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10/25/2016

Argenia Railway Technologies: SafeNet PTC non-vital overlay for positive train control

Argenia Railway Technologies has launched SafeNet PTC, a non-vital overlay positive train control (PTC) system that is designed with proprietary communications-based train control technologies. The announcement follows more than two years of work with the Nashville & Eastern Railroad Corp. (NERR) to gain Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Type Approval on the PTC Development Plan for the industry's first non-vital overlay PTC system, Aregnia officials said in a press release.

SafeNet is based on communications-based train control technologies and uses a moving block system to track the locations of trains. It is broken down into four segments: the locomotive,  office, wayside and communications segments. The technology is designed to meet the four criteria of PTC outlined in the regulations.

The Type Approval is the first milestone for implementing SafeNet and typically a bidding process is required for railroads who wish to implement it.

“We are extremely satisfied to reach this important milestone for SafeNet PTC. The Nashville & Eastern Railroad has been instrumental in helping us gain Type Approval with the FRA for this new system," said Michael Assad, chief executive officer of Argenia. "We are pleased to offer a lower cost alternative to achieve the requirements of PTC for short lines and small commuter operations, without sacrificing functionality."

NERR Vice President Stephen Drunsic added that the railroad was fortunate to partner with Argenia to navigate the complexities of PTC and in developing a "more cost sensitive solution for the marketplace."

"The FRA has been extremely supportive in our efforts and I think we mutually understand the importance of bringing to market alternative technologies that can offer wide and scalable application," Drunsic said. "With SafeNet, we have a solution that meets the all of the requirements of PTC but also fits within the budget of a smaller operation."