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AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION

APTA 2012 Rail Conference

Session List

June 3-6, 2012, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion

CFP = session in the call for papers INV = invitation session (not call for papers)

Page Tracksas of November 14, 2011

1Track 1: Technical Forums

4Track 2: Operations

6Track 3: Safety and Security

7Track 4: Planning, Sustainability,and Finance

9Track 5: Capital Projects

11Track 6: Management and Policy

Track 1: Technical Forums

  • Major Transit Agencies Move to Driverless Operation
    Fully automated operations worldwide

Increasingly around the world, there is a movement toward full driverless operation by some of the world's leading transit authorities. These include re-signaling and re-tooling existing lines to operate in full automated operation (even if the line is not fully driverless) as seen in operation in London, Paris, and New York, and in construction of new lines that are fully driverless, such as in Singapore and Sao Paulo among other systems.Join this session to learn more about all the issues, including safety and security.

CFP - APTA member Andy Robbins, APTA staff Kevin Dow

  • Traction Power

Technologies to move trains

Abstracts are requested regarding new ideas and technologies for practices, systems applications and problem-solving involving any of the following: new traction power relay protection schemes; ground fault detection and isolation; advanced energy storage systems; internet SCADA systems; total traction power control by microprocessors; system thermal considerations; other new or emerging technologies and their application to the general traction power industry; and IEEE Traction Power and Contact System Standards development.

CFP - member Steve Bezner, staff Lou Sanders

  • Communications Systems

The challenges of implementing new technology and making systems work 24/7

Communications systems pose technological and operational challenges that includethe need for systems to work in all conceivable scenarios and constantly changing users; requirements; industry standards; market environments; experiences in narrowbanding for land mobile systems (two-way radios used most often in communicating with fleet vehicles that were mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to change from 25 kHz radio channels to narrowband 12.5 kHz channels by January 1, 2013); the attacks on global positioning systems (GPS) and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC); and the status of the Joint Council on Transit Wireless Communications (transitwireless.org). Operators and suppliers are encouraged to submit abstracts that discuss the lessons learned.

CFP - member Barry Einsig, staff Lou Sanders

  • Signal Systems

Reliability, maintenance, flexibility, integration

The operation of signal systems and the needs required for the next generation should be the topics of the abstracts submitted. Include any of the following: issues related to the reliability of signal systems in daily operation, maintenance requirements, technical training, systems flexibility, and integration with automated train maintenance centers. Where are we with Audio Frequency Track Circuits (AFTC)?

CFP - member Robert MacDonald, staff Lou Sanders

  • Implementing the PTC Technology – Technical Issues (PTC Part 2)

Procurement and deployment of your agency’s Positive Train Control system

While work continues on the final interoperability standards procurement and deployment, plans must go forward. This session will address many technical issues that need resolution, including lessons learned in implementation, System test experience, and discussion of the question, “Where are the 220 radios?”

(For PTC Part 1 about institutionalissues, please see the Management & Policy track.)

CFP - member Robert G. Ayers, staff Lou Sanders

  • Emerging Technology

Examining the unique issues in rail environments

New technology is exciting for the promise it brings – lower costs, efficient operations, etc. –but the rail environment is unique and many new technologies fail to achieve their goals. In this session, debating panelists will examine several new technologies and their application to the rail environment. From clean tech to the latest wireless tech to creative fare payments to military and security technology, each of these new-to-the-world or new-to-public-transportation technologies will be examined for their potential benefits, the issues with bringing them into the rail environment, and success strategies to ensure proper implementation and adoption. Abstracts are requested to address these challenges.

CFP - member Jonathan McDonald, staff Lou Sanders

  • Developing a Multi-Modal Operations Control Center

Notes: Invite SEPTA, MBTA, Cleveland. SEPTA recommended because it has a great OCC on one floor. Ron Hopkins changed business processes; some systems buy the technology but do not change their business process. MARTA is headed in that direction. MBTA had train control in one location and traction power in another location. OCCs are changing, bringing traction power into control center. Review from operations approach; what are the advantages and how coordination with the other modes works. Standards. Lessons learned.

INV - member Dave Oglevee, staff Greg Hull

  • Elevators and Escalators

O & M and procurement programs to minimize costs and down time

As middle-aged systems begin to need major overhauls and as new systems are put in place, rail agencies face challenges with keeping systems operatingefficiently while minimizing down-time and the repair costs. With current APTA standards in place, APTA is requesting abstracts on what new specifications, maintenance practices and contracting models may be needed to provide better consistency in design and lower costs for maintenance and procurement.What are the main challenges? What maintenance programs are working and in which type of property?

members Patrick Welch, Ed LaGuardia, staff Martin Schroeder

CFP & INV - members Patrick Welch, Ed LaGuardia, staff Martin Schroeder

Ideas: WMATA, MARTA, BART – the middle aged systems (30 yr) TTC retrofitting in-house. Issues: O & M. Current challenges. Design considerations. Contracting. Still no standards. Covering the escalators.

