Increasing U.S. Freight Rail Network Capacity With ECP Braking and PTC Systems

Growth in U.S. rail freight demand, especially for intermodal and coal, is leading to capacity constraints on key corridors. The costs of building new rail lines are often prohibitive, and the industry needs to find other solutions for increasing capacity. Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) braking combined with new Positive Train Control (PTC) systems have the potential to double the traffic density on existing double-track rail corridors, as well as increase average network speeds. This has the potential to support the projected increase in rail traffic over the next 20 years, without needing significant additions to track infrastructure. Implementation of ECP and PTC is challenging, and will require close cooperation between railroads, car owners, shippers, railroad suppliers, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).