US-based Rockwell Collins has introduced ARINC RailwayNet, a new network and messaging service for passenger and freight railroads.
Designed to increase safety in the industry, the new solution will help railroads meet the positive train control (PTC) requirements mandated by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
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Enacted by US Congress, the federal law required the installation of PTC technology on most of the railroad network in the country by last year but the deadline was extended to 2018.
By offering a hosted service to short-line, regional and commuter railroads in North America, ARINC RailwayNet aims to address the technical challenges of PTC adoption.
Rockwell Collins surface transportation systems vice-president Denny Lengyel said: "ARINC RailwayNet leverages Rockwell Collins’ expertise to create a common communication infrastructure for all railroads.
"ARINC RailwayNet provides the network connections and office applications required to exchange critical information among Class 1 railroads and their partner short line and commuter railroads.
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By GlobalData"With RailwayNet, Rockwell Collins is helping short line and commuter railroads meet the PTC mandate efficiently, cost-effectively and securely."
The US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a $4.9m grant to Rockwell Collins in order to implement the new system.
The grant will be used to provide technical support to participating short line as well as commuter railroads that need assistance to implement the office and networking segments of a PTC system.
ARINC RailwayNet provides connectivity into the interoperable train control (ITC) federated network that supports PTC messaging.
Image: ARINC RailwayNet is a hosted network and messaging solution designed to increase safety and reliability in the railroad industry. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
