Bombardier, MARTA team for FTA track safety pilot
Aims to mitigate the risks of accidents for passengers and transit system workers in the U.S. According to FTA statistics, between 2003 and 2008, 53% of reported rail transit worker fatalities were right-of-way related incidents.
Bombardier Transportation teamed up with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in a demonstration project to enhance the safety of rail transit workers at the track side.
The Bombardier/MARTA project was approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), following a request for proposals specifically aimed at improving right-of-way safety for rail transit workers, through innovative use of new and advanced technologies.
With this project, the FTA aims to mitigate the risks of accidents for passengers and transit system workers in the U.S. According to FTA statistics, between 2003 and 2008, 53% of reported rail transit worker fatalities were right-of-way related incidents. The Bombardier/MARTA demonstration project, featuring Bombardier's leading-edge TrackSafe technology, was chosen among eight proposals submitted to the FTA.
TrackSafe is a Bombardier turnkey solution that creates improved location awareness for track workers and train operators through the use of Radio Frequency Identification and other advanced technologies. TrackSafe offers an additional element of protection by providing highly relevant alerts to track workers and train operators in real time.
The equipment will be installed between Ashby and Bankhead stations on MARTA's green line. Some preliminary work such as the installation of power and communications feeds has already begun. The demonstration project will be held later in 2012. The results will be communicated through selected industry forums.
More Rail
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →