Rail safety technology launched in Central Minnesota

[John Ashworth]

Rail safety technology launched in Central Minnesota

New safety technology being installed along some rail lines across the US, including Central Minnesota, aims to prevent deadly train crashes caused by human error. The technology is designed to automatically stop or slow a train...

Positive train control uses GPS technology to determine a train’s location and speed. It warns train operators of potential problems, then overrides the driver and stops the train if the operator does not respond within a certain amount of time.

The system requires equipment installed along rail lines as well as aboard locomotives. It’s a complex endeavor expected to cost railroads more than US$13 billion to install and maintain over the next twenty years...