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6/4/2024
Metrolink has implemented technology known as a wireless crossing nearside station stop (WCNSS) system at the Del Obispo Street crossing near the San Juan Capistrano Station in Orange County, California.
The new technology was made possible by grant funding from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. The pioneering technology, which went live at the crossing on June 1, creates a better experience for drivers and pedestrians while increasing safety for Metrolink passengers and the San Juan Capistrano community, Metrolink officials said in a press release.
Specifically, the WCNSS system will eliminate the “ghost train” phenomenon in which a train approaching the San Juan Capistrano Station would trigger the safety features at the downstream Del Obispo Street crossing. While the train was stopped at the station, the gate arms would recover — creating a “ghost train” effect — before the safety mechanism was once again triggered as the train left the station.
Initially, the new WCNSS system at the Del Obispo Street crossing will prevent southbound Metrolink trains scheduled to stop at the San Juan Capistrano Station from activating the crossing’s safety features until it has left the station.
WCNSS technology is not yet available for other passenger train services operating on Metrolink’s rail lines, though plans to expand to Amtrak Pacific Surfliner are ongoing. Freight traffic will not be affected, as freight trains do not stop at the San Juan Capistrano Station, Metrolink officials said.
Metrolink continues to collaborate with local, state and federal partners with the long-term goal of implementing WCNSS systems at 52 crossings located within a half mile of Metrolink stations. The first WCNSS systems installed on Metrolink’s network were developed, certified and deployed for the Arrow service at seven crossings in the cities of San Bernardino and Redlands. Metrolink has been operating WCNSS technology since October 2022, when the Arrow service launched.