The tests were prompted by concerns about railroad safety after several recent acidents, and in an effort to increase track utilization, improve on-time performance, and lower fuel bills and track costs. Tests by other railroads are also underway. The systems being tested are complex and costly. But the data from U.S. global positioning satellites is deliberately degraded to prevent its use by unfriendly nations for military targeting.
Trains also lose satellite signals when they cross steel bridges and enter tunnels.
So far, the tests are proving successful, but the railroads are having problems integrating the data sources. If accurate and reliable train location systems can be developed, the railroads stand to gain significant safety and economic benefits. Human error causes about half the accidents involving trains. The economic benefits of improved train location data would be substantial. The article was written by Journal staff reporter William Carley.