KCS updates PTC progress; highlights Signal group

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Kansas City Southern says that implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology is a major, ongoing initiative, especially for the Signal, Mechanical, Telecommunications and IT groups.

 

The Signal group has been working on PTC since the federal mandate passed in 2008. To date, they have worked with suppliers to design various PTC/signal location types; completed the design of a dark territory switch monitoring system for the PTC pilot on the New Orleans subdivision; determined locations to replace out-of-date Centralized Traffic Control equipment with new PTC-compatible equipment and initiated PTC engineering across various KCS subdivisions.

For the rest of 2015, signal field installations will continue and the group will begin working on writing programs for various types of PTC/signal equipment to develop a testing and deployment strategy.

“Together, with the teams from other functional areas, we continue to make progress toward implementation of PTC,” said Director Signal Operations Steve Jones. “It’s a long process, but we’re committed to successful completion and the safety of our network.”

PTC program objectives include utilizing a PTC governing body and implementation structure to comply with federal PTC requirements at KCS; 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.

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