  • Energy, Environment & Rail

Wayside & onboard energy conservation and regeneration

Papers are sought in the areas of energy efficiency and utilization of new energy related technologies and operating practices. What new energy storage technologies are evolving and how are they finding their way into onboard and wayside systems? What are ongoing studies showing regarding the effectiveness of energy storage and the projected payback periods and life-cycle costing model projections including the influence of electric utilities’ need for power quality control? What renewable technologies are being advanced now and in the near future that may finally result in major applications within infrastructures.

CFP - members Dave Oglevee, Dave Springstead, staff Martin Schroeder

Notes: Look at more energy efficient operations overall. SEPTA storage battery in stations. Is anyone working with electric suppliers to manage on an ongoing basis? Utilities want to shave their peaks; any way rail agencies could help them to do that? Include wayside, onboard, Dallas DART-Tim McKay re: wayside, Denver, MARTA, energy conservation/regeneration and fuel. LA Metro-solar canopy project.

  • Crash Energy Management

Design for protection

Abstracts are sought on the designs of rail vehicles incorporating new specifications for crashworthiness such as new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Tier-I waiver and Tier-III alternative approaches. How have these new specifications affected the overall design philosophy? Similar topics are sought on light and heavy rail vehicles and the use of U.S. standards for crashworthiness including protection from side impacts and consideration of fire protection strategies. Abstracts are also requested on methods that demonstrate control of vehicle-override in a collision at low and higher closing speeds for both compatible and incompatible vehicles.

CFP & INV – staff Martin Schroeder

Notes: Metrolink (SCRRA) new cars (120 mph speeds, does CEM work after 40 mph?) – also front & side impacts for light rail vehicles; cars in Denton County about to receive an FRA waiver. Crashworthness - standards and outcome of engineering task force were offered this year.

  • Streetcars Part 1 – Guidelines in Design

Procuring modern vehicles

Abstracts are requested on the development of guidelines for procuring modern streetcars, including physical infrastructure and vehicle design considerations. Abstracts are also sought on the practical application of wireless and off-wire propulsion vehicles with specific analysis of life-cycle costing models, including duty cycle and on-board heating and cooling demand implications.

CFP – member James Graebner, staff Martin Schroeder

  • Streetcars Part 2 – Interoperability

Light rail and streetcars in the same operating environment

Abstracts are sought on the implications and challenges of sharing the operation of streetcars with light rail train-sets within portions of an alignment. Technical analyses are sought on the selection of station spacing, on operation of OCS systems, and the effect of physical differences associated with vehicle performance and structural integrity.

CFP – member James Graebner, staff Martin Schroeder

  • Rolling Stock Equipment Part 1 – Fleet Asset Management and SGR

Maintenance programs that stretch the asset life of rail vehicles

Abstracts are sought in areas addressing the challenges of doing more with less and achieving/maintaining a state of good repair (SGR) for rolling stock. (A separate session in the Planning track will address asset management and SGR for fixed assets.) Topics include the pros and cons of different maintenance approaches, methods to stretch budgets and asset life, models for continuous maintenance programs, optimizing the operation and managing the obsolescence of parts and equipment, etc.

CFP – members Al Scala,Gavin Fraser, staff Martin Schroeder

  • Rolling Stock Equipment Part 2 – Vehicle Technology & Procurement

Staying ahead in vehicle performance

APTA is requesting abstracts on the implementation of new technologies for vehicles and subsystems, including discussions of new advancements on the horizon. What new materials and manufacturing technologies are emerging for fabrication of car shells? What innovations in the automotive industries such as the use of nano-materials might be beneficial in railcar fabrication and material property enhancements? Abstracts are also sought on new railcar procurements documenting vehicle performance and characteristics including dual-mode equipment, locomotives, subway cars, and diesel multiple units.

