THE USE OF RADIOS IN RAIL TRANSIT OPERATIONS: VOLUME 1. REVIEW OF EXISTING PRACTICES. FINAL REPORT

This study reflects UMTA's continuing efforts to ensure the safety of the nation's rail transit systems, and to be responsive to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) concerns about the use of radio communications in rail transit operations. The study focused on radio communications conducted between train operators and their central control operators. Specifically, the study addressed NTSB recommendations to UMTA requiring operable radios for revenue service trains (R-86-39),and development of a Uniform Code of Operating Rules and Procedures for use by the rail rapid transit industry (R-86-40). The objective of the study was to provide UMTA with insight into current practices regarding NTSB recommendations, determine potential needs, and identify possible actions which UMTA might initiate in response to any such needs. The Volume 1 report presents the results of a review of existing conditions and practices on the use of radios in rail transit operations. Information was obtained from a survey of 9 transit properties that operate heavy and/or light rail transit systems, as well as from a review of NTSB documents, FCC and FRA regulations, railroad radio rules/procedures and contacts with APTA, AAR and others. Volume 1 discusses the nature and findings of the basic study and provides conclusions and recommendations for UMTA considerations. To expand transit industry involvement in the study, Volume 1 report was distributed to 19 rail transit authorities for their information and review. Volume 2 of this study documents the responses received from the 19 rail transit authorities that were requested to provide information on their own radio systems and practices as well as to review and comment on the original report (Volume 1). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation relative to rail transit radio operations.

• Corporate Authors:

  Battelle Columbus Laboratories

  505 King Avenue
  Columbus, OH  United States  43201

  Urban Mass Transportation Administration

  400 7th Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Thompson, R E
• Publication Date: 1989-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 149 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communication systems; Communications; Data collection; Light rail transit; Public transit; Radio; Rapid transit; Recommendations; Regulations; Safety; Surveys; Transit vehicle operations
• Identifier Terms: Urban Mass Transportation Act
• Old TRIS Terms: Practices; Umta section 6
• Subject Areas: Law; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00492331
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Urban Mass Transportation Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTA-IT-06-0190-89-2
• Contract Numbers: UMTA-IT-06-0190
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 31 1991 12:00AM