Caltrain Implementing Asset Monitoring Tech at Crossings
The railroad, which provides commuter service along the San Francisco Peninsula, through the South Bay to San Jose and Gilroy (see map, left), reported March 12 that Herzog’s RailSentry critical asset monitoring system “observes” a specific area along the Caltrain right-of-way, analyzes the information received, and alerts dispatchers and Transit Police to any detected potential hazards; the collected data is also used to ensure that “traffic control measures are facilitating smooth traffic flow.”
The system can be used at grade crossings, passenger stations/platforms, bridges, tunnels, rail yards, and areas prone to rockslides, according to Herzog, which explains the technology this way: “RailSentry creates a digital twin of the environment to specify a classification of objects through a multi-sensor solution that monitors and tracks animate and inanimate objects including people, vehicles, bicycles, or backpacks/luggage in and around road crossings, station platforms, and other high-risk sites. Alert notifications can be deployed to locomotive engineers, train dispatchers, security personnel, or emergency services, through messaging applications or integrated warning devices, such as electronic signage and audible alerts.” The technology, it noted, can also be integrated with Positive Train Control and onboard locomotive units. (Scroll down to watch a video overview.)
Caltrain reported that it is implementing a host of safety infrastructure improvements at crossings, in addition to RailSentry, including installing pavement markings and reflective posts, with additional installations planned for this year.
“The technology has already had an impact, helping Caltrain demonstrate the effectiveness of installed safety improvements,” the railroad said. “In January, Caltrain installed solar-powered markers at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing to clearly delineate road lines to prevent cars from turning too far onto the tracks, similar to existing markers at other pedestrian crossings. The installation of the markers comes after the replacement of railroad ties and upgraded concrete panels late last year, which were geared toward providing a smoother crossing for drivers. Prior to these enhancements at the Broadway Burlingame Crossing, Caltrain removed one vehicle every three months from the tracks. RailSentry’s technology revealed that three vehicles per week attempted to turn onto the tracks and ultimately left on their own. Since the installation of the markers in January, there have been zero attempts by vehicles to turn onto the tracks. Caltrain receives regular alerts when vehicles rest on the tracks for longer than expected, providing Caltrain with warnings to properly alert trains if necessary. RailSentry has provided additional information to Caltrain and the City of Burlingame that has led to better signal pre-emption times and traffic control.”
The Broadway Burlingame Crossing is slated to receive additional safety improvements in 2025, including updated paint striping, pavement markings and signage. Caltrain said it will also move signal stop bars and add what it said are flexible, reflective delineator posts to prompt drivers to reduce their speed and help them safely navigate the intersection. It said it has also worked with technology providers to improve navigation instructions around tracks to prevent cars from getting stuck in the crossing.
“Safety is a core value at Caltrain that underlies everything we do,” said Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director of Caltrain, which is owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. “We are committed to delivering safety improvements that will make a difference for our riders and the people that cross our tracks every day.”
In September, Caltrain fully launched its electrified service, transforming the 160-year-old San Francisco-to-San Jose rail corridor from diesel to electric power. Caltrain is now running 23 Stadler Rail-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units). In October, the first full month of electrified service, Caltrain carried 753,000 passengers, marking a 54% increase in ridership over October 2023. Additionally, in February, Caltrain reported teaming with with Camlin Rail on a new automated pantograph inspection system.
