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Signals Consortium Hosted by DART in Dallas, TX

Posted December 2023

Signals Consortium subject matter experts together at the 2023 Signals Consortium Meeting

 

The International Transportation Learning Center’s (ITLC) National Signals Maintenance Training Consortium convened in Dallas, Texas last month, hosted by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the Amalgamated Transit Union’s (ATU) Local 1338. Signals Consortium member agencies include BART, Capitol Metro, CATS, DART, GCRTA, LACMTA, Maryland MTA, Metra, Metro Transit, NFTA, PATCO, SacRT, SEPTA, Sound Transit, and VTA.

 

During the meeting, subject matter experts (SMEs) reviewed five interactive troubleshooting scenarios and modules for new track circuits and microprocessor technologies. The consortium group also determined the scope of work for 2024, which includes reviewing three priority 100-level courses (AF Track Circuits, Crossings, and Switch Machines) for updates and technical editing. The group will work together towards creating a standardized refresher training program, including the frequency and type of training and assessments.

 

Along with the scope of work for 2024, the consortium will continue assisting member locations in implementing training programs through course customization and Train-the-Trainer sessions. The Signals Consortium comprises 15 public transportation agencies and their unions who have worked with ITLC to develop over 400 hours of instructional material, draft an apprenticeship framework, and share best practices. The resulting program has been recognized by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as a model training program under FRA Part 243–Minimum Training Standards.

 

Visit ITLC’s Transportation Learning Network for courseware samples, and contact ITLC’s Project Manager of Instructional Design Julie Deibel-Pundt for more information.