Positive Train Control System Testing

For the last several years, the railroad industry has been developing various elements for typical Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and has been demonstrating their functionality. In order to test the capabilities of these systems, Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), the industry, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have guided and funded the development of the PTC Test Bed located at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado. Recent upgrades to the PTC Test Bed at TTC have enhanced the capabilities to support on-track testing of Interoperable Train Control (ITC aka I-ETMS®) system/subsystem functionality (including radio communications), interoperability, and performance/stress characterization. Now, onboard, wayside, and office additions have been made for the PTC Test Bed to support testing associated with Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) II systems and equipment. In support of train control objectives, TTCI has also implemented a broken rail detection test bed, which has produced some interesting results.