Rockwell Collins announced the launch of ARINC RailwayNet℠, a hosted network and messaging platform for passenger and freight railroads. The new solution is designed to increase safety and reliability in the railroad industry and to help railroads meet the Positive Train Control (PTC) requirements mandated by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Built on the same Rockwell Collins’ mission-critical infrastructure relied upon by aviation customers around the world for more than 80 years, ARINC RailwayNet℠ aims to address the technical challenges of PTC adoption by offering a hosted service to short-line, regional and commuter railroads in North America.
“ARINC RailwayNet leverages Rockwell Collins’ expertise to create a common communication infrastructure for all railroads,” said Denny Lengyel, Vice President, Surface Transportation Systems for Rockwell Collins. “ARINC RailwayNet provides the network connections and office applications required to exchange critical information among Class 1 railroads and their partner short line and commuter railroads. With RailwayNet, Rockwell Collins is helping short line and commuter railroads meet the PTC mandate efficiently, cost-effectively and securely.”
Rockwell Collins also announced that it has received a $4.9 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to help implement the new system. The FRA grant award is being used to provide technical support to participating short line and commuter railroads that need assistance implementing the office and networking segments of a PTC system. The grant is also being used to develop a guide to assist smaller railroads in implementing PTC systems.
Rockwell Collins has been involved with the evolution of PTC since its beginning as Advanced Train Control over thirty years ago. The company’s information management, command and control, and network solutions are used throughout the rail industry.
ARