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Rail Traffic Control Inc.
Rail Traffic Control Inc. ("RTC") is a subsidiary of Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd., recently established to provide a broad spectrum of railroad dispatching and transportation consulting services. Our involvement with the global market began in 1990, at FEPSA - Ferroexpreso Pampeano S.A., the first railroad privatization in Argentina, where we consulted on dispatching methodology, transportation, maintenance of way and other aspects of railroad operations. Our participation continued in Argentina through consulting commitments with both ALL-Central (formerly known as Ferrocarril Buenos Aires al Pacfico San Martin) and ALL-Mesopotámica (formerly known as Ferrocarril Mesopotamico General Urquiza). RTC has built solid local and international ties with an acknowledged commitment to service and safety.
Dennis H. Miller, President
The staff used in the training and implementation process has had a broad range of experience as well. Our staff has participated in a series of start-up operations in newly privatized railroads throughout Latin America. They have consulted locally and abroad, in different areas of the railroad transportation function, as well as, maintenance of way. We have years of experience writing, training and implementing rules programs for the operating departments. We use qualified train dispatchers and rules examiners to assist our clients.
The Track Warrant Control System© The primary focus of our international endeavors has become the Track Warrant Control System; an AS-400 based software package originally developed for use at Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd. Our train dispatching software conjointly with compatible operating rules and communication links furnishes a dependable, efficient and affordable option for train dispatching. Since 1989, the Track Warrant Control System has been translated and tailored for use throughout Latin America, North America and South Africa. (see list of clients) The Track Warrant Control System is a highly adaptable, user-friendly system suitable for railroads of most sizes and densities. It allows railroads to centralize their train dispatching operations eliminating expensive wayside signals or station staff. Most importantly, it enables the failsafe and efficient execution of movement of trains and equipment.
The Track Warrant Control System is a computerized version of the track warrant control system traditionally utilized in North America as described in chapter 14 and 15 of the General Code of Operating Rules. The Track Warrant Control System is a software package written in RPG (IBM Report Program Generator) and is fully year 2000 compatible. The IBM AS/400 midrange computer, one of the most reliable computers on the market is the platform employed to operate the software. "Downtime" at Iowa Interstate Railroad where the Track Warrant Control System has been in use for the last ten years, is measured in minutes per year on the IBM AS/400 versus minutes per day on PC based windows applications. The IBM AS/400 can handle multiple users at a time with instantaneous response time. PC's can be used for terminals connected to the AS/400 through Client Access software and network software. The Track Warrant Control System creates an active electronic movement record, which checks for existing overlaps on opposing and following moves. It relies on an electronic interlocking logic, which prevents two trains from receiving permission to occupy the same track unless specifically authorized to do so, as instructed by the operating rules, and then only under highly restrictive circumstances. If a dispatcher creates an "overlap," the system will not allow the issuance of the warrant, it will display error messages and "help text" to assist the dispatcher in detecting the conflict. Maintenance of way equipment is protected in the same manner. Temporary track restrictions are entered in the Track Warrant Control System as Track Bulletin Form A entries, once in the system, these appear automatically on each track warrant created. Roadway Workers are protected by the issuance of a Track Bulletin Form B, where two clearly identifiable physical locations (i.e., milepost marker) delineate the working limits. Track Bulletin Form B numbers in effect are automatically displayed on the track warrant entry screen. All Track Warrants currently in effect are displayed to the dispatcher in "real time," consequently; the dispatcher can expeditiously issue warrants concentrating his/her efforts on an efficient management of train movement. A warrant can be Partial Cleared, an option that increases the flexibility of the system by allowing a train to run into the cleared limits of another train. Other features include the option to remove sidings and switches from service until they are repaired; in addition, road crossings where signals are not working can be flagged automatically when a warrant is created through the territory in question. The railroad's communications network is used to allow the dispatcher to issue track warrants to field personnel requesting authorization to occupy the main track, all pertinent information is cross-checked over existent system databases. If all the information entered is appropriate, the computer will allow the creation of the track warrant. Communication networks currently in use to enable track warrant transmission include; radio, telephone and fax. Electronic message switching may also be used as a means of communication. The system contains databases for all employee names, locomotives, rail vehicles, subdivisions, all control points, sidings, switches, stations, and yard limits. All warrants are time stamped by the computer for security with date, time, user, and workstation identification. All warrants are archived to history as they are cleared or voided. This historical database remains "online" and accessible for the desired duration.
The Track Warrant Control System can be installed in approximately 30-60 days, period determined by the availability and complexity of the following data:
Based upon the latter configuration, RTC will recommend specific hardware needs for your operation. The system is currently available in English, Spanish and Portuguese and at the client's request, its translation into other languages can be arranged.
RTC offers dispatcher-training courses on-site at Iowa Interstate Railroad or at an alternate location of choice. Dispatcher training courses are customized to fit your company's needs; they can be based solely on the use of our software or they can be structured to be all-inclusive. Consequently, rates for this service are normally expressed on an hourly basis. RTC also offers General Code of Operating Rules Rulebook and Timetable edition and preparation, as well as GCOR courses to qualify field and office personnel. Different package prices are available. Support is available on-site Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, US Central Time, if an emergency situation should arise, our offices can be reached around the clock. Specific service agreements can be prepared on an individual basis. Personnel on-site can offer support in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Other language support can be arranged. Once the start-up phase and training is completed on the Track Warrant Control System, support requirements tend to diminish considerably. Our involvement in the day-to-day operations of the software is rarely necessary. The software requires minimal training for computer systems personnel, it is a self-contained and menu driven package. Nonetheless, RTC does expect to perform follow-up safety audits after start-up in order to insure that the system is functioning properly and that there is rules compliance. Follow-up visits are normally negotiated separately.
RTC has installed its Track Warrant Control System at the following companies:
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The IBM AS/400 is the platform for the IAIS Track Warrant Control System.
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 Trains can be controlled from a single location utilizing direct communication - radio or telephone - with the dispatcher. |
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 No signals are required for the IAIS Track Warrant Control System. |
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Contacts
RTC offers its software, Rulebook edition and training, and other railroad consulting services on a global basis. For more
information, please visit their website at www.IAISRR.com/rtc
or please contact: |
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