Transcript Positive Train Control – The impact of legislative changes

Positive Train Control
The impact of legislative changes
SCORT
Chris Heald
September 22, 2009
What is Positive Train Control
• PTC is a system that has been mandated in
Federal law that is required to:
– Reduce the risk of train to train collisions
– Reduce the risk of overspeed derailments
– Provide additional work zone protection
• PTC is infrastructure / locomotive / office based
system
• Enables a train to know it’s movement authority
and take action to remain within it
Why PTC, Why Now?
• Current position:
– Safe transportation of freight and passengers
– Occasional accidents
– Human error remains one of the most significant
factors
• PTC provides oversight of human actions to
reduce risk
• Technology is available
• Cost benefit will never be positive on safety
alone
When is PTC needed?
• RSIA 2008 requires:
– PTC in place by December 31, 2015
– PTC Implementation Plan (PTCIP) submitted
to FRA by April 16, 2010
Where is PTC needed?
• In general (with some exceptions):
– Commuter or Intercity passenger rail routes
– High volume, high risk (PIH & TIH) freight
How it works
• Train is intelligent…
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Movement authority – advised by wayside
Speed – Tachometer, GPS
Track topography – on board database
Cab Location - GPS or Transponder
Train length – manual input
Direction – GPS or Transponder
Civil and temporary speed limits – database and
manual data update via radio
– Braking capability – braking algorithm (verified
through testing), train consist (manual), train weight
(manual)
How it works
How - Technology?
• 2 main technologies:
– GPS and radio based
– Track based transponder and radio based
How - Technology?
• GPS and radio based
– V/ETMS, ITCS
• GPS location within 10 feet
• Could be effected by mountains, buildings, tunnels.
• Data rate limit may mean train speed <125mph
• Class 1’s working on Wabtec V/ETMS
solution with interoperability
How - Technology?
• Track based transponder and radio based
– ACSES
• Location verification by transponder with tachometer based
intermediate positioning
• Suitable for use for high speeds
• Suitable for use in tunnels
• Transponders – installation and maintenance intensive
• North East Corridor (Amtrak Acela + NJT /
SEPTA / MBTA / MNR / LIRR) will remain
ACSES
How - Technology Selection
Factors
•
•
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Technology choice of other shared users
PTC Type Approval status
Suitability
Cost
Availability
How?
• System-wide areas impacted:
– Locomotives / Cab Cars
– Wayside
– Signals
– Central Control
– IT
Implications for the States
Inputs:
• Project Funding –
tax mechanisms,
investment
deferment, loans
• Project Resources
•
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PTC
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•
Outputs:
Improved safety
Improved
infrastructure use
Improved energy
use
Opportunities for
future rail services
Cost
• $10bn to $17bn over next 20 years
Back Office
Wayside
Vehicles
Benefit
• FRA identify $1Bn in safety benefits
• Business benefits intentionally not identified
– Fuel savings from train pacing
– Cost and Emission reduction
• Reduced Risk
– …reduced liability exposure
Way Forward
• Freight Railroads, Passenger Railroads, and
Infrastructure owners need to work together
• Identify lead for PTCIP – joint submissions
illustrate better system coordination between
stakeholders
Conclusions
• April 16, 2010 is less than 7 months away
• All passenger railroads need an implementation
plan
• PTC is a wayside, office, and vehicle system
• Take action now
Thank you
P T C
PARTNERING TO
ACHIEVE THE VISION