Skip to main content

Chicago’s Metra rail system implements PTC

US systems integrator Parsons has been selected by Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail operator, to install positive train control (PTC) technology on its commuter rail trains. PTC, which is federally mandated, is high tech collision avoidance technology that monitors and controls train movements. It is intended to prevent train to train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movement of trains through a main line switch left in an improper position. As prime contra
September 7, 2015 Read time: 1 min
US systems integrator 4089 Parsons has been selected by Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail operator, to install positive train control (PTC) technology on its commuter rail trains.

PTC, which is federally mandated, is high tech collision avoidance technology that monitors and controls train movements. It is intended to prevent train to train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movement of trains through a main line switch left in an improper position.

As prime contractor, Parsons will work with Metra to install an interoperable electronic train management system that will be interoperable with twelve railroads, integrating the complex system of locomotive mounted Global Positioning System devices, radios, trackside antennas, and computers.

Todd Wager, Parsons Group president, commented, “PTC will significantly improve safety for Chicago’s travelling public and we’re proud to be contributing to this important endeavour.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Managing road hazards is key to £90,000 competition
    March 22, 2024
    England's National Highways has chosen nine companies to receive innovation funding
  • Tyne and Wear Metro opts for Kapsch digital radio network
    June 23, 2014
    Having expanded its activities to the public transport sector, Kapsch CarrierCom’s public transport business unit has been successful in winning a US$13 million contract to implement a digital radio network based on the TETRA standard for Nexus, the strategic public transport body in the UK’s north-east. Based in Newcastle, Nexus owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is used annually by 37 million passengers. The new digital radio system will be installed on the Metro’s fleet of 90 trains, repl
  • Axis gets on board
    August 30, 2019
    Vision technology provider Axis Communications has set up a camera system for ATrain, which owns and operates rail services – including seven trains and one workshop - between Stockholm and Arlanda Airport. The Arlanda Express trains run on one of the few privately-operated railroad lines in Sweden. The company decided in 2015 to install a camera solution at train stations and depots to monitor flows of travellers, checking signs, elevators and escalators and making sure that the ticket machines are wor
  • Integrate systems to reduce roadside infrastructure
    January 27, 2012
    David Crawford reviews promising current developments. Instrumentation of the road infrastructure has grown to become one of the most dynamic sectors of the ITS industry. Drivers for its deployment include global concerns over the commercial and environmental pressures of traffic congestion, the importance of keeping drivers informed throughout their journeys, and the need to reduce accident rates and promote the safety of all road users, for example by enforcing traffic safety rules.