THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

The article examines the progress of positive train control (PTC) technology, a form of CBTC (communications based train control). Two Class Is, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe along with CSX Transportation are aggressively involved in pilot projects that promote PTC. As with other advanced technologies, return on investment will determine to what extent CBTC will be utilized. PTC technology is expected to enable safe operation of higher speed passenger trains on shared-use track. To make the system more cost effective, both CSXT and BNSF are moving forward on overlay PTC systems that will cost less to install and maintain while providing many of the same benefits as more complex technologies.