Activities and Schedule

A description of the Activities for the planned project to develop, install, and implement
the 1-800 ENS demonstration system are provided below and are followed bya
estimated time-line schedule.

Activity 1 - Establish System Requirements - Develop the operational and
functional system requirements and databases required to implement the 1-800 ENS
Software for this demonstration project. Identify the representatives that will participate
in a requirements review meeting.

Activity 2 - Design and Procure Signage - SEDA-COG and NSRAC, in cooperation
with FRA and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will design the 1-800 sign to be
used at all crossings which will be included in the project. (The respective railroads will
begin installation at the point in time when the system is ready to become operational.
An example of the sign used by the BNSF Railroad is in Appendix C. The ‘expected
duration for installation is no more than 30 days.)

Activity 3 - Database Construction - FRA’s Contractor (AMB) will construct the ENS
databases needed to operate the 1-800 ENS Software with the assistance of
SEDA-COG and the other entities involved in this Project. The sources for obtaining
crossing data and required contact information will be identified. The most important
source is the FRA National Highway-Rail Crossing Inventory.- SEDA-COG:and NSRAC
must update and verify the National Crossing Inventory File database for all crossings
included in the project, including providing actual GIS measurement information.

Activity 4 - Software Modification - FRA’s Contractor (AMB) will modify and improve
the Texas ENS software to meet the SEDA-COG and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
ENS functional and performance requirements. wt

Activity 5 - Establish Communication Center Infrastructure — Clinton County
Communication Center infrastructure will be established to handle highway-rail crossing
1-800 ENS calls from travelers, area drivers, police and emergency personnel.

Activity 6 - User Documentation - Operator Manuals for the 1-800-ENS Software
package and a problem/incident reporting process will be developed in cooperation with
the system operator by using the Texas 1-800 ENS as a model.

Activity 7 - User Training - User Training will be provided just before the Beta Test
system is installed at the Clinton County Communication Center.

16


Crossing Information is Added.Complete Caller and
Railroad Information

Crossing Problem Log

‘TX Dept. of Public Safety, Dept of Emorgoncy Management

[Infomation on ncient ot [Aditi Detat-
‘croeaing (DoT wm:
pet —_____ Cat Reestont: [975 70000 SET
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=| int by OOM. 7
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al ‘Resroed Number Cotec:
location dete on fe for tis Crosung ID: Nunber of stemets 0 cat
‘State: County: [NOUSTON: cy: [LOvcLADyY” Date Time
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FIR Naam Coke PACIAC RALROAD fated
There are currently 2 Pending Cais?
S| WwW] 2] @ | S|

Figure 1. Crossing Problem Log

Click on County/City/Street Menu

ald
Search Mow
SEARCH FOR CROSSING BY = [County Ciy Steot_~] —— eee _]
Updeted Date Somch
site [i comer fusion =] O% = faxoani ere
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Figure 2. County, City, State Menu



APPENDIX F
Clinton County Communication Center

The 911 Clinton County Communications Center located at the Susque View County
Home, Lock Haven, PA, was established in 1973. It serves a population of 37,182
people in central Pennsylvania with 22,855 telephone lines including 29 Municipalities,
21 Townships, 1 City, 7 Boroughs and covering 892 square miles of land. The
Communication Center has 10 full time and one part-time dispatcher. It is manned 24
hours a day, seven days a week. A duplicate communication center is located two
miles from the Center at the Clinton County Courthouse which has a backup facility in
case the present location becomes inoperable. The picture below shows one of the
three consoles in the Center used for handling calls and communications.

34


Project Responsibilities

Implementation of the 1-800 ENS demonstration system will require participation and
coordination among the identified partner governmental organizations and railroad
companies. Basic responsibilities are as follows:

Federal Railroad Administration and Contractor AMB Associates

Provide the 1-800 ENS software and computer hardware.

Provide $65K direct funding, from available authorized funds, for private crossing
signage, Communication Center start-up and monthly operation support, project
report preparation, and separate FRA Contractor Support for 1-800 ENS
Software development activities.

Define, through meetings with interested parties (SEDA-COG Joint Rail
Authority, Richard Robey representatives, PENN DOT, and Clinton County
Communications Center), the systems functional and performance

requirements.

Modify and improve the Texas version of the 1-800-ENS computer system to
meet the expected functional and performance requirements.

Insure that the system is compatible with ITS Architecture.

Install and validate the baseline data base of crossing iriformation. .

Perform pre-delivery test of the developed system.

Update existing user/operator documentation for the demonstration system.
Provide user/operator training at Clinton County Communication Center location.
Provide briefing and documentation material.

Install and demonstrate the system at the Clinton County Communications Ctr.
Provide system support for resolution of software problems.

Meet with SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, Richard Robey representatives,
PENN DOT, and Clinton County Communications Center personnel:-as.required.

10


End Product and Future Enhancements

This joint effort between SEDA-COG, FRA, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
the other partners, will provide a model for the implementation of a 1-800 Toll-Free
Emergency Notification System for Highway-Rail Crossing for shortline railroads.
While, the 1-800 signage will be installed at only 476 crossings on eight different
shortline railroads within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, additional shortline
railroads in the State can be added to the system since the Communication Center has
the capability to handle the additional capacity, thereby lowering the overall cost per
crossing to provide this service. The Clinton County Communication Center could
eventually handle all shortline railroad 1-800 calls (a total of 3,000+ crossings) in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If that happens, and because two-thirds of the State’s
crossings are currently included in a 1-800 ENS by the major railroads, the State wilt
then have all of their at-grade crossings included in a 1-800 ENS system.

FRA will receive a summary of the incident reports which will be catalogued and
reported on a six month’s basis, and a final summary report at the end of the 30-month
demonstration. When this project is completed, the FRA will have met Congress’
mandate for implementing a 1-800 number program in two pilot states (Texas and
Pennsylvania), and Pennsylvania, which currently has more shortline railroads than any
other state, will have initiated a program to have one centralized call center for all of the
State’s shortline railroads.

20


Specific Crossing Information is Displayed. When
Complete, Hit the Select Bottom on the Menu

pe

te 5060 aa

‘Stone Publik

2lQliby
CROSSING INFORMATION RECORD
aoa an a Wo Comments CalHistor) if Update History
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pane Leotude: BESSTZTE Lenetadee
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ik

mee ——
ee sets attest one sno eat
crossing Poekion: [xT GRADE Sarees —__
a merece [yy
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| satat oo oa
Figure 3. Crossing Information Record
Problem Log is Ready to Save
=i) I
Crossing Problem Log fax
TX Napt. nf Public. Sataty, Dapt. nf Fmargancy Management
[imate reer Hobe re
Crossing DON: = a7 ated Tire.
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RANnow et Code [GON PACHICRARROAD ——~SCSY

o* There ore cexrently 2 Pending Cats!

