Two New Technologies Ready to Roll

Positive train control (PTC) and electronically-controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking are two technologies that, after almost two decades of development, are finally poised to change North American heavy-haul freight railroading's character dramatically. Existing brake cylinders and rigging are used in ECP-actuated braking, but the brake pipe functions only as a reservoir charging pipe. PTC is designed to protect track workers, enforce permanent and temporary speed restrictions, and prevent train collisions. The two technologies allow the opportunity for trains with intelligent control centers to be created, and pave the way for virtually unlimited opportunities for North American railways. Implementation challenges are discussed. An insert describes several North American PTC projects.