CFP – members Al Scala,Gavin Fraser, Paul Messina, staff Martin Schroeder

Rolling stock notes: Fleet/Asset Management/State of Good Repair doing more with less, stretch budgets and asset life; different approaches to car maintenance (Acela continuous maintenance program, NYCT/BART SMS approaches);involvement of suppliers in the maintenance effort, managing obsolescence of parts; new tech cars – training, planning mini-overhauls, get right parts, tools, equipment, cars coming off warranty; include FTA standards program. There is another SOGR session on fixed assets-see planning track. Vehicle Procurement Updates panel discussion, what’s new/different. New BART cars, SMART DMUs, Stadler GTW FRA waiver, SFRTA locos, WMATA 7K and approach to Buy America compliance, Amtrak elocos – INV? Vehicle Technology what is new and different with technology at the vehicle level as well as with subsystems; hybrid diesel-electric locomotive (NJ Transit dual mode equipment; Bombardier’s Robert Furniss contacted by Paul Messina; Montreal); DMU technologies/diesel emissions technology – CFP? Include in either procurement updates or vehicle technology sessions:Light rail: LA & Houston will select their procurements by June; MBTA new Green Line cars; Honolulu made a selection ( there is a protest.);R-179 supplier, BART ordering 1000 cars; WMATA Miami may award contracts.; Amtrak procurement ; Denton County cars arriving ; Streetcars: Seattle, Cincinnati, DC ; TTC will have a year of experience on the new rocket ;Stadler bringing a GTW to EXPO. Sharyo bringing a car; CTA 5000 series rapid transit car (Bombardier’s Robert Furniss); GO Transit; Metro North M8s.

  • Track and Rail Research: Embedded Track

Making choices among design variations

Papers are sought on the application of embedded track design plus the effectiveness and potential benefits of various rail design approaches including use of block-rail as an alternative to girder rail and tee-rail. What experience has been gained with rail design variations for embedded track designs?

CFP – m ember Rick Brown, staff Martin Schroeder

  • Noise and Vibration Mitigation: Track Infrastructure

Applying floating slab track designs

Papers are sought on the application of floating slab track designs as a noise mitigation measure. What is the experience with the effectiveness of this design and its variants and what new projects are being planning that will incorporate floating slab designs?

CFP – member Steve Wolfe, staff Martin Schroeder

  • Fare Collection Architectures for Mobile Phones

Information on the technical aspects for early adopters

Abstracts are sought that address new architecture models for mobile phone applications including those that promote competition within the payment space. Abstracts are also sought on technologies for use in ticketed transit systems (such as commuter and proof-of-payment systems) and integration architectures that can provide an interface between a variety of mobile wallets and both current and future rail fare collection systems.

CFP –lead staff Martin Schroeder, support Bill Baum

Track 2: Operations

  • Fitness for Duty

An essential component for safe travel

All rail agencies are dedicated to providing safe, dependable and efficient transportation passenger services. To achieve this, each agency has strategies and measures in place to ensure that its employees are fit for the essential duties of their job at all times without posing a health or hazard risk to themselves, other workers, and the traveling public. Abstracts are requested regarding how agencies are dealing with issues such as fitness for duty, fatigue, hours of service, health and wellness programs, and related matters.

CFP - lead staff Charles Joseph, support Bill Grizard

  • Rail Service During Special Events and Extreme Weather

Hurricanes, floods, Super Bowl – serving during peaks and stress

Abstracts are invited that discuss how rail systems are serving riders during challenging or difficult times such as when extreme weather hits the area and also how they have developed strategies for coping with large crowds after special events. Examples are when hurricanes or flooding occurs, also how to deal with routine crowds for sporting and other major events.

Notes: Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth – Mavericks and Super Bowl, NY/NJ summer floods – suggested by commuter rail CEOs

CFP & INV- staff Charles Joseph

  • Maintenance Practices for Reliability

Appreciating that safe, reliable service comes from consistently good practices in the maintenance department

With assistance from many in our industry, APTA has developed standards and recommended practices for rail system maintenance and inspection of vehicles and facilities. Please submit your abstracts to tell your story of how your maintenance practices have helped your system achieve a high level of safety and efficiency for passengers and employees. New programs, incentives, reorganization, innovative parts departments and systems, and everyday diligence should be recognized.

CFP & INV- staff Charles Joseph

  • Rail Standards

Consensus in the industry

Standards for rail transit and commuter rail have become an important program activity at APTA and in the public transportation industry where hundreds of volunteers have served on numerous working committees. Abstracts should discuss how your agency has used standardsto achieve operational efficiencies and safety improvements in services facilities and vehicles.

CFP & INV lead staff Charles Joseph, support Jeff Hiott

  • Rail Operating Practices

Reshaping service with new procedures, learning from the best

APTA is calling on its members to share their best, new ideas for this session on rail operating practices.Share your ideas with your peers so that other agencies can enhance their operations as well. Your colleagues will want to learn from your innovations. What new ideas have improved your rail operating practices or your rail service? How have you reshaped your rail operation with improved procedures and methods?Your solution may be applicable industry wide.

CFP & INV – staff Charles Joseph

  • Fare Policy, Collection & Media

Open payment systems, regional application of smartcards and more

Smart cards ─ agency-issued farecards and bank-issued credit/debit cards ─ are increasingly being used at metropolitan and regional agencies as a means of integrating different fare policies and payment options to offer seamless transfers between modes and authorities. Abstracts are requested that discuss payment integration and the rationale and policy debates associated with the use of transit-only cards and open-payment systems with credit/debit cards.