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ition! at. | @ |

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Figure 4. Crossing Problem Log Ready to Save

39



1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System
for Shortline Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Overview

This Plan specifies the activities and schedule for developing and implementing a
1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System (1-800-ENS) demonstration for eight
shortline railroads in Pennsylvania. Five of these railroads are owned by the
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority and three others are owned by other entities. The
North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies (NSRAC) operate ail eight railroads
under contract.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in partnership with the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, a group of eight shortline railroads within the. State (SEDA-COG and
NSRAC), and the 911 Clinton County Communication Center,. will create an emergency
and problem notification system for implementation at highway-rail-intersections for
eight shortline railroads. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is also very supportive
and desirous of expanding this ENS system state-wide after the original project is
established and in operation. The FRA will supply the 1-800 Emergency Notification
System software which was developed for the State of Texas (after modifications to
make it applicable for railroad use) and computer hardware. The State can provide
funding for installation of the signs (Sec. 130 money) and it is.anticipated that FRA will
provide initial funding as described in the Project Responsibilities Section of. this Plan to
help establish the demonstration and operations in the call-in center. if successful,
FRA will meet Congress’ mandate for implementing a 1-800 number program in two
pilot States and this will also initiate an effort to implement the 1-800 Program for
crossings that do not belong to the Class 1 railroads.

Background

The June 1994 “Rail-Highway Crossing Safety Action Plan” established the need for a
toll-free crossing automated trouble report system. In September 1994, a contract was
awarded to develop a “Conceptual Design & Implementation Plan” which was
completed in May 1995. However, in October 1994, the “Swift Rail Development Act
(Section 301),” required the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a pilot program in
two states to demonstrate an emergency notification system using a toll-free telephone
number for the public to report malfunctions or other safety problems which might occur
at highway-rail grade crossings.


| Nittany and Bald
| Eagle Railroad

70 miles through Blair,
Centre:and Clinton Counties

A

NORTH

oS
State College

| Conrail-Blue
JRA Owned-Red

Northumberland
NORTH

North Shore Railroad

7 37 miles through Northumberland,
Sona oie eed Montour and Columbia Counties

Juniata Valley Railroad

41 mies through Miffin County
Burnham Branch ous

Lewistown

Mifflintown

‘A Port Royal
Conrail-Biue-

NORTH JRA Owned-Red

we
i)


Activity 8 - Beta Test - An initial operational test of the 1-800 ENS'system will be
conducted over a two-week period at the Clinton County Communications Center.
Clinton County Communication Center staff will operate the 1-800 ENS in an
operational environment and report problems encountered and performance shortfalls
to FRA’s Contractor (AMB Corp.).

Activity 9 - Install Signs - The SEDA-COG and NSRAC shortline railroads, or their
contractor, will install signs on all public and private at-grade highway-rail crossings
which will provide the ENS telephone number and crossing number.

Activity 10 - System Modification - The 1-800 ENS will be modified based on the
comments received by resolving problems encountered during Beta Test and prepared
for full operational use.

Activity 11 - Install Operational System - The fully operational 1-800 ENS will be
installed at the Clinton County Communication Center and refresher training will be
provided to the operational staff.

Activity 12 - System Support and Problem Resolution - FRA’s Contractor (AMB)
will provide on-call support of the operational system after the final system installation.

Activity 13- Demonstration and Evaluation - The ‘operational system will be
demonstrated and evaluated for a period of 30 months. During this time, the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will actively seek and encourage other shortline
railroads in the State to join and participate in the demonstration project. This would
necessitate that the databases be updated as each new railroad goes through the
process described above. :

Activity 14- Results and Recommendations Report - SEDA-COG, in cooperation
with the Clinton County Communications Center, will provide reports at 6,12, 18, and
24 months intervals, and final report at 30 months from the start of the demonstration.
These reports will list the number and types of calls received, the problems reported
and the action taken, actual expense and cost data, and any suggested improvements
and recommendations for the 1-800 ENS software and/or the operation process.

17


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Estimated Costs and Funding

Below is a projected budget for both the 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification
System for Shortline Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania demonstration project. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
will provide Section 130 funding for sign procurement and installation. Upon the
conclusion of the 30-month demonstration period, the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
will prepare a report of the impacts and benefits of the program. Interim reports will
also be made available at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 months.

Estimated Budget - 30 Month Period

FRA NSRAC. SEDA- Clinton Co. | PennDOT

Comm. Sec 130
Contractor Operator CoG Center Funding _|

Total FRA

Communications
Center Operations $13,500 $10,500 $3,000?
Monthly Service

Cost _($450 x 30 )

Communications
Center Start-Up $9,500 $8,000 $1,500"
Infrastructure

1-800 ENS
Software $80,000 $80,000°
Development

Computer &
Hardware for $7500 $7,500°
Comm. Center

Project . :
Evaluation $16,000 $10,500 $1,500" $3,000' | | $1,000'
Reports

Installation of Signs
atPrivate Crossings | $35,200 $35,200
176 @ $200 per

Installation of Signs
at Public Crossings $60,000 $60,000?
300 @ $200 per

Total $221,700 | $64,200? $87,500° $4,500 $3,000""|- $2,500" $60,000?

* In-Kind Contribution (staff, equipment, support materials, and overhead)
? Direct Funding Required 3 FRA Contract Funded
* FRA Contract Funded

19


shamokin Valley Railroad

Hai tig Retentiet comty j

NORTH

NORTH ; “

Lycoming Valley R Railroad

38 miles through Lycoming and -

outer ConraikBlue
. JRA Owned-Red ©

33


Intelligent Transportation Systems - Implications and Compatibility

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the application of new methods of
communications, computer, and sensor technology to highways, rail, and transit
systems and the careful integration of system functions to provide more efficient,
effective, and safe solutions to nation’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
Development of a National Architecture, the framework that addresses all ITS User
Services (projects), defines the subsystems and data flows (information that must be
shared between subsystems) required to make ITS work and has been the first step in
achieving this vision. In particular, the National Architecture defines the technologies
and operations needed for a transportation system that will satisfy the requirements of
the 31 User Services. Three User Services that relate to this 1-800 ENS project are
Highway-Rail Intersections (HRI), Incident Management, and Emergency Notification
and Personal Security.

The ITS integration of the railroad operating systems, including emergency notification
systems (ENS), with traffic management systems through the ITS Architecture is an
important step which will insure the interoperability of both rail and highway systems.
The current effort in the HRI ITS Program is development of the standards necessary
for implementing ITS projects at highway-rail intersections (grade crossings) nationwide
which will tie grade crossing warning systems (including emergency notification) to local
traffic management systems to improve safety for both motor vehicle users and rail
passengers and employees. Eventually, some of these standards will be turned into
regulations for the purpose of funding decisions and, in the future, no Federal funds will
be used for HRI projects which do not meet such standards.

