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BNSF and Positive Train Control
BNSF began developing and testing a PTC system before the first Congressional mandate made in 2008. BNSF was the first and only freight railroad to operate PTC starting in 2012 and continues to be the leader in Class I railroad operations with PTC on freight lines. The industry-wide change is arguably one of the most significant changes for railroads – bigger even than the conversion from steam to diesel-powered locomotives.
PTC is a technology overlay of existing train operations that stops trains before certain type of accidents occur. It is a predictive, advanced safety technology designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, enforce speed limits, protect roadway workers and equipment, and ensure trains go through switches safely and efficiently.
The technology uses GPS, Wi-Fi and high-band radio transmission to:
- Determine location, direction and speed of a train
- Warn locomotive engineers of a potential problem
- Take action by stopping the train
Click on the video above to learn more!
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BNSF plans for HazMat training in Idaho
BNSF takes safety very seriously and helping our first responders train is a big part of that effort. This year, BNSF conducted a cold-water boom deployment drill on the Kootenai River in Idaho with first responders in addition to providing a safety briefing to the Kootenai County Local Emergency Planning Committee. In September, BNSF will be with Bonner County, local first responders, and the Montana Rail Link to perform some boom deployment training to practice the new Lake Pend Oreille Geographic Response Plan.
Idaho isn’t the only state where this valuable training is given. In the past 5 years, BNSF has trained a lot of first responders on how to respond to hazardous materials.
- Idaho: 406 trainees
- Oregon: 695 trainees
- Washington: 4,099 trainees
Are you a first responder and interested in training? Visit
www.bnsfhazmat.com
to sign up!
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Tacoma Rainiers, USO Northwest and BNSF support WA military families
BNSF Railway teamed up with Tacoma Rainiers and the USO Northwest (United Service Organizations) to take local military families out for a game in their USO Heroes Suite. The Rainiers partner with USO Northwest and local organizations to provide a completely free, family-friendly luxury suite experience for local military organizations. BNSF is a proud sponsor.
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Spokane Training
In August, BNSF teamed up with the Spokane Police Department and other local first responders for a day of training. The attendees learned about rail safety and methods for addressing an emergency response on or near the rails. What really seemed to stand out during the training day was the “hands on orientation” of the rail equipment. Especially how the equipment operates, and the numerous danger zones present while working in close proximity to rail equipment.
Thank you to everyone who attended this day of training and for all that you do every day to keep our communities safe.
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BNSF Railway Foundation supports local organizations
- The BNSF Railway Foundation provided a grant to the Southwest Region EMS and Trauma Care Council. This grant was used to send 11 students in the Southwest Region to Emergency Medical Responder training during the 2016-2017 training year. All 11 students successfully completed training on 6/30/2017 and are now completing their field work which will allow them to be fully certified as Emergency Medical Responders.
- BNSF Railway Foundation provided a $10,000 grant toward CDM Services’ new “Aging with Dignity” capital campaign. CDM Services is working to create a new facility in Vancouver, Washington to support senior citizens, those with disabilities and veterans.
- BNSF Railway was a sponsor this year for the Seattle Art Museum’s Community and Family program. Covering six different days of events. This program includes community nights out, family festivals, workshops, and field days. To learn more about the upcoming Off the Walls: Community Day event on September 16th, click HERE.
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BNSF volunteers help food bank get a needed make over
The Tukwila Pantry in Washington state got a makeover last month with help from about 20 BNSF volunteers. The food bank had been looking at ways to better serve their clients through a self-select system where clients choose their own food.
Tukwila Pantry provides food and hot meals to about 400 needy families from Tukwila, SeaTac and Burien each week.
Read more about the food bank and the work our volunteers were able to help with by clicking
HERE
.
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KC Industrial Waste Program awards BNSF the Gold for Interbay Facility
Each spring, King County Industrial Waste recognizes facilities that have done an excellent job maintaining compliance and preventing pollution. The Clean Water Gold Award honors facilities that have had no violations or late reports during the year. BNSF is proud to have received this award for our Seattle Interbay Facility for 2016.
Learn more about the other winners and the program by clicking
HERE
.
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Rail Stats: D
id you know?
- US intermodal was up 5.6% in July 2017 from July 2016
- Year to date, intermodal has seen 7,951,027 containers shipped
- Each year, the nation’s integrated transportation network of trains, trucks and barges efficiently delivers 54 tons of goods for every American. As the heavy hauler, freight rail plays an essential role.
- Towson University’ Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), commissioned by AAR, found earlier this year that freight rail created $274 billion in economic activity, generated nearly $33 billion in state and federal tax revenues and supported nearly 1.5 million jobs nationally in 2014 alone.
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Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452
To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.
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Have a Question for Us?
Do you have a question about BNSF or rail in the Pacific Northwest that you would like addressed in future issues of Inside Track? Send them to
[email protected].
We welcome your feedback and ideas!
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