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Rail News Home Rail Industry Trends March 2017 Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

Every two years, the rail worlds meet at Railway Interchange, the largest combined railway exhibition and technical conference in North America. This fall, about 10,000 railroaders will convene, compare notes and reconnect in Indianapolis.To be held Sept. 17-20 at the Indiana Convention Center, Railway Interchange comprises technical presentations from the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA); and a products and services exhibition organized by the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI) and Railway Supply Institute (RSI).“This will be the fourth time that we will have the opportunity to bring our technical conference together with the exhibition provided by RSI, REMSA and RSSI,” said AREMA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Beth Caruso. “Our planning is underway, and our technical presentations and events are sure to please.”Education is a big aspect of this biennial event. AREMA will offer more than 66 technical presentations this year. The association also will conduct a range of seminars, including:
• Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering;
• Track Alignment Design;
• Track Safety Standards;
• Intermodal Terminal Engineering;
• Railroad Bridge Load Rating Steel Structures.The CMA will host a variety of mechanical-department-related technical and educational sessions, as well. CMA comprises the Air Brake Association Inc., the International Association of Railway Operating Officers Inc., the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, the League of Railway Industry Women, and the Mechanical Association Railcar Technical Services.Railway Interchange attendees will have multiple opportunities to learn and engage outside of a classroom setting as well. Ken Schmidt — a brand visionary, thought leader and former Harley-Davidson Motor Co. communications director — promises to deliver a provocative keynote during the Monday, Sept. 18 Railway Interchange General Session. Michael Wheeler, Norfolk Southern Corp.’s Executive Vice President and COO, is the speaker at AREMA’s Annual Committee Chairs Luncheon on Tuesday (this ticketed event requires a separate fee). Rail transportation analyst (and Progressive Railroading columnist) Tony Hatch delivers his take on the rail world at large in the AREMA Closing General Session on Wednesday.The rail industry’s vitality will be on display in the exhibit halls, where more than 600 exhibitors will showcase the latest technology, services and research by members and supporters of REMSA, RSSI and RSI. Exhibits will be in three contiguous halls without barriers, so attendees won’t miss any of the innovations.Registration opens April 3Rooms are available at several hotels within walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center. Event registration and the hotel room block opens on April 3, and attendees are advised to book rooms and register to attend early.Sunday, Sept. 17
Conference
•AREMA Student Schedule: 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
•AREMA Committee Meetings: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition
•1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Monday, Sept. 18
Conference
•Opening General Session & Keynote: 7:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
•AREMA General Session: 9:20 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
•CMA Technical & Education Sessions: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
•AREMA Meet The Next Generation: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition
•10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 19
Conference
•AREMA Functional Group Technical Sessions: 7:55 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
•CMA Technical & Educational Sessions: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Exhibition
•8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 20
Conference
•AREMA Closing General Session: 7:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Registration, hotel and full agenda info at www.railwayinterchange.org

3/17/2017    

Rail News: Supplier Spotlight

3/17/2017    

Rail News: Supplier Spotlight

3/17/2017    

Rail News: Kansas City Southern

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Rail News: People

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Rail News: Canadian Pacific

3/17/2017    

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation

3/17/2017    

Rail News: Security

Rail News Home Security March 2017 Rail News: Security

— By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Senior Associate EditorTransit-rail agencies in recent years have been using data and Internet of Things (IoT) principles to address certain safety and security challenges.For instance, they've installed video systems on locomotives and inside the cabs to capture data that might be used after train derailments, crossing incidents or other safety-related mishaps. Video technology also has been used at passenger-rail stations to catch fare evaders or other criminal activity.As a result, transit-rail agencies have collected a lot of data that typically isn't accessed and evaluated until after an event occurs and an investigation is underway. Now, some agencies are considering how they can use that data to further protect their passengers and assets from harm. One way is accessing the data remotely and turning it into real-time information that railroad operators and security personnel can use to prevent accidents or criminal activity from occurring on trains or in stations, says Larry Jordan, president and chief technology officer at Wi-Tronix LLC, which provides remote monitoring solutions for mobile assets in the rail, marine and mining markets."There are tens of thousands of systems out there that are recording information, but they don't have remote accessibility," Jordan says. "We provide remote accessibility to get that data. Once it's available, we use artificial intelligence and deep learning both on board the vehicle and in the back office to analyze it and merge it with other information to flag or detect exceptions to conditions."Last year, Wi-Tronix introduced "Violet," a combined system comprising a vehicle's event recorder, digital recorder and remote-monitoring platform."Our product combines all the elements needed to move the customer and the industry from recording the information and using it in a post-investigation situation, to using the information in real time to detect threats and determine if those threats are from criminal activity or from unsafe operations or conditions," Jordan says.In the future, transit-rail agencies will be able to use video and data analytics to serve as virtual security guards throughout their railroad to detect security threats, he adds."Passengers certainly feel more safe if there's a transit security officer on the rail car," says Jordan. "We know it's not practical to have human officers stationed on every car. … But the way the technology is evolving, it will be like having a security guard in every compartment of every rail car."Among the many ways the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is stepping up security is through the recent installation of a closed circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance center, where security personnel will be tasked with monitoring video and data gathered from the system."We're going to use video analytics to monitor those critical safety areas to make sure we maintain restricted access and can respond appropriately," says Metro Executive Officer of System Safety and Law Enforcement Alex Wiggins. "We're also looking at patterns of fare evasion. We've trained our cameras to people jumping turnstiles and using emergency exit gates to enter the system."Metra will then catalog that data, which will help the agency determine where to deploy its security resources.Wiggins notes that there’s a strong correlation between individuals who enter the transit system without proof of payment who may also engage in other behavior that could be criminal activity."All that activity affects the ridership experience of our paying customers," he says. "By managing and responding better to people who are paying to enter our system, we anticipate a reduction not just in criminal activity, but in the unpleasant experiences felt by our paying customers."In addition to using data to track fare evaders, Metro recently partnered with the Transportation Security Administration to develop a pilot program that will screen passengers for explosives and other weapons.Wiggins and other Metro officials are reviewing next-generation screening systems that could be installed on the Metro Red Line and at Union Station in Los Angeles. One company whose products Metro is reviewing is Evolv Technology, which offers a threat detection system that the company's website describes as "an adaptable, open architecture, security platform that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and human IQ to provide unprecedented protection."The agency is seeking a technology that can accurately screen 600 to 800 passengers per hour so as not to delay their travel schedules.Similar to a security screening at an airport, the checkpoint system would use low-intensity millimeter wave technology to detect anomalies on a person’s exterior."If the anomaly is not organic, the system will pick up and display that image to the operator. Then, of course, law enforcement would interdict if something needs to be investigated further," Wiggins says.Metro is seeking a portable screening system that can be moved for use at gates, on platforms and at building access points."Our ultimate goal over the next several years is to continue to test technology so that when we need to deploy random screening, we can do it in a way that’s efficient and doesn’t interfere with our customers' travel plans, but at the same time helps keep us all secure," adds Wiggins.Email questions or comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Keywords Browse articles on Wi-Tronix LLC Larry Jordan Transit-rail security Internet of Things IoT Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Alex Wiggins Transportation Security Administration Evolv Technology Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