Coordination will take place with the State highway departments so that these grade
crossing projects are properly integrated with other ITS projects. For example,
warnings to motorists of oncoming trains, as well as advice on alternate routes to avoid
blocked crossings, could be transmitted through dedicated short-range communications
systems and displayed on standardized in-vehicle information displays and roadside
variable-message signs. Emergency notification systems can advise rail operation
centers and traffic management centers of road vehicles which have become disabled
at a crossing so that trains can be slowed or stopped to avoid collision. They can also
advise of any other problems at a crossing which would affect the safety at a crossing
such as an inoperable gate arm or faulty flashing warning lights. This demonstration
project with SEDA-COG and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania undertakes the
deployment of applicable technologies that can be a model for other such projects
involving crossings throughout the nation. Thus, it is important that this project meet
the current criteria for the application of ITS.

The following diagram was produced using a new computer program “Turbo-
Architecture” for development of ITS compatible systems. It'shows the various
components and subsystems of an HRI Emergency Notification System and the
interrelationship of the stakeholders and users involved. This demonstrates that this
project meets the conditions for ITS requirements as currently defined.

13


3,074 crossings included in the program if all shortlines within the State participate.
(See Appendix A)

Breakdown of At-Grade Crossings Public Private Pedestrian Total
Total for State 5594 3401 120 9115
Major Railroads: ATK, CR, CSX, NS 3698 2271 72 6041
All Other PA Railroads 1896 1130 48 3074
SEDA-COG Project Railroads 257 219 - 476

Currently, the railroads in the proposed study area cover 250+ miles of railroad
throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania. It is anticipated that the system
would receive approximately six to eight calls per week for these incidents.

The 1-800-ENS signage for all public crossings will be funded by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania utilizing Section 130 funds. (STP Section 130, Highway-rail Crossings,
funding for Pennsylvania for FY-2000 was $5,804,390.) The signs will be installed at all
public and private crossings by the railroads (see Appendix B). However, since every
at-grade crossing (public and private) will have a sign posted with a 1-800-ENS number,
funding for the private crossings will be provided by FRA. ‘In order to meet the Manual
on Unified Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements, the sign needs to be white
text on a blue background with a white border. The proposed sign is shown below.

REPORT
CROSSING
EMERGENCY OR.
PROBLEMS TO
1-800-555-5555

IDENTIFY AS
CROSSING
No. 123-456X

SEDA-COG Railroads’ Proposed 1-800 Sign -
Sign Size: 18" X24" — Font Size: 1%" White Letters on Blue per MUTCD


Centre County Commissioners, Columbia County Industrial Development Authority, and
most importantly, the rail-dependant industries. Over $400,000 of the total project cost
was contributed locally. The lines were renamed the North Shore and Nittany & Bald
Eagle Railroads.

Since the acquisition and rehabilitation of these two railroads, the Authority has
addressed preserving other rail lines. In late 1985, the Shamokin area of southern
Northumberland County learned that Conrail intended to abandon lines in this
community. The affected industries called upon the Authority for assistance and efforts
went forward to assemble a financial package to fund the acquisition and rehabilitation
of the Shamokin Cluster (33 miles). In mid-1987, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
through its Capital Budget, made a commitment to provide most of the funding to
acquire these lines and preserve service to six industries. Contributions matching the
state funding were secured from the rail users, area municipalities, Northumberland
County Commissioners and the county industrial development authority. The lines, now
known as the Shamokin Valley Railroad, were ultimately acquired in December 1989.

Concurrent with the effort to secure funding for the Shamokin lines, the Authority
recognized the need to expand the Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad to include the Bald
Eagle Branch from Milesburg to Mill Hall. This connection aliows for shipments to the
north and to the northwest from Centre County industries. This acquisition provided for
an interchange with Conrail at Lock Haven in addition to the interchange at Vail near
Tyrone. .

Because economic pressures during the 1990's, many companies were forced to re-
evaluate their operational philosophies and priorities. The railroad industry was no
exception, and, downsizing and streamlining took place. Motivated by the realization of
increased profits, many railroads downsized while many railroads merged. Downsizing
often meant selling lines that produced little or no profit.

In January of 1996, Conrail announced that it was selling 1,800 miles of rail lines, some
of which was within the SEDA-COG JRA region. Some of these lines, namely Conrail's
Williamsport Cluster, had extremely high traffic while others such as Conrail's
Lewistown Cluster, had very low amounts of traffic. Both clusters however were
strategic to the economic health of the region and as such, the JRA acquired these
lines from Conrail in August of 1996 to guarantee rail service to the rail dependant
industries in that area. As a result of the merger of Conrail with NS and CSX, JRA now
has access to NS and CSX in Harrisburg and with the St. Lawrence and Hudson
Railroad in Sunbury, PA. As a result, JRA's customers will-receive better service and
reduced rates. .

30


APPENDIX C

1-800 Sign
Used by the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railroad

SIGNS: &
EXAMPLE Sil = ~espaneaser =
OF ar Se 4S GROW 10P ty POST. S
ee eee §
a1 See |
| snip Rwy.to, )\2-” =
| ‘TO REPORT STALLED VEHICLES | | 778" 3/0"
OR OTHER ENERGENCES CALL | | 775"
we gt rye > .
YOUR LOCATIONS: [17787 '/?
| Tye
ct ee oe = er

XN C/L SIGN AND 3/2" 6 HOLL, TYP
RV 1/2". YR

I} im 7

eesreeey man sam,
TEA SOE BO BO-IMORCNCY 400 MAE BER Mm. DET TIOTEY

—_—
Pres .

7 EE ig gUS Ve 0 170 rat moe ws
ides espe
rene Ge ARTS TION tat we 1/8

7 ew wmnas "Fe Sate Foe “

TL 8 a8 fr vanes &/ mune Me kaD TNT FUL
Row ett Fe Se eS, i

ie SO
306301 00,
Fal

27


have installed their own 1-800 Number Emergency Systems (ENS) and two states
(Texas and Connecticut) have their systems to report emergency or routine problems.
Using this approach, FRA believes that it is possible to implement such a system on a
national scale rather than in just the two pilot states, thereby more efficiently and
expeditiously achieving the goals of the 1994 Action Plan and the 1994 Swift Rail
Development Act.

FRA is currently focusing future efforts on railroad-centered programs. With the
developed ENS software for the State of Texas completed, FRA plans to modify the
software for use by other state and railroad centered systems to support emergency
management personnel in-receiving calls by logging the problem being reported,
accessing inventory files and notify the correct railroad operation's control center or
emergency responders. The 1-800 ENS Software Package has the ability to log calls
and access Inventory Files for quick crossing look-up based on the U.S. DOT/AAR
National Highway-Rail Crossing Inventory Number. Future enhancements will
incorporate a Geographical Information System (GIS) capability (display on a map).
FRA also strongly encourages railroads and States with 1-800 systems to keep their
Inventory up-to-date. A key component of a 1-800 system is to correctly identity the
crossing number posted on-site.

Project Summary

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has developed a 1-800 Toll-Free
Emergency Notification System (ENS) software capable of allowing the reporting of
emergencies and problems at highway-rail intersections to centralized emergency
response communication centers or railroad dispatch centers.. This system was
developed in response to national legislation (Swift Rail Development Act of 1994) with
the objectives of:

1. Improving highway-rail crossing safety by reducing the number of
highway-rail crossing accidents and fatalities.

2. Providing a means to notify railroads and public safety officials of
highway-rail crossing emergencies and problems.

3. Improving crossing data and research methods by building data bases
that can be used for crossing problem notification and crossing safety
evaluation.

4. Supporting requirements identified in the 1994 Rail- Highway Crossing
Safety Action Plan.

5. Generating usable reports regarding highway-rail crossing malfunctions or
problems.


However, the requirement for an emergency notification system was not compatible
with the originally conceived Design Plan for an automated trouble report system.
Because the Swift Act required emergency notification of problems at crossings, a 24-
hour per day centralized staffed center, such as a police command center, emergency
communications center, or a railroad operations dispatch center, would be necessary to
receive such calls since that is the only way to achieve the goal of emergency
notification.

In 1996, several major railroads, at their own expense, began to install their own 1-800
Emergency Telephone Number signs at crossings to report malfunctions and/or
emergencies. The question remained, however, how to handle the smaller regional and
shortline railroads.

Also in 1996, Congress appropriated funds for the development of software and
hardware to support the demonstration of a toll free ENS system to report crossing
safety problems and emergencies. This funding, however, does not provide for the
installation of signs at crossings nor any public education on how to use the system.
However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) did approve the use of Surface
Transportation Program (STP) Funds from the 10% Safety Set-Aside Funds

(Section 130) by States for the required 1-800 Number signage.

In October 1998, FRA awarded a 3-year contract to design, develop and test a 1-800
Toll-Free Emergency Notification System (ENS) capable of allowing the reporting of
problems at highway-rail intersections to centralized emergency response
communication centers or railroad dispatch centers. This ENS System is being
designed for and first tested in the State of Texas, where emergency response
communication center personnel are knowledgeable with how such a system should
properly operate. For liability reasons, special legislation may be required to implement
such a system in a state to allow a state police center to perform this activity. However,
current plans are to modify the software package so that it can operate from a railroad’s
perspective and then be offered to and installed on medium size and/or shortline
railroads.

The Action Plan and Swift Rail Development Act requirements have been overtaken by
events, and government intervention at this point with a state-centered system would be
detrimental. The only way to achieve emergency notification is to establisha -.
centralized staffed center to receive calls. This requires a 24-hour telephone system for
receiving calls by trained professionals, and a computerized system (software and
hardware) for fast, efficient and accurate identification of the crossing and its exact
location (both on the operating railroad and on the highway grid).

FRA is currently evaluating a redirection of the program and the possibility of having the
railroads totally assume this responsibility, since they are already moving in that
direction, i.e., installing 1-800 signs that directly reach their own railroad operations
center. FRA feels that a shift from the state-based approach to a railroad-based -
approach will allow for addressing emergencies at passively signed crossings as well as
for malfunctions of automated warning systems. Currently, four major Class ! railroads

2


ITS Architecture Element Inventory
for ;
Project SEDA-COG 1-800 Emergency Notification System

Area Drivers & Travelers
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: General Public
Mapped to Entity: Traveler
Mapped to Entity: Driver

Clinton County Communication Center (911)
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: Clinton County Communication Center
Mapped to Entity: Other Archives
Mapped to Entity: | Archived Data Management Subsystems

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: Pennsylvania Shortline Railroads
Mapped to Entity: Rail Operations

North Shore & Affiliated Railroads operated by Richard Robey
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: Pennsylvania Shortline Railroads
Mapped to Entity: Rail Operations

Expansion: Other Pennsylvania Shortline Railroads
Status: Planned
Stakeholder: Pennsylvania shortline Railroads
Mapped to Entity: Rail Operations

Police & Emergency Responders
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: Local Agencies
Mapped to Entity: Other Emergency Responders
Mapped to Entity: Emergency Management

Clinton County Communication Center Archive Database .
Status: Planned .
Stakeholder: Clinton County Communication Center
Mapped to Entity: | Other Archives
Mapped to Entity: © Archived Data Management Subsystems

FRA 1-800 ENS Program .
Status: Existing .
Stakehoider: Federal Railroad Administration. -
Mapped to Entity: Government Reporting Systems
State Reporting Systems
Status: Existing
Stakeholder: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Mapped to Entity: Government Reporting Systems

14


1-800 Crossing Problem Notification System Demonstration
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies

JUNIATA VALLEY RAILROAD (JVRR) MAIN BUSINESS OFFICE SHAMOKIN VALLEY RAILROAD (SVRR)
LYCOMING VALLEY RAILROAD (LVRR) 356 Pri STOURBRIDGE RAILROAD (SBRR)
NorTH SHORERAILROAD (NSHR) Fos Priestly Avenue 7857 WELLSBORO AND CORNING RAILROAD (WCOR)
NITTANY AND BALD EAGLE RAILROAD (NBER) Paste nat UNION COUNTY INDUSTRIAL RAILROAD (UCIR)

Fax 717-473-8432

The total public and private at-grade crossings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is
9,115 as recorded in the FRA National Inventory File on April 4, 2000. Of these,
approximately two-thirds, or 6,041 crossings, will be signed with 1-800 emergency
notification signs by the major railroads that currently have their own programs (which
includes CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, Canadian Pacific and including
the Conrail records which have not yet been changed in the Inventory File by NS and
CSX). That leaves approximately one-third of the State’s highway-rail crossings, or
3,074, which will not be covered in the ENS program unless, or-until, they can be
included in this project or something similar is implemented. Of these 3,074 crossings,
the eight shortline railroads. in this project have 476 at-grade highway-rail crossings at
both public and private roadways, about 15%, which-will have 1-800 ENS ‘signs.
However, the potential for inclusion in the project is one-third of the State’s crossings or
approximately 3,000 crossings. : After the initial project becomes operational it is
anticipated that other additional shortline railroads in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania would be included in the demonstration with the potential of a total of

5


APPENDIX A

Count of Highway-Rail Crossings
for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Sorted by Railroad
as of April 4, 2000

Data Source: FRA National Inventory File

21


Q
US.Department
of Transportation

Federal Railroad
Administration

Project Plan

1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System
for Shortline Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

A Joint Partnership Between:

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies
Clinton County Communication Center
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Federal Railroad Administration

September 20, 2000


A 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System for Highway-Rail Program consists of
several major components, which include signs at the crossings, crossing and contact
data, hardware and software, telecommunications, and communications personnel
answering incoming calls.

