director, Positive Train ControlFederal Railroad Administration(312) [email protected]
General Questions:
Devin RouseOffice of Railroad SafetyFederal Railroad Administration(202) [email protected]