Specifications

Concrete Railroad Ties - Able to carry higher axle-weights and sustain higher speeds. Concrete ties have a longer service life and require less maintenance than timber. Initial costs are greater, and as they are heavier, a larger sized ballast is required to both support and hold in place the ties on the road bed.

 

Continuous Welded Rail - Sections of rail are welded together to form one continuous rail that may be several kilometers long. Because there are few joints, the track is very strong, gives a smooth ride, and needs less maintenance. Trains can travel at higher speeds. Continuous welded rails are more expensive to lay, but have lower maintenance costs.

 

Overhead Line Equipment - Installation of overhead catenary on separated lines within urban areas in order to improve efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing noise.

 

ETCS level 1 (or equivalent) - In-cab signalling system superimposed on a line side fixed signalling system. Allows conventional North American freight locomotives to operate on the same track as modern, fast passenger multiple units.

 

GSM-R - A secure platform for voice and data communication. It delivers features such as group calls, voice broadcast, location-based connections, and call pre-emption in case of emergency. This will support applications such as cargo tracking, video surveillance in trains and at stations and grade crossings, and passenger information services.

 

Automatic Train Operation - Grade of Automation level 2, semi-automatic train operation where acceleration and stopping is automated but a driver in the cab starts the train, train speed to be controlled by the signalling system. Under Automatic Train Operation, the Transmission-Based Train Control instructs the train what to do. The computer does everything except opening and closing the doors, starting the train at every station, mending faults and dealing with passengers. If ATO fails the train can be operated in Restricted Manual mode, which means that the train operator can drive the train at 16 kph to the next station, where the train would be taken out of service.

 

Full disabled access - Step free access from street to train carriage, utilizing appropriately pitched ramps and elevators, and platforms flush with the train cars.

 

Loading gauge - Size of the rolling stock permissible to run on the track. With the aim of utilizing the existing rights of way, the existing freight loading gauge AAR plate K will have to be maintained, the passenger loading gauge will be a variant of UIC C.

 

Structure gauge - Minimum clearance for bridges, platforms, tunnels, and other structures. Platform height will be 590mm above the rail head. Tunnels will be constructed on the passenger only routes, clearance will be to UIC C variant. Overhead pantograph on Calgary and Edmonton passenger only track and tunnels to UIC C variant. Elimination of all grade crossings where practicable, and installation of fencing in order to improve safety.