Calls must be received by personnel who are trained in the handling of problems
dealing with public safety and emergencies. To that end, the SEDA-COG Rail Authority
and its operator have the cooperation of the 911 Clinton County Communications
Center (Comm Center). The Comm Center has committed the resources of its 911
Operations Center, which is housed with the county emergency management agency.
The Comm Center will install the necessary telecommunications infrastructure to allow
for the 1-800-ENS number being used for the program to be directed to the Comm
Center console. Situated next to the console would be the computer running the 1-800
ENS Software System, provided by the Federal Railroad Administration.

FRA will provide and setup a personal computer system (initially in a stand-alone
configuration) at the Clinton County Communications Center. The computer will be an
IBM/Compatible Personal Computer (with Pentium processor) with Windows NT/or 98,
and can have internal fax/modem/e-mail/computer telephony integration capabilities, if
required. The system will be programmed in Visual Basic 6.0. It will have disk storage
for crossing information and contact data, and provide backup capability. Adequate
power supplies and a printer will be needed. Recording devices may be needed to
record incoming calls.

The 1-800 ENS software will assist the Comm Center personnel in logging-in problems
at a crossing and record contacts made with and by the Comm Center. When'a
problem is identified at a crossing, the appropriate railroad ‘contact:person.will be .
identified by name and phone number (including after hour contacts). Should a'call
come in that is an emergency, the trained personnel at the Comm Center would -
immediately transfer the call to the 911 Center or Public Safety Authority in the
appropriate county. The 1-800 ENS Software package will perform the following
general functions:

e Record Incident Report Lat
- Identify the Caller (such name, address, telephone number) .
- Identify the Crossing (number, street address) :
- Description of the Problem or Incident

e Notify Emergency/Problem Responders
- Dispatch Report to Appropriate Officials by Voice or Electronic Means — -
— Record Receipt of Report : : :
— Report Updates As Available

e Record Outcome co
- Receive/Record Outcome Report from Emergency/Problem Responders


It is extremely important that there is complete and accurate data available for all
crossings which are covered under a 1-800 ENS system. Since this information is
recorded in and obtained from the FRA National Highway-Rail Crossing Inventory File,
it is extremely important that the involved railroads insure that all of the Inventory
records for all of the railroad’s crossings are updated and current with accurate data.
Updating of the FRA National Crossing Inventory is a necessity for identifying the exact
location and properties of a crossing with a posted crossing number and 1-800 ENS
Number. (Currently, the Administration has a Bill before Congress, “Federal Railroad
Safety Enhancement Act of 1999, Title V, Section 503, both S. 1496 and HR. 2683”
which would require railroads and states to update Crossing Inventory records at least
once every three years to insure that such emergency notification systems would have
the most current and accurate data.)

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a very extensive 911 Emergency call system
in place. Therefore, it has been determined that the most efficient way to implement
this most effectively is to partner with a willing 911 Communication Center, as reflected
in this project plan. Start-up funding will be necessary to initiate a regional railroad
4-800 ENS call center for Pennsyivania’s shortline railroads. Initially, it will also be
necessary to provide annual funding to help supplement such operations.

When this project is completed, the FRA will have met Congress’ mandate for
implementing a 1-800 number program in two pilot states (Texas and Pennsylvania),
and Pennsylvania, which currently has more shortline railroads than‘any other state, will
have initiated a program to have one centralized call center for all of the State’s
shortline railroads.

Operati ind Implementation

The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority in cooperation with its Railroad Operator, propose
a pilot 1-800 Crossing Problem Notification System in Central and Northeastern
Pennsylvania. Through this project, public notification signs will be posted at all public
and a selected private at-grade crossings along eight short line railroads. The railroads
would install a 1-800 sign at all public crossings and only those private crossings that
are active enough to give cause to believe that there could-be a probiem.: For example,
a simple farm field crossing that may only be used only two or three times per year
would not warrant the 1-800 signage.

Each crossing will have a sign posted with a 1-800 number to call to report problems or
malfunctions at the crossing and the accompanying DOT# of the crossing (see sample
sign attached). Typical problems are: lights flashing when there is no train
approaching, gates down blocking the roadway, trespassing, vehicle-stalled on the
tracks, and other situations that would endanger public safety. It is expected that six to
eight calls per week would be received for reporting incidents for the railroads in the
proposed study area (which cover approximately 250 miles of railroad track).


Typical Report of Calls by Location

Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
4.800 Highway-Rail Crossing Emergency Notification System

Calls by Location with Listing

From 962008

eszo0n
Between G1512000

Cmergency Management, received 0

‘and 81512000

Te:

. TX Department of Public Safety, Division of

calls for crossings located in

HOUSTON city
Car Fecenes | crossnao rotaer

Dae Tne
remo 140RsT aaa ‘cROSENC-TOOHOH
esnmo 181200 a2 CELLS 6 LEATISPACTIVATE TOU LATE
Agorn  4ARIR TN CARESSTAI DON TRACE
ee Ce ACODENT PEDESTRANES) HT BY CAR.
wsncoo | 22saez ASN caus 6 Les)

Figure 7. Typical Report of Calls by Location

LLY

Typical Malfunctions Report

Railroad Malfunction Log

These Goningrunbert a resid

From; 9srn00 Te: 952000
[DATE RECEIVED [TIVE RECENTER [CROSSING [CALLER ORGH STATE [COUNTY [cay [STREET MALFUNCTION. [RAL ROAD [BATE Cone eTED
SE eS ae ar poosea — [OT LOMA —acceeN-POET|ImOUMCHE MAOH est
Se a araatmar operon | SCAT RL DUE | CARS) STALLED omen asl wae
Se ET A eater _[acantT [ec weur lees ruc alumovexcr wid ese
Lay a

ep

ode

x

Delete

| a

Figure 8. Railroad Malfuaction Log Report

41


APPENDIX E
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is a regional multi-county
development agency which, under the guidance of a public policy board, provides
leadership, expertise, and service to communities, businesses, institutions, and
residents. The SEDA-COG name was originally formed from the name, Susquehanna
Economic Development Association - Council Of Governments. For over 40 years,
Central Pennsylvania has addressed many of these issues through the SEDA-Council
of Governments, a public organization created by the region's eleven counties: Centre,
Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder,
and Union. The organization is overseen by a Board made up of County
Commissioners, business people, and local elected officials. SEDA-COG’s staff is
composed of professionals with expertise in a wide range of fields, working with Central
Pennsylvania's counties, communities, companies, and individuals “to make things
happen.”

