Which condition must be in place before a train may enter PTC territory?

Which condition must be in place before a train may enter PTC territory?

• A. A working PTC-equipped locomotive on the point, or explicit authorization
• B. The train must be on a downgrade
• C. The air brakes must be released
• D. The speed must be under 15 mph

Answer: (A)

Before entering PTC territory, the train must be protected by the PTC system. That protection comes from either a working PTC-equipped locomotive at the front, which can receive authority and enforce speed and signal compliance, or from explicit authorization from the dispatcher to enter under alternative safeguards when a PTC-equipped lead isn’t present. The lead locomotive carries the PTC equipment that ensures the train follows the authorized movement and automatically applies brakes if needed to prevent collisions or over-speed. Without one of these protections, entering PTC territory would lack the automatic safeguards that keep trains coordinated and safe.

Before entering PTC territory, the train must be protected by the PTC system. That protection comes from either a working PTC-equipped locomotive at the front, which can receive authority and enforce speed and signal compliance, or from explicit authorization from the dispatcher to enter under alternative safeguards when a PTC-equipped lead isn’t present. The lead locomotive carries the PTC equipment that ensures the train follows the authorized movement and automatically applies brakes if needed to prevent collisions or over-speed. Without one of these protections, entering PTC territory would lack the automatic safeguards that keep trains coordinated and safe.