NTL Record

Title Supporting railroad roadway worker communications with a wireless handheld computer. Volume 1, Usability for the roadway worker.
Record ID 42409
Personal Name
Creator
Oriol, Nicolas; Sheridan, Thomas; Multer, Jordan
Source 76p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publisher United States. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publication Date 20041031
Language English
Abstract Communications in current railroad operations rely heavily on voice communications. Radio congestion impairs roadway workers’ ability to communicate effectively with dispatchers at the Central Traffic Control Center and has adverse consequences for the safety and efficiency of railroad operations. A prototype communications device was developed for roadway workers to request train and territory information and to request track protection from the dispatcher. The device uses a wireless data link to send and receive information in digital form. The data link device was designed to obtain real-time information about train location without assistance from the dispatcher. The report describes the development of this device and a usability evaluation to identify safety and productivity issues that must be addressed for successful implementation.
Rosap ID dot:23189
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/23189
TRT Terms Human factors; Dispatchers; Handheld computers; Wireless communication systems; Communications; Train crews; Personnel; Real time information
General Subjects Data link; Railroad construction workers; Usability
Classification AGR - INFRASTRUCTURE - Railroads;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Contract Number R2103/RR204
Report Number DOT-VNTSC-FRA-04-02; DOT/FRA/ORD-04/13.1
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/42000/42400/42409/ord0413i.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository