KCS provides PTC update, spotlights telecommunications group

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology on Kansas City Southern is a major, ongoing initiative, especially for the Signal, Mechanical, IT and Telecommunications groups, the railroad says. The railroad provided an update on its progress of PTC implementation in an employee newsletter.

 

KCS wrote, “Since the federal mandate passed in 2008, the KCS Telecommunications team has been working on a variety of initiatives to prepare for PTC deployment. Some of these initiatives are completing the microwave backbone network to IP/Ethernet technology; an upgrade of the back-up power systems at most field communication locations and performing coverage studies required to ensure there is adequate radio coverage along the rail to support PTC radio communications. All of these tasks are required to support PTC communications from the field to back office systems.

“While performing these communication upgrades and studies, it has been essential to work closely with the KCS Legal Department to complete the Federal Communications Commission reviews required to ensure compliance with federal regulations, due to environmental and historic preservation concerns. KCSR Telecommunications has also been working with the other Class 1 railroads as partial owner of PTC-220 LLC, which manages the radio spectrum required for all PTC operations.

“The KCS Telecommunications team’s plan for the remainder of 2015 includes the procurement of communications equipment; proof of concept validation and the installation of equipment of the PTC pilot territory located on the New Orleans Subdivision. There will also be continued efforts to complete required environmental reviews and the remaining spectrum propagation studies.

“We’ve been working on critical communications infrastructure to ensure we have a highly-reliable network backbone to support PTC messaging,” said Danny Hall, KCS assistant vice president IT infrastructure and telecommunications. “We will continue to work closely with other functional teams to ensure a successful PTC deployment.”

“PTC program objectives include utilizing a PTC governing body and implementation structure to comply with federal PTC requirements at KCSR; deploying technologies needed to deliver required PTC functions; collecting accurate information and reporting data; preparing resources with the right PTC knowledge and skills to do their job; aligning operational processes to effectively operate and maintain PTC technologies and implementing a successful, interoperable PTC solution in compliance with federal law.”

KCS ended by saying the railroad’s priority is always safety and compliance and reiterated that it is committed to PTC implementation in order to meet the federal mandate and continue its strong safety culture.

 

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