3/16/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

3/16/2017    

Rail News: Internet-Digital

3/16/2017    

Rail News: Mechanical

3/16/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

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Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

3/16/2017    

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation

Rail News Home MOW March 2017 Rail News: MOW

Drones can be used to inspect portions of rail bridges that otherwise would be inaccessible.Photo – Unmanned Experts Inc. — By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Associate EditorFor years, railroads have been exploring automation to help improve overall operations. To that end, they've invested in a host of new technologies, such as Machine Vision, predictive analytics and driverless train systems — to name just a few examples.The next chapter in the rail automation story may involve unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones.These versatile, often camera-equipped devices could help railroads tackle everything from track inspection to yard security to vegetation management, UAV industry experts say. Although the technology holds promise for the rail industry, a few challenges remain, including regulatory and data management issues."We like to say that using a drone is better, faster, cheaper and safer," says Dennis Wierzbicki, rail industry adviser for Unmanned Experts Inc., which conducts rail-bridge inspections with UAVs and offers general drone consulting and training.Because drones are small and nimble, they can more easily access places that otherwise would be precarious to reach. That means less risk of injury for railroad workers, Wierzbicki says.Plus, drones can withstand a range of weather conditions, including wind, low temperatures and moderate rain or snow.“You don't need to be on the track or suspended hundreds of feet over the ground. You don't need to be out in the elements," Wierzbicki says.Drones also produce a dizzying array of data about the assets they're monitoring. Finding a way to sort, understand and leverage that data remains a challenge, says BNSF Railway Co. Telecom Director Todd Graetz, who oversees the railroad's drone program and operations.Data overloadSo, the Class I has co-developed a suite of software to help manage, analyze and distribute all the information its drones collect."We are constantly exploring new ways to further leverage the massive amounts of data our UAVs gather daily," Graetz adds.In May 2015, BNSF was chosen as one of three companies to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Pathfinder program, which is aimed at exploring the commercial use of UAVs. The other two companies: national news channel CNN and drone maker PrecisionHawk.And in October that same year, the Class I partnered with drone manufacturer Insitu Inc. for the railroad's first long-range drone flight.At the moment, Insitu doesn't have any active programs with BNSF, but the company remains open to working with the railroad in the future, says Paul McDuffee, Insitu's associate vice president of government relations and strategy.Other rail clients also reached out to Insitu following the company's work with BNSF, says McDuffee, though he declined to name them.For BNSF, drones have provided another layer of safety to operations, Graetz says. For example, the railroad can use a small rotorcraft to inspect bridges and gain perspective from vantage points that previously were inaccessible.A better viewThe Class I uses two kinds of UAVs: a multirotor aircraft and a hybrid fixed wing model. Both are equipped with sensors that can deliver infrared data, along with high-definition video and photos.The multirotor aircraft is operated at lower altitudes to examine areas around and underneath bridges."These aircrafts are excellent tools to supplement our bridge inspection processes," Graetz says. "Particularly for large bridges, or bridges over waterways and canyons, our inspectors and engineers are able to see what can be the most difficult places to reach on a more frequent basis."BNSF workers deploy a multirotor drone to 
inspect a rail bridge. Photo – BNSF Railway Co.

3/15/2017    

Rail News: Supplier Spotlight

3/15/2017    

Rail News: Amtrak

3/15/2017    

Rail News: Mechanical

3/15/2017    

Rail News: BNSF Railway