Abstract

Positive Train Control (PTC) systems are integrated command, control, communications, and information systems for controlling train movements with safety, security, precision, and efficiency. PTC systems will improve railroad safety by significantly reducing the probability of collisions between trains, casualties to roadway workers and damage to their equipment, and over speed accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has named PTC as one of its "most-wanted" initiatives for national transportation safety. PTC systems consist of digital data link communications networks, continuous and accurate positioning systems, on-board computers with digitized maps on locomotives and maintenance-of-way equipment, in-cab displays, throttle-brake interfaces on locomotives, wayside interface units at switches and wayside detectors, and control center computers and displays.

Biography

Jeff Young, Assistant Vice President - Operation Systems, Union Pacific Railroad, and Chairman of the Association of American Railroads Positive Train Control Policy Committee. Mr. Young joined Union Pacific Railroad in 1976 in the Transportation Department and has since held various positions in the Operating and Information Technology departments. In 1987 he was appointed to the position of Director, Advanced Train Control Systems and for the past twenty years has been involved with the development and implementation of communication based operating and control systems.

Mr. Young regularly represents Union Pacific or the rail industry in technical conferences and government proceedings. He currently is responsible for UP's new Computer Aided Dispatching System, Communications Based Train Control System, Advanced Terminal Management Systems and all other transportation related technology for Union Pacific.

Mr. Young presented the keynote address at the recent February PTC World Congress 2011 on the topic Understanding the Commercial, Technical and Operational Potential of PTC for the American Railroad System and served on the NTSB Regional Rail Authority advisory panel in March, 2009 that investigated the Metrolink-Union Pacific Freight Train accident in Chatsworth, CA on September 12, 2008.

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