Rail carriers are enthusiastically embracing autonomous rail inspection technologies, with the goal of improving safety by having real-time data on track conditions. CSX has prominently conducted this for several years on its I-95 corridor route (former Reading, B&O, Pennsylvania, RF&P, and Atlantic Coast Line trackage) using a waffle-sided boxcar, prominently displaying "DO NOT HUMP" lettering, which contains scanning equipment that collects and transmits data on the track as it moves in the consist of Intermodal trains I031 and I032.
A newcomer to this is OmniTrax's Central Texas and Colorado River Railway, a 67.5-mile line whose heritage dates to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. According to Progressive Railroading, CTXR is now utilizing Argus Track Measurement Technology, a product of Holland, L.P. to provide track monitoring. The expansion of this technology comes as the railroad industry is seeking to make autonomous track inspections a regular part of its daily operations, and is facing opposition from union groups who want to maintain the status quo.
Editor's Take: The idea that government and unions would block the implementation of this technology is preposterous, when you realize that carriers can obtain real-time data on track problems and dispatch well-paid human beings to further examine and repair problems. By contrast, the current system only provides info when an inspector can get to a particular location. This is a no brainer.
-Phil
Photo Credit: OmniTrax via Progressive Railroading