Railway Age’s Next-Gen Train Control (NGTC) Conference—presented jointly with Parsons—will bring together communications and signaling professionals from across North America to explore the most recent industry projects and the future of the sector. On Friday, Oct. 18, the conference will open with an address from Carl Walker, Vice President Engineering, C&S, PTC and Dispatch Systems at CSX.
CSX’s network, including traditional rail and intermodal businesses, encompasses about 20,000 route miles of track in 26 states, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The company is dedicated to implementing advanced technologies to improve safety, customer service, sustainability, network velocity and productivity.
In his opening address, Walker will discuss CSX’s overall innovation strategy, demonstrating how the integration of cutting-edge solutions benefits operations and the customer experience.
Announced this past December, the Class I railroad is upgrading its PTC system with next-generation hardware and software. “PTC continues to evolve as an unprecedented system of advanced technologies to enhance safety on lines that carry passenger trains and certain hazardous materials,” said CSX, which operates 850 to 1,100 trains a day on PTC-equipped track. This upgrade represents the continuous evolution of CSX’s strong PTC framework. Adoption of updated hardware works hand-in-hand with the implementation of additional technologies: the next generation of GPS modules, increased dispatch system capabilities, and inspection drones, just to name a few.
Walker’s address will reveal how CSX utilizes teamwork to integrate technology across multiple platforms throughout a complex freight, passenger, and commuter rail network.
Meet the Speaker
Carl Walker is Vice President of Engineering C&S, PTC & Dispatch Systems at CSX Transportation and has been with the Class I railroad 25 years. Walker’s responsibilities encompass CSX’s use of a variety of advanced technologies in the safety, operations, mechanical and maintenance-of-way areas. Positive Train Control, train dispatching, communications and signaling, data communications, track inspection, and wayside fault detection all fall under his direction. Walker is currently on the AREMA Board of Governors. Prior to his tenure at CSX, Walker served in the U.S. Navy for more than two decades.
The NGTC 2024 Conference
Railway Age’s Next-Gen Train Control (NGTC) Conference, presented jointly with Parsons, has been the global rail industry’s single-most important communications and signaling and advanced-technology event since 1995.
NGTC 2024 gives C&S and IT professionals an ideal environment for sharing lessons-learned with industry peers. Presentations from engineers, project managers and more will offer in-depth technical information and comprehensive updates on CBTC and PTC projects, as well as artificial intelligence-based technologies utilized to enhance efficiency and safety. Between sessions, participants can widen connections and develop business relationships during networking breaks. NGTC 2024 is an essential gathering for all those involved in signaling and train control—whether your focus is transit, main line passenger, or freight.
Supporting Organizations
NCTC 2024 is supported by Parsons, Piper, 4AI Systems, HNTB, BOSSPAC, and Princeton Consultants.
Sponsorships are still available for NGTC 2024. Contact Jonathan Chalon, Publisher, at jchalon@sbpub.com or 212.620.7224.
