Transport Canada has proposed requiring a PTC like system for Canadian railways which they call ETC (Enhanced Train Control) which would come in two levels. A system like the US PTC system for the high level, and a lower capability "Driver Advisory" system for trackage with fewer movements and a lower risk profile. It states that the US PTC system would be acceptable for the high level system, as a large number of Canadian locomotives are already fitted with it.
Transport Canada notice
Fitting that you would post this today, on the anniversary of the Hinton crash.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Canada doesn't have the third largest rail network in the world.. we are behind the US, China, India, and Russia... maybe some other countries too. Not to suggest that we don't have a great railway system.. we do.
PTC or PTC equivalent technology in Canada.. we knew it was coming, and it was only a matter of time. At least we don't have to reinvent the wheel on this. We can look at and copy what the Americans have done, with some adjustments, perhaps, to take into account factors that are unique to Canada. PTC, had it existed back in 1986, would likely have prevented that horrible accident near Hinton..
I'm curious what the actual current criteria is for requiring/not requiring PTC on a particular line in the US?
While a majority the big railways' main lines here in Canada are CTC signalled (but some stretches used ABS and an equivalent system to track warrants), there are quite a number of shortlines and other minor lines that don't have ANY signalling whatsoever, existing as purely dark territory. I'd imagine the US is no different.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
cv_acrI'm curious what the actual current criteria is for requiring/not requiring PTC on a particular line in the US? While a majority the big railways' main lines here in Canada are CTC signalled (but some stretches used ABS and an equivalent system to track warrants), there are quite a number of shortlines and other minor lines that don't have ANY signalling whatsoever, existing as purely dark territory. I'd imagine the US is no different.
The US PTC requirements center around the haulage of specific kinds of HAZMAT as well as the hauling of passengers.
PTC has been implemented on both signalled and dark territories.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
cv_acrI'm curious what the actual current criteria is for requiring/not requiring PTC on a particular line in the US?
Well, I didn't stay at that hotel last night, but as I recall from various conversations, in simplest terms, hazmat and passengers.
There may also be a traffic threshold, either on its own, or tied in with pax and HM. This would explain why shortlines might be exempted, as well as tourist lines.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
From FRA's website:
With limited exceptions and exclusions as described within Subpart I potentially available, PTC is required to be installed and implemented on Class I railroad main lines (i.e., lines with over 5 million gross tons annually) over which any poisonous- or toxic-by-inhalation (PIH/TIH) hazardous materials are transported; and, on any railroad’s main lines over which regularly scheduled passenger intercity or commuter operations are conducted. It is currently estimated this will equate to approximately 60,000 miles of track and will involve approximately 20,000 locomotives.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.