USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Everyone

Work Schedules and Sleep Patterns of Railroad Dispatchers

This report presents the results of a study designed to characterize the work/rest schedules and sleep patterns of U.S. railroad dispatchers and to examine the relationship between these schedules and levels of alertness of the individuals working the schedules. The study methodology was a survey...

Relative Risk of Workload Transitions in Positive Train Control

This work proceeded along two parallel paths. First, the research team performed a review and analysis of the fundamental human factors and systems performance issues associated with workload and workmode transitions involving technologies like positive train control (PTC) that can lead to safety...

Human Error Investigation Software Tool (HEIST)

Human factors are a leading cause of train accidents and incidents in the United States. Human factors go beyond the crewmembers who operate the on-track equipment. They include management support and oversight, operating practices and procedures, technologies and facilities, and the work culture—...

In-Track Demonstration of Laser-Treated Rail to Reduce Friction and Wear

In-track evaluations of a laser-treated rail intended to provide a permanent reduction of the friction level and increased wear life were conducted at the Transportation Technology Center’s Facility for Accelerated Service Testing, Heavy Axle Load track in Pueblo, CO. These evaluations were...