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Will freight railroads installation of Positive Train Control increase Passenger Train speeds

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  • Member since
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  • From: Dallas, TX
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Will freight railroads installation of Positive Train Control increase Passenger Train speeds
Posted by CMStPnP on Saturday, April 9, 2011 7:24 PM

Just curious on if this will raise passenger train speeds on some areas of track whose physical condition can handle it but in which there is no PTC now.

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Posted by henry6 on Saturday, April 9, 2011 9:00 PM

Define speed.  Yes, certain speed limits may be raised.  But more importantly it should move trains without certain restrictions, so keeping trains moving could mean faster speed.  But the real reason for PTC is to keep trains from bumping into each other.  In other countries it works for higher speeds and more reliable services plus allows for lighter guage equipment which takes less fuel and power to propel at higher speeds....by keeping trains apart and maintaining speeds and schedules.

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Posted by indiana rr on Saturday, April 16, 2011 1:34 AM

PTC should at least decrease train delays.  If my understanding is correct, PTC reduces the necessary buffer between trains and significantly increases volume on the line.  This leads to increased efficiency and faster train speeds, all without having to increase infrastructure.

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