News

Signals Training Consortium Works on Courseware Development in Conjunction with SmartRail Conference

Posted November 2014

The Signals Training Consortium held its fourth full meeting last week, October 27-31, 2014, in Charlotte, NC The consortium brings together 20 public transportation agencies and their unions from across the country to create a standardized training program for signal maintainers.

To Consortium is strongly on schedule, with seven courses already finalized covering the introduction and overview of the signals subsystems of track circuits, switches, train stops and grade crossings as well as the inspection and maintenance of track circuits, switch and train stops.  At this productive three day meeting, consortium members:

*  Peer reviewed 10 courseware modules
*  Started inspection and maintenance content for signaling and
    interlockings
*  Set minimum requirements for taking equipment into and out of service
*  Fleshed out learning objectives for Power Distribution (solar, etc.)
*  Planned the next four pilots
*  Discussed sustainability plan - new member payment plans
*  Agreed to include consortia format training materials as a part of OEM
    specifications
*  Agreed on refined review approach

In addition, the consortium increased its visibility in the industry by taking part in the SmartRail conference through two presentations: one led by Center Deputy Director Jack Clark and Program Manager of Instructional Design, Julie Deibel and one which was a panel of four subject matter experts involved in courseware development:  Jan Marie Hagan of MBTA/IBEW103, Jim Acker of SEPTA/TWU 234, Melvin Clark of Austin Capital Metro and Harry Bauman of Long Island RR.

For more pictures from the meeting and the SmartRail panel, visit the centers Facebook page.  For more information on the signals training consortium, contact Mark Dysart.