California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail PlanThe Electronic Train Management System (ETMS) is a patented system that isused by BNSF. As a pilot project in 2004, BNSF installed ETMS on 50 of itslocomotives along a 135-mile stretch of track in Illinois. In January 2007, theFederal Railroad Administration (FRA) gave approval to begin using (ETMS) onother parts of the BNSF network. The Department first plans to implement ETMSon the San Joaquin Route because a majority of the railroad track is owned byBNSF who plans to install ETMS in the next few years. The BNSF’s currenttentative timeline is to begin work in FY 2009-10 and complete work inFY 2010-11. Funding for the project still needs to be finalized.Installation of a wireless train management system on the Pacific Surfliners wouldbe more complex because of the multiple railroad ownership on the Route. On theCapitol Corridor, the CCJPA would have to work with the UP on installation of asimilar system.Comprehensive Wireless NetworkA comprehensive wireless network could have many applications forimprovement of safety, operations, cost-control, and customer service.The network would include hardware installations on the State-owned rollingstock and would likely include equipment installations along the right-of-way andother fixed facilities. Systems such as this are in use today in Europe.This network could use similar technology to an ETMS system, however would becompletely separate, as ETMS must be a totally closed-system in order to maintainthe high level of accuracy and lack of failure necessary for a signal safety system.The applications that can be developed based on a comprehensive wirelessnetwork represent options that would have previously been very costly orimpossible, and as such, a wireless network has a very strong potential to be oneof the most significant changes to passenger rail service and operations in thefuture. The applications listed in Figure 3G below are initial options fordevelopment and implementation. Figure 3G describes specific applications of thewireless network, their applications and their benefits. Additionally, when newand innovative means to improve customer service, safety, security, and improvethe efficiency of operations (maintenance, fare collection, etc.) are identified,a stable and cost effective network exists for development and deployment.Business model analysis indicates that providing customer internet access, either“free” (included with the train ticket fare), or charged separately, and the potentialuse of on-train digital advertising, could provide an ongoing flow of revenue tosupport much of, if not all of, the capital and operating expenses for the network.Thus, customer access may be able to support the costs of the operational andsafety components of the system.54