Optimising technology to enhance train security
Date: 2011-07-08 // Category: Rail & Metro Signalling
OPTIMISING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE TRAIN SECURITY
London, United Kingdom – June 16th, 2011 - Following attempts to derail an Amtrak train carrying highly flammable ethanol in the town of Menlo, Iowa on Sunday, leading transit agencies and railroads are working to enhance train security and reduce the risk of future attacks.
The incident, which saw the track switchbox intentionally tampered with in the hope of causing derailment and possibly a collision, has highlighted the need for increased security measures on both freight and commuter lines.
Amtrak President Joseph Boardman has already stressed the necessity for enhanced security patrols on passenger rail networks and emphasized the need to explore new technologies able to provide advance warning of such tampering and allow for better communication on-board trains and transits. Ultrasonic, laser and satellite technology have all been suggested as possible solutions and could be used to help detect track problems earlier.
With the vulnerability of commuter lines and transits, the importance of CCTV systems, efficient communication and greater spectral allocations to enhance safety has also been underlined.
The events of the past week once again accentuate the need to maximize safety, security and precision on trains and the second annual PTC World Congress being held between 29th February – 1st March 2012 in Miami will bring together the industry’s leading innovators and decision makers to discuss PTC projects and the impact on the system on safety, efficiency and future technology.
With leading transit authorities taking a closer look at the national rail system, Global Transport Forum’s Transit Communications and Wireless Applications 2011, taking place between the 1-3 November at the Stanford Court Renaissance Hotel in San Francisco, offers a unique opportunity for senior management, technical specialists and project leaders to come together and define best practice strategies to secure safety-critical infrastructure and maximize the potential of additional applications to enhance security and improve the passenger experience. The event is being supported by APTA, US Department of Transportation, AREMA, ITS America, AASHTO, BART, DART, Santa Clara VTA and the Joint Council on Transit Wireless Communications and will be the definitive event for transit professionals across the U.S.
For further details, please contact Global Transport Forum on (44) (0) 207 045 0900 or email info@globaltransportforum.com