The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) is a Pennsylvania Municipal Authority which
owns 260 miles of a regional rail system in Central Pennsylvania. The SEDA-COG JRA
serves the seven counties of Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, :
Northumberland and Union Counties with five shortline railroads, namely, the Nittany &
Bald Eagle Railroad, the North Shore Railroad, the Juniata Valley Railroad, the’ -
Shamokin Valley Railroad, and the Lycoming Valley Railroad.

The railroad operator, Mr. Richard Robey, is President of the North Shore Railroad and
Affiliated Companies, a privately owned company, and operates all five ofthe
SEDA-COG JRA railroads plus three additional shortline railroads belonging to-other
owners, thus operating a total of eight railroads. :

Historical Background

The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority was formed in July 1983, through the SEDA
Council of Governments Board of Directors to pursue a strategy resulting in the public
ownership of rail lines which Conrail had decided to abandon, The seven-county .
(Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland and Union) municipal
authority specifically seeks to preserve service to rail-dependant industries through
shortline rail operations, thereby, preserving rail line service in Central Pennsylvania.

In 1984, the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority purchased 82 miles of Conrail lines which
was serving 22 industries. The goal was to preserve not only the rail service, but also
the 3000 jobs provided by the affected industries. Funding sources at the federal, state
and local levels were utilized to develop the project. The $-4.1 million needed to
acquire and rehabilitate the lines was provided by the U.S..Economic Development
Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

29


APPENDIX D

1994 Swift Rail Development Act - Title 49 U.S.C.A. § 20152

49 U.S.C.A. § 20152

UNITED STATES CODE ANNOTATED

TITLE 49. TRANSPORTATION

SUBTITLE V-RAIL PROGRAMS

PART A--SAFETY

CHAPTER 201-GENERAL

SUBCHAPTER Ii-PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SAFETY

Current through Pub.L. 106-180, approved 3-17-2000
§ 20152. Emergency Notification of Grade Crossing Problems

(a) Pilot programs.—The Secretary of Transportation shalt conduct a pilot
program to demonstrate an emergency notification system utilizing a toll free telephone
number that the public can use to convey to railroad carriers, either directly or through
public safety personnel, information about malfunctions or other safety problems at
railroad-highway grade crossings. The pilot program, at a minimum—

(1) shall include railroad-highway grade crossings in at least 2 States;

(2) shail include provisions for public education and awareness of the program,
and

(3) shall require information to be posted at the railroad-highway grade crossing
describing the emergency notification system and instructions on how to
use the system.

The Secretary may, by grant, provide funding for the expense of information signs and
public awareness campaigns necessary to demonstrate the notification system.

(b) Report—The Secretary shall complete the pilot program not later than 24
months after November 2, 1994, and shall submit to the Congress not later than 30
months after November 2, 1994, an evaluation of the pilot program, together with
findings as to the effectiveness of such emergency notification systems. The report
shall compare and contrast the structure, cost, and effectiveness of the pilot program
with other emergency notification systems in effect within other States. Such evaluation
shall include analyses of the safety benefits derived from the programs, cost
effectiveness, and the burdens on participants, including railroad carriers and law
enforcement personnel. :

CREDIT(S): 1996 Main Volume: (Added Pub.L. 103-440, Title II!, § 304(a), Nov. 2,
1994, 108 Stat. 4626.)
2000 Electronic Update: (As amended Pub.L. 104-287, § 5(50), Oct. 11,
1996, 110 Stat. 3393.)

28


The initial 1-800 ENS software was developed and deployed for the State of Texas,
Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, where it is used in
their state-wide emergency response communication center. The initial objective for
the Pennsylvania program will be to modify and improve the Texas system so that it can
be operated as a demonstration system in a 911 emergency communication’s center to
support eight selected shortline railroads, with capacity for expansion as additional
railroads are encouraged to participate. A longer-term objective is to continue
refinement, based on operating experience with the demonstration system, so that a
system suitable for statewide usage by short-line railroads is realized.

The 1-800-ENS system will initially be developed for the SEDA-COG Joint Rail
Authority in cooperation with its railroad operator, the North Shore Railroad and
Affiliated Companies, which operates eight short-line railroads in Central and
Northeastern area of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The following lists the
railroads which will be initially included in this project and a map showing their location
within the State.

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority owned shortline railroads are:

North Shore Railroad (NSHR)

Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad (NBER)
Shamokin Valley Railroad (SVRR)
Lycoming Valley Railroad (LVRR)
Juniata Vailey Railroad (JVRR)

North Shore and Affiliated Railroads operated by Richard Robey, in addition to the
above are: :

e Union County Industrial Railroad (UCIR
e Stourbridge Railroad (SBRR) eo
¢ Wellsboro and Corning Railroad (WCOR)


ACTIVITIES

o nt his

10

12 | 14 20 24 28

1, Establish System
Requirements

2. Design and Procure
Signage

3. Database Construction

4. Software Modification

5. Establish Communication
Center Infrastructure

6. User Documentation

7. User Training

8. Beta Test

9. Install Signs

10. System Modification
Enhancements

11. Install Operational
System

12. System Support and
Problem Resolution

13. Demonstration and
Evaluation

14. Reports, Results and
Recommendations

A A a

Sep Nov Jan Mar May
2000 I

Jly Sep Nov’ Jan Mar- May Jly.Sep .Nov Jan Mar
2001 t 2002 1 2003

1-800 ENS Development and implementation Schedule


APPENDIX G
1-800 ENS Software Computer Program

This Appendix displays the typical screens from the 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency
Notification System (ENS) software as developed for the State of Texas. This ENS
System was designed for and first tested in the State of Texas during 1999. This
software is capable of receiving calls from travelers, safety officials, police officers, and
emergency personnel. It logs the data as shown in Figure 1 (Crossing Problem Log),
including received call information including time, crossing identification, problem, caller
telephone number, and railroad telephone number to contact. It also records
administrative details such as problem completed date, operator's initials, and type of
action taken.

Figure 2 shows the geographical information about the crossing including the state,
county, city, and street name. This screen is obtained by clicking on Search/Info
button at the bottom of the Crossing Problem Log Screen (see Figure 1). The loaction
data is stored in the database. In this screen, additional crossing information can be
inserted. Also, a map can be provided to help identify the location.

By clicking the Select button, the Crossing Information Record (see Figure 3) can be
obtained. Additional information about the crossing can be entered such as a new
railroad name, detail location information, and information on the warning devices. To
save this information, click the Save button at the bottom of the screen.

Figure 4 screen is then displayed as shown. In this screen, the Crossing Problem

Log, the problem is logged and appropriate officials can now be notified by telephone
or by facsimile.

There are also various reports available for review and analysis. Figure 5 shows the
screen for the Crossings Called In report. This report provides the crossing
identification, date and time the call was received, main and subcategory of the
problem, and location by county, city, and street. These reports can be obtained for a
specific period such as a day, week, month, or year.

