METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NCTD testing PTC on passenger-carrying trains

The agency's system has been tested for months on a non-revenue train in the Stuart Mesa Rail facility and along the coastal corridor.

July 24, 2017
NCTD testing PTC on passenger-carrying trains

NCTD

1 min to read


NCTD

Oceanside, Calif.’s North County Transit District (NCTD) recently received Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) authorization for the initiation of Revenue Service Demonstration (RSD) operations of Positive Train Control (PTC) on its COASTER trains, which includes passenger-carrying trains. 

RSD is an important step in implementation of PTC as it allows NCTD to collect and validate data on the performance of the PTC system. This testing supports the PTC Safety Plan that NCTD anticipates submitting to the FRA in September 2017.

Ad Loading...

NCTD's PTC system has been tested for months on a non-revenue train in the Stuart Mesa Rail facility and along the coastal corridor. This testing was aimed at developing and enhancing the PTC infrastructure while troubleshooting any potential challenges prior to moving to RSD.

“Safety is NCTD’s top priority. Implementing a system as complex as this does not happen overnight. But with that complexity comes a great leap forward in greater rail safety,” said Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Rail Systems, Eric Roe.

More Security and Safety

An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Layered Safety Strategies Take Hold in Chicago and Maryland
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanAugust 13, 2026

Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support

The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.

Read More →
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A man speaks with two Los Angeles Metro Ambassadors.
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 4, 2026

LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024

The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.

Read More →
An image of the white house with text overlayed reading "FTA Launches Transit Performance Dashboard."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJuly 24, 2026

FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance

The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.

Read More →
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
TTC streetcar on tracks

TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars

During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.

Read More →
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffJuly 16, 2026

Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security

The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.

Read More →