OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
recently completed Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation,
activating its final track segment. The technology is now
implemented on all the company's federally mandated rail lines,
including required passenger train routes. Union Pacific will
continue working with partner railroads on their interoperability
efforts, ensuring seamless operation onto the company's tracks.
PTC is designed to prevent four specific types of incidents:
- Train-to-train collisions
- Derailments caused by excessive speed
- Accidents that can occur if trains are routed down the
incorrect track
- Unauthorized train movements on tracks undergoing
maintenance
PTC will not prevent incidents involving pedestrians or
vehicles.
"PTC is one of the biggest rail industry breakthroughs, designed
to keep our crews and communities safer through technology," said
Greg Richardson, Union Pacific
general director-Operating Systems and Practices. "While Union
Pacific began its first PTC operations nearly four years ago, we
have now completed our initial implementation and continue
supporting other railroads in our mutual efforts to achieve
interoperability and safely operate on our rail lines."
PTC monitors trains based on a custom analysis of specific
factors, including weight, location, speed and a five-mile look
down the track. Locomotive engineers respond to computer screen
messages, prompting them to take action, such as slowing down. If
they do not respond in a timely manner, PTC automatically stops the
train.
Union Pacific currently hosts 25 freight and passenger
railroads, which must achieve PTC interoperability by December 2020. Sixteen of these railroads are
compliant, encompassing 85% of Union Pacific's interoperable PTC
train miles. While the company's PTC infrastructure is in
operation, Union Pacific continues working with its remaining
partner railroads, which are expected to take necessary steps to
reach interoperability by mid-2020.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most
recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in
the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical
link in the global supply chain. The railroad's diversified
business mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy,
Industrial and Premium business groups. Union Pacific serves many
of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is
the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
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SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation