Supporting Railroad Roadway Worker Communications with a Wireless Handheld Computer: Volume 1: Usability for the Roadway Worker

Communications in current railroad operations rely heavily on voice communications. Radio congestion impairs roadway workers’ ability to communicate effectively with dispatchers at the Central Traffic Control Center and has adverse consequences for the safety and efficiency of railroad operations. A prototype communications device was developed for roadway workers to request train and territory information and to request track protection from the dispatcher. The device uses a wireless data link to send and receive information in digital form. The data link device was designed to obtain real-time information about train location without assistance from the dispatcher. The report describes the development of this device and a usability evaluation to identify safety and productivity issues that must be addressed for successful implementation.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/8750
• Corporate Authors:

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Oriol, Nicolas
  • Sheridan, Thomas
  • Multer, Jordan
• Publication Date: 2004-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Glossary; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 76p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communications; Development; Dispatchers; Handheld computers; Location; Operations; Personnel; Productivity; Railroad trains; Railroads; Real time information; Safety; Wireless communication systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Data link; Railroad construction workers; Usability
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Society; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01006535
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-VNTSC-FRA-04-02, DOT/FRA/ORD-04/13.1
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 24 2005 3:34PM