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Boardman: Amtrak ‘very close’ to PTC rollout on Northeast Corridor
PTC will be fine when it gets there. Until then, put a fireman in the cab. After all, slower-moving freight trains have a conductor up there for another pair of eyes
I’m not a Joe Boardman “fan”, but let’s not rush to judgment, i.e., blame him for what happened. Remember Don Phillips’ comment; systems are fool-proof until some fool shows up.
I too think there should be an assistant engineer (fireman to us over 60) in the cab. I’m curious about the statement by the unnamed Amtrak official as to who “they” are regarding the transponders. I thought Amtrak was responsible for the transponders.
Isn’t Amtrak’s version of PTC called the “Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System” (ACSES)? Why? What’s the difference? I haven’t a clue.
ACSES is considered to be a form of PTC. Somewhat different than what the freight guys are installing on their lines (I-ETMS if I remember correctly), but it serves the same purpose.
PTC will NOT be fine.It has already failed in the Chicago area and two passenger trains “got together”.Also,PTC would NOT have prevented the Philly wreck as PTC is tied to the signal system and it(the PTC system)will not do a single thing if the train is running on clears.
It’s almost kind of amusing to see the almost childlike faith people have in technology-as if they’ve never encountered the blue screen of death on their PC.
@BILL NEURATH - PTC is not tied to the existing signaling system, it’s an overlay where every train is monitored in real time. Are you thinking of ATC?