Post-PTC Deadline: What Happens Next?

[dbperry]

Ahhh...

I think the 330 towers they are talking about needing are needed for the data link to the trains. All the PTC systems I've seen require a radio data link between the trains and the 'shore-side' control computers / network.

So fiber gets the signal to/from the towers, but you still need radios on towers on all the lines to communicate with the trains.

[F-line to Dudley via Park]

Ahhh...

I think the 330 towers they are talking about needing are needed for the data link to the trains. All the PTC systems I've seen require a radio data link between the trains and the 'shore-side' control computers / network.

So fiber gets the signal to/from the towers, but you still need radios on towers on all the lines to communicate with the trains.

Amtrak hasn't needed long-distance radio towers to run ACSES on the NEC for the last 15 years. But the NEC is strung up with fiber all along its length.

[sery2831]

The North Side is going to be PTC with existing way side signals. No cabs. No need to change the signal system that's in place currently.

[charlesriverbranch]

I heard a story on the radio this morning to the effect that there will be major disruptions to commuter rail service next spring due to some sort of upgrade (PTC?). Does anyone have any more information?

[dbperry]

Details on PTC are in presentations to FMCB (which is what generated news stories).

This old one has some (but not much more) details about weekend work, but does lay out the sequencing in general:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About ... 110215.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This recent presentation details the financing:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About ... 8-1-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[dbperry]

Funding for the PTC for Commuter Rail was discussed at the 8/1/16 FMCB meeting. Presentation here:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About ... 8-1-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

State House News Service article here:
http://newbostonpost.com/2016/08/03/cos ... sruptions/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;