Positive Train Control Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Positive Train Control - Term Paper Example Implementation of PTC is anticipated to range over the total rail track mileage of 70,000. PTC is basically a technology of train control that is processor or communication based meant to reduce the frequency of collisions between trains, derailments upon over-speeding, attacks into the defined zones of work, and a train’s improper movement through the main line switch. The systems of PTC are needed to execute various types of functions. There is a wide range of PTC systems that vary depending upon a number of factors that include but are not limited to the level of sophistication and complexity of the functionality and automation implemented by them, their wayside system which can be cab signaled, block signaled, or non-signaled, the kind of system architecture used, and the level of control they can achieve over the train. Use of the PTC system in the railroad industry has increased the safety of traveling by train manifolds. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) support s all rail carriers that are required to install and implement the PTC system as per law and others that implement the PTC system voluntarily, by means of a mix of project safety measures, regulatory reforms, funds, and technological development. The final rule encompassing the requirements of PTC was published by FRA on 15 January 2010, whereas the final rule amendments were published on 27 September 2010 and subsequently on 14 May 2012. 41 railroads initially deposited the plans of implementation that were reviewed by FRA but denied the approval of all prior to the statutory deadline of 90 days for review. Upon the resubmission of all 41 implementation plans, FRA finally approved 24 unconditionally, 1 conditionally, gave provisional approval to 14 implementation plans that were deposited with the Notices of Product Intent that were supposed to be resubmitted along with a development plan of PTC in 270 days, while 2 plans were disapproved. However, the staff of FRA sustained workin g with them to formulate approvable plans. Currently, FRA is collaborating with two more railroads that were not identified before in order to formulate and deposit successful plans of implementation. The fundamental idea in PTC is that the safety of train’s journey is enhanced by making it aware of its location and guiding it so that it stays on the right track. PTC achieves these functions by making use of networks of communication. â€Å"PTC systems are comprised of digital data link communications networks, continuous and accurate positioning systems such as NDGPS, on-board computers with digitized maps on locomotives and maintenance-of-way equipment, in-cab displays, throttle-brake interfaces on locomotives, wayside interface units at switches and wayside detectors, and control center computers and displays† (Poor, Lindquist, and Wendt, 2009). This prevents the train from making unsafe movements. PTC systems can work in both signaled and dark territories and may a lso use the GPS to guide the train. One of the main goals of FRA is, â€Å"To deploy the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS) as a nationwide, uniform, and continuous