How does Amtrak have control with trackage rights with freight railroads (BNSF,UP) that contains CTC, ABS and other communications?
Does Amtrak needs Track warrants to be operating?
Amtrak trains are controlled by signals and track occupancy permission just as the freight trains are controlled.
Amtrak has no direct communication ability with their trains when they are not on Amtrak controlled tracks.
Amtrak communicates with the carrier on whose property the train(s) are operating and pose the question(s) they want the crew(s) to respond to. Crew(s) can respond when the carrier’s rules permit operating personnel to use personal electronic equipment.
that is not exactly correct. the CNOC office in Wilmington has the ability to talk to the crews via radio or cell if necessary. all loco’s rebuilt in the last 5-10 years have transponders for communications.
We constantly get calls from CNOC to contact Amtrak trains. Trains can then contact CNOC by whatever means they have. CNOC cannot initiate the contact except through the handling carrier.