The history of calls for a specific crossing can be obtained by clicking on report menu.
Figure 6 displays the screen for the Crossing History Report for a typical crossing.
For the selected crossing, it provides the date, time, county, city, street, railroad, and
the main and subcategory of the problem.

A report can also be obtained for the problems recorded on a particular date as shown

in Figure 7, Calls by Location with Listing. This report displays the calls received,
date, time, crossing identification, and problem.

36


A malfunctions report can be provided by selecting the report menu and clicking on the
Railroad Malfunction Log (see Figure 8). This report provides the information on calls
received such as the date, time received, crossing identification, caller origin (e.g.
public, law enforcement, city employee, etc.), state, county, city, street, malfunction,
railroad, and the date that the problem was completed.

Figure 9 provides a summary report of the Type and Number of Problems Called in.
This includes the problem type such as “Accident-Pedestrian(s) Hit by Car,” the
crossing identification number, and the total number of calls.

Figure 10 displays planned enhancements that will provide the dispatcher the capability
of viewing a geographical display (map) of the area and crossing where the problem is
being reported. The dispatcher will be able to view the general location of the crossing
and surrounding area for positive identification and location of the subject crossing,
make any necessary decisions about the emergency, and notify the appropriate
Officials.

37


APPENDIX B

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
and
North Shore Railroad Affiliated Companies
Highway-Rail At-Grade Crossings
as of March 7, 2000

Data Source: Individual Railroads

25


Table of Contents

Section
Overview
Background
Project Summary
Operation and Implementation
Project Responsibilities
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Activities and Schedule
Estimated Costs and Funding
End Product and Future Enhancements
Appendixes
A. Count of Highway-Rail Crossings for the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sorted by Railroad
as of April 4, 2000
B. Inventory of SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
and North Shore Railroad Affiliated Companies
Highway-Rail At-Grade Crossings as of March 7, 2000

C. 1-800 Sign Used by the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad

D. 1994 Swift Rail Development Act
Title 49 U.S.C.A. § 20152

E. SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
Historical Background

F. Clinton County Communication Center

G. 1-800 ENS Software Computer Program

10
13
16
19
20

21

25

27
28
29

34
36


Typical Summary Report

‘Texeed. ori Sutoty. ore
4-000 Ran e

TYPE AND NUMBER OF PROBLEMS
CALLED IN

(eummant
From: sneemun Tes saueam
— ee
Proper CroveingtD. Teme
EDEN | PRD HIRE EU AL
sere .
‘Sub Teta 1
[POR LLE EC eTINCS AERTS TO TATE
Sub Total: +
[CARERS TRE
sora. .
SubTotal: 4
Tern 3

Figure 9. Typical Summary Report

Enhancement - Map to Locate Crossing Added

pr=T5)]
Crossing Problem Log oa
1X Dept of Hubite Satuty. Dept, wt kmergumy Maraguenent
better eam g is Asko bon
Sremama ois a ‘eka — een Ss =
sevebiaiy Sat ea. 3 srvane commen: AEF S

sn

Scho eos
(ai

- anal a PL Set
Figure 10. Enhancement for Locating Crossing

HT

42


SEDA-COG Rail Authority

SEDA-COG will act as the principal coordinating authority for Pennsylvania-based
entities involved in implementation of this project and will be responsible for the
following:

e Provide appropriate personnel to review and comment on system performance
and functional requirements.

e Coordinate the design and installation of 1-800 signage at all public and private
at-grade highway-rail crossings.

* Coordinate FRA contractor access to Clinton County Communications Center
facilities for the purpose of system installation and test as needed.

e Provide summaries of incident reports provided by the Clinton County
Communications Center to FRA.

e Provide an evaluation report, including actual cost data, of the system during the
demonstration period to FRA after 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months .

e Serve as a focal point for the collection of system improvement
recommendations.
North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies (NSRAC)
e Provide $3K direct funding for Communication Center monthly service.
e Identify and obtain toll free numbers for all member railroads for (1) the Primary
Contact for operational problems, (2) Back-up in case the Prime can not be

reached, and (3) a Fax for non-emergency problems.

e Provide appropriate personnel to review and comment on system performance
and functional requirements of SEDA-COG demonstration.

e Serve as a focal point for the affiliated companies.

i


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DOT

Provide $60K funding for 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System for
1-800 Highway-Rail Crossing Signage at public crossings.

Encourage and coordinate the inclusion of other short-line railroad into the
system.

Provide appropriate personnel to review and comment on system performance
and functional requirements of SEDA-COG demonstration.

Update the National Inventory to correctly identify the railroads operating within
the State and resolve the proper ownership of crossings.

Clinton County Communications Center

The Clinton County Communication Center will be the operational base for, the ;
demonstration system and will be responsible for the following: :

Provide information on interfaces required for their operations.

Provide appropriate telecommunications infrastructure to receive 1-800-ENS
calls and recording devices, if desired.

Provide personnel for training.
Provide facilities to house the demonstration system.
Provide operational personnel to man the 1-800-ENS system.

Provide evaluation of the demonstration system 6, 12, 18, 24,.and 30 months
period to SEDA-COG using reports from the 1-800 ENS Software. S

12


CONTACT INFORMATION

Jeffery Stover

Denise Pyers

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
R.R. 1, Box 372

Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-524-4491 /fax 570-524-9190
jstover @ seda-cog.org

dpyers @seda-cog.org

Richard Robey

North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies
356 Priestly Avenue

Northumberland, PA 17857

570-473-7949 x27/fax 570-473-8432

trobey @nshr.com

Bill Trethaway

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Center for Program Development

P.O. Box 3365

Harrisburg, PA 17105-3365

717-787-731 1/fax 717-787-5247

no e-mail address

Dennis Caprio

Clinton County Communication Center
22 Cree Drive

Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-893-4096/fax 570-893-4044

dcaprio@cub.kenet.org

Thomas Woll

Federal Railroad Administration
Office of Safety, MS-17

1120 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20590
202-493-6290/fax 202-493-6265

tom.woll @ fra.dot.gov


The Center is housed in a secure area and is equipped with a 9-1-1 enhanced
telecommunications system provided by Verizon which allows the dispatcher to identify
the location of the caller when a call is received. The center also uses a Computer-
Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that operates on an IBM AS400. The CAD System is a
relational database programmed to provide instantaneous response data for the various
agencies which accommodates multitask and mult-jurisdictional capabilities for the
dispatcher. A redundant AS400 system is housed in the backup facility located in the
Courthouse which has all of the same stored data. CAD access to the backup AS400
is via personal computers installed at the Center.

There are three identical console positions which allow division of dispatch operation
responsibilities between agencies. For example, Console #2 is used for fire and EMS,
Console #3 for police communications, and Console #1 is used for either or both
activities. Console #1 is also used for training. There are Dictaphone and Eyretel
recorders which are used for recording all calls and radio transmissions. In case of
primary power failure, all equipment can be powered by a backup battery system which
can power the center equipment for 30 minutes and also by an Onan generator which
will start 0.4 seconds after the primary power is lost.

