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12/5/2016

Parsons Perspective: Systems integration via a technology-driven engineering firm

By Nick LaRocco, vice president-PTC program director

Parsons is a systems integrator that is deeply vested in PTC implementation. A technology-driven engineering services firm, Parsons is the systems integrator and prime contractor for Metrolink, New Jersey Transit, Metra, Caltrain and NICTD for their PTC implementations. In addition, Parsons is working with All Aboard Florida on their implementation of PTC as they construct their high-speed system. In essence, Parsons, a solution-driven project implementer, is working with their customers and vendors to implement all the current type approved PTC systems: Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS), Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES), Interoperable-Incremental Train Control System (I-ITCS) and Enhanced Automatic Train Control (E-ATC). Parsons is working with all the aforementioned agencies to ensure compliance with the PTC Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015.

As the systems integrator for Metrolink, Parsons has worked with vendors to ensure that they have the interfaces and requirements needed to allow them to develop the technology necessary to meet the PTC reliability and interoperable train control standards, including Wayside Message Servers (WMS) and Wayside Status Relay Server (WSRS), which were not developed when the PTC mandate was first enacted. Parsons, on behalf of its client Metrolink, also worked closely with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad to develop the overall 220-MHz base station initial slot plan for the L.A. Basin, the predecessor to the TTCI regional planning effort. Metrolink, the first commuter railroad to implement PTC, is currently operating in revenue service demonstration and is working with the FRA towards system certification. As leaders in PTC implementation, Metrolink and Parsons developed a number of processes and practices that have set the standard for the commuter industry.

Parsons is also working with Metra to implement I-ETMS in the greater Chicago region, recognized by the Association of American Railroads and the FRA as the most complicated PTC implementation in the United States due to the number of railroads that traverse the region.  Metra’s goal is to be interoperable with 14 railroads — all of which are in different stages of PTC implementation. Parsons is working with Metra to understand and overcome the nuances of their PTC implementation resulting from the unique hosting and tenant relationships that are characteristic to the region. Metra is planning on completing their implementation in 2020.

Caltrain’s PTC implementation includes a number of additional requirements beyond those mandated by the FRA. Caltrain is implementing station stops and crossing pre-emption which are operational requirements specific to their railroad, at the same time as they are installing PTC. It is anticipated that Caltrain will be in revenue service demonstration in 2017.

All of the Parsons implementations include configuration management, requirements management, testing, verification and validation of the PTC system, and training of agency employees to ensure a successful implementation. In addition, Parsons has developed PTC labs for I-ITCS, I-ETMS and ACSES to perform integration and regression analysis for the multiple subsystems and products that make up a complete system. Parsons is working with all of its customers to ensure that our customers understand the steps that must be taken for compliance with the PTC Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015 and the Code of Federal Regulations.