BNSF reached a major safety milestone this December when positive train control (PTC) went live across the MRL subdivision of our Montana Division. The system delivers real-time information on signals, switches, grades, and track curvature, and can automatically stop a train to prevent violations. It also gives crews tools to operate safely while improving efficiency and energy use.
“BNSF made the decision early on to go above and beyond the regulation-required mandate to further provide safety overlay protection for our employees and the public on key routes across our network,” said Phil Mullen, BNSF director of Network Control Systems (NCS).
Earlier segments of PTC went into service in June, and the final installation finished four months ahead of the federal deadline. In total, the system covers more than 216 miles and works alongside existing safety measures to keep trains moving smoothly.
