DOT News Digest: FRA Grant Supports Wireless Communications Research for PTC Application
Friday, July 27, 2007 (Washington, DC) The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a $4,465,000 grant to the Railroad Research Foundation to continue development and testing of wireless communications devices and systems for use with Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. CBTC is a form of Positive Train Control (PTC) that can automatically control train movements and speed to enhance safety when the locomotive engineer fails to take appropriate action. In addition to advancing technical developments, a primary aim of this grant funding is to design and build a Universal Onboard Platform that will allow a locomotive to easily switch between different PTC operating systems, or to another onboard signaling system, when it travels from one railroad network to another. Contact: Steve Kulm (202) 493-6024
-END-