Automation in operations management through positive train control: are the deadlines reasonable?
by Alan D. Smith
World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR), Vol. 5, No. 4, 2015

Abstract: Positive train control (PTC) technology refers to a system of functional requirements for the monitoring and control of train movements to provide increased safety. Once implemented, PTC serves as a set of redundant controls that help ensure safety of its operations and would be systematically activated in the event of operator failure. In response to concerns regarding the safety of commuters, pedestrians, railway workers, and the general public, legislation was passed in 2008 requiring the implementation of PTC technologies for all Class 1 railways across the USA by a deadline of December 31, 2015. The following paper provides background on the topic of train safety, an overview of PTC technologies, as well as the applicable regulation and governance of implementation efforts. This report also discusses the operations management aspects of the design, implementation and ongoing operation of PTC technologies, as well as an update on the current status of implementation activities.

Online publication date: Tue, 07-Jun-2016

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com