Project

Positive Train Control (PTC) is a system of safeguards designed to prevent commuter and freight accidents. Specifically, PTC is used to prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments due to excessive speed, accidents caused by track malfunctions and incursions into work zones. Federal regulations require all heavy rail, freight and commuter train systems, including UTA’s FrontRunner, to fully implement all aspects of PTC by Dec. 31, 2020.

There are two types of PTC to be used at UTA. The first is Enhanced Automatic Train Control (E-ATC), which is designed to automatically regulate train speed and prevent trains from running red stop signals or from operating outside their given track segment. E-ATC also ensures track switches are properly positioned during rail operations.

UTA currently has installed elements installed all necessary hardware and software on FrontRunner for the PTC system. UTA is currently testing system functionality.

UTA is set to have all required elements of PTC on its FrontRunner system and approved by the Federal Railroad Administration by Dec 2020. PTC is not required on the TRAX light rail system or on the S-Line streetcar.