Metrolink installs earthquake early warning technology

It is the third largest passenger railway system in the country. Millions of riders rely on Metrolink each year to travel through Southern California.

In 2015, it became the first railway in the country to implement Positive Train Control, a GPS-based system to prevent train collisions or overspeeding.

What you need to know Metrolink launches an early warning system to slow or stop trains during an earthquake The system uses USGS ShakeAlert data from sensors across California Alerts are sent directly to training engineers if a small earthquake occurs, but can automatically slow or stop trains During moderate and severe earthquakes the system is being tested on the 91/Perris Valley Line, but it is expected to be at system level in the next 2-3 months.

“If a train does not decelerate fast enough or does not decelerate the right way, PTC will automatically apply the brakes and stop the train,” said Luis Carasquero, Executive Vice President of Operations at Metrolink.

Now, Metrolink is bringing the earthquake component to existing technology, thanks to a grant from the USGS. Carrasquero has been helping to lead those efforts with his co-workers at the PTC Lab in Pomona, a playground of sorts for running various simulations.

“We are constantly monitoring the location of each train so that, if an earthquake occurs, we know where each train is and be able to ensure they are warned and stopped safely,” said Carrasquero.

The new system uses USGS ShakeAlert data collected from sensors across the state. In the event of a mild earthquake, 4.5 or less, an informative alert will be sent directly to the train engineers in the area. They no longer have to wait for the transmission to contact them, saving precious seconds.

“If there is a moderate earthquake, there are speed restrictions associated with it, PTC monitors compliance of the train slowing down to that speed, and if it does not, PTC applies the brakes,” Carrasquero said.

And during the severe earthquake, above 5.5 degrees, the train will stop automatically. Since Metrolink trains can operate up to 90 miles per hour, Carrasquero says the early warning system not only helps prevent train derailments but also takes into account the trains’ surroundings.

“When there is an earthquake, you not only have the tracks, but you also have structures, bridges, bridges, and underpasses,” he said.

“The system already knows the train can’t stop here because it’s not safe, so we’ll wait for the train to cross the tunnel or bridge and then stop,” said Jairo Rodriguez, tentatively at Metrolink. Senior Manager Positive Train Control.

The new technology is being tested on Line 91/Perris Valley Line near Riverside due to minimal freight train traffic, but Carrasquero says the plan is to expand it to the entire Metrolink system in the next two to three months.

While none of us can keep track of when the next earthquake will rock our region, Carrasquero and his team hope these innovations will go a long way toward helping make everyone safer.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos