KCSR starts training, data surveying aspects of PTC implementation

Kansas City Southern Railway Co. (KCSR) has begun employee training and data surveying as part of its effort to implement positive train control (PTC) by year's end.

Last week, employees began to receive training on PTC track and wayside data management at KCSR's TEaM Training Center in Shreveport, La. About 160 workers were trained and another group will begin training this week, railroad officials said in an item posted on the "KCS News" web page.

Meanwhile, contractor Bartlett & West Inc. has begun to survey railway data across KCSR's network using LiDAR, a remote sensing technology that uses lasers and GPS equipment to measure and capture such wayside features as switches, signals, crossings, bridges and tunnels. The Class I is in the process of creating a detailed digital map of its network as part of the PTC initiative.

To make PTC functional, all collected GPS data will need to be captured and stored in a new Geographic Information System (GIS). The GIS rail network will be used by locomotives to ensure PTC operates properly.
 
Signal engineers will need to follow a new process to report wayside changes once the rail network has been surveyed, KCSR officials said. The TEaM Training Center has initiated related training across all subdivisions on the new requirements for managing and tracking wayside data.

"A key objective is to reinforce company-wide awareness of the [PTC] initiative," railroad officials said. "KCSR is committed to PTC implementation in order to meet the federal mandate and continue its strong safety culture."