Shared Use of Railroad Infrastructure with Noncompliant Public Transit Rail Vehicles: A Practitioner's Guide (2009) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 27-50
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Introduction The technology essential to enable shared track operations encompasses Command and Control systems, signal and train control, communications, and vehicle technology. The choices are influenced by economic and regulatory considerations.
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1. Train control systems; 2.
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Enabling Shared-Track: Technology, Command, and Control 29 Train control technologies for railroad and transit operations are mature, but continue to evolve with the introduction of improved technology and components that offer additional capabilities. Train control systems are first and foremost installed to ensure safety.
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relevant factors. All designs must consider failure scenarios involving train control technology, rail vehicle functions, and human factors.
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5) Train Control Technology -- The Supply Side The process of creating a practical train control system is lengthy and expensive.
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7) Practical Considerations for Shared-Track Because of its impact on safety, train performance, and operator behavior, the selection of a train control system may be the most significant choice for a transit agency considering sharedtrack.
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5. System designers should incorporate a complementary approach to the human interface of the train control system, including: (a)
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other methods of limiting potential damage from a derailment should be considered. Detectors generally don't prevent problems, but provide early warning of hazardous conditions, and can be more easily installed.
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The high number of train meets at passing sidings, and the chance of an "acknowledge and forget" event constitutes unacceptable risk. Transit-style ATS, with an enforced stop on passing a signal at danger combined with modest top speeds and high braking rates is an option for less demanding applications.
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2) Regulatory and Practical Requirements For shared-track operations, an entirely new communications system will be required for the passenger service, and must, by regulation, incorporate direct interconnection with the freight carrier.
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Table 5. Overviews of capacity of train control systems.
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4) Functional Design of a Communications System In conventional railroad parlance, communications is considered non-vital but nevertheless essential.
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2) Regulatory Mandates The crucial importance of operating R&P in shared-track operations is recognized by the FRA in 49 CFR Part 211, which details the FRA policy with respect to shared-track.
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3) Rules and Procedures -- Practical Considerations Both freight and passenger operator must be under the authority of the same control center, preferably managed by the passenger operator.
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• Proficiency testing, fitness for duty and fatigue management practices; • Supplemental and revised documents to reflect system or operational changes; • Physical characteristics map and guide of the route for each employee; • Communications protocols for all employees of the passenger and freight system. A reliable communications system that links the control center to light passenger rail cars, freight equipment, MOW crews and work equipment, MOE crews and supervisors, and monitors/ commands the train control system.
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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) promulgated equivalent standards for unpowered passenger cars.
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Moreover, a diesel prime mover avoids potential electrical clearance limitations to freight traffic and associated signal system complexities. Many common terms of reference [such as diesel multiple units (DMU)
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LRV designs and feature multiple articulated carbody sections, and partial or full low floor design. While some of these new vehicles were designed mainly for railroad operation, several smaller models have been conceived to allow city street operation.
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ranging from low energy impacts for the hydraulic devices, through moderate, to high impact forces, which will be borne by the vehicle structure. • Hydraulic devices.
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4) Superior Car Braking Performance As mentioned above, and depending on material, construction techniques, and other structural requirements, light passenger rail cars (defined as non-FRA-compliant DMUs and EMUs)
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reduces time spent blocking a highway crossing, which reduces driver impatience. To reiterate, the incidence and risk of a grade crossing collision is independent of shared-track operations, and is a hazard for all rail movements at a grade crossing.
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2) Regulatory Approach Currently FRA's policy considers commingled operations adequate when accompanied by a positive train separation system.
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2. There is a commonality of maintenance practices, training, documentation, and tooling across multiple users similar to the aviation industry.
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2. A range of technology from conventional through advanced systems can be considered, and risk reduction is available from both traditional and leading edge technology.
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