The Center provides dispatch service for the entire county which includes, 19 fire
stations, five ambulance services, one paramedic station, and 13 police departments,
including the County Sheriffs Department. The Center also handles ‘after hours’
paging for numerous agencies in the County including PennDOT, Children and Youth
Domestic Relations Agencies, Probation and Sheriffs Departments, Water/Sewer
Department, and for local road crews. :

Dispatchers must complete 320 hours of training before being certified and permitted to
work without a trainer. In addition, each dispatcher also completes CPR and
Emergency Dispatcher Certification. Along with having APCO (Association of Public
Communications Officers) 40-hour certification, dispatchers are State certified by the
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Dispatchers are also _
periodically provided with updated training. : :

The center receives approximately 16,400 emergency calls per year and about 52,000

non-emergency calls. Most of the emergency calls are for medical assistance, police,
and fire services, in that order.

35


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Memorandum of Understanding

September 20, 2000

The Congress of the United States, by legislation entitled the "1994 Swift Rail
Development Act" (Pub. L. 103-440, Title II, § 301(a), 49 U.S.C. § 20152), has
instructed the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct a pilot program to
demonstrate an emergency notification system using a toll-free telephone number for
the public to report malfunctions and/or other safety problems at highway-rail grade
crossings.

The following organizations and companies are in agreement to jointly participate in a
30 month pilot project for a 1-800 Toll-Free Emergency Notification System for Shortline
Railroad Highway-Rail Crossings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance

with the attached plan.
BQO slab —§ LDA fag | fot

Larry Maynard (Date) Richard Robey

Chairman . President

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Companies
a Ke Bin bef —A A | tzJifac

Dean M. Bottorf (Date) Larry M. King. . (Date)

Chairman Deputy Secretary for Planning

Clinton County Board of Commissioners Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

George Gavaila (Date)
Associate Administrator for Safety
Federal Railroad Administration


SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Board Members’:

Mr. Larry Maynard, Chairman, (Union County)

Mr. William Rumberger, Vice-Chairman,(Centre County)
Mr. Barry Ashenfelder, Treasurer, (Montour County)

Mr. James (Bud) Webb, Assistant Treasurer, (Clinton County)
Mr. Donald Kramer, Secretary, (Clinton County)

Mr. George Henry, Assistant Secretary, (Columbia County)
Mr. Michael Redin, (Centre County)

Mr. James Webb, (Clinton County)

Mr. Timothy Bergerstock, (Columbia County)

Mr. Thomas E. Herman, Commissioner, (Montour County)
Mr. Jerry Wallis, (Lycoming County)

Mr. Jack Shultz, (Lycoming County)

Mr. David Hoopengardner, (Northumberland County)

Mr. William Clark, (Northumberland County)

Mr. David Reed, (Union County)

SEDA-C' int Rail A

Mr. Jeffery K. Stover, Executive Director

Mr. James J. McAllister, Transportation Planning Manager
Ms. Denise Pyers, Property Manager

Ms. Sandra Holcomb, Program Assistant °

The principal offices of the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority ‘are located at: ,

SEDA Council of Governments
RR1 Box 372

Lewisburg, PA 17837
Telephone: 570-524-4491

Fax: 570-524-9190

Website: http://jra.seda-cog:org

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Operator

Mr. Richard Robey, President

North Shore Railroad and Affiliated Operating Companies
356 Priestley Avenue : .
Northumberland, PA 17857

Telephone: 570-473-7949

Fax: 570-473-5414

email: nshrinfo@nshr.com

Website: http://www.nshr.com

31


Report for All Crossing Calls

‘Tezaz Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
1:800 Highway Rall Crossing Emergency Notificetion System

CROSSINGS CALLED IN

From: — wa0c0 Te: e260
sioes tee 4 ort
Toesion —
Srosing Pate! Tine Problem Main
Receivea| suncaegemy = OY eee
‘ion, erica acomiemesmn USCN = Lv uovenoy
rionre NOP er cae
ammse amo is ston ROCKET me ave
‘arson
soeaay a2. CARISTALLDON HOUSTON © cROmICT Pe. AVON:
broreemmm
Total Crossings Caited in: 3

Figure 5. Report on Crossing Called in

Typical Report for Selected Crossing

‘Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
1-800 Highway-Rall Crossing Emergency Notification System

CROSSING HISTORY REPORT

From: 9572000 Te: emcooo
anawt Poe 4 4
encsewic ie. arzizmy [Combe _HousTON Cie CROCKETT Street: BELL AVENUE
(Current Rakroad data: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAL.

Das Tine Probletn (dia Catenory 1 Subcationory)
sism000 BELLS &LGHT(S)- ACTIVATE T00 LATE
axsno00 CARG)-STALLED ON TRACKS.

‘Total Cola for this crossing duina tis perio 2

Figure 6. Typical report for Selected Crossing



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e Update Reference Data Base
- Current Contacts for Emergency/Problem Responders
- New Crossing information

e Generate Reports For Analysis

— Frequency of Incident Types
Incidents by Location
Incidents by Carrier
1-800-ENS Problem Reports
Ad Hoc Reports

Since Pennsylvania has a comprehensive 911 emergency system, the intent of this
demonstration project is not specifically for emergency purposes. A grade crossing
accident or other catastrophe would normally be reported directly to the 911 Center for
the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred. However, in the event that an
emergency is reported via 1-800 ENS, provision need to be made to forward that
information directly to the appropriate 911 Center or Public Safety Authority for action.

The demonstration 1-800-ENS will be installed in the Clinton County Communications
Center (Comm Center) and will be evaluated over a 30-month period. At the conclusion
of the demonstration, the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority will prepare a report of the
impacts and benefits of the program and will provide interim reports including incident
reports submitted.


ITS Architecture Interconnect Diagram for Project

SEDA-COG 1-800 Highway-Rail Crossing Emergency Notification System

General Public
Area Drivers & Travelers
Rail Crossing Problems & Malfunctions Rail Crossing Emergencies

|

|

Ciinton County Communication Center

Clinton County Communication Center (911)

Rail Crossing Problems & Malfunctions Incident Reports
Pennsyivania Shortiine
Railroads
|<—____—_ Local Agencies
SEDA-COG Joint Rail
Authority Police & Emergency
Emergency Archive Data

Pennsylvania Shortline Clinton County Center

Railroads Communicat

North Shore Railroads & {<—— clinton County Cont

Affiliates Operated by ——>|_ Communication fer

Renee 1500 ENS Software

Government Reporting. “I

Pennsylvania Shorttine Federal Railroad Pennsylvania DOT
Railroads Administration
Expansion: Other ;
Pennsylvania Shortline FRA 1-800 ENS Sure Reporting
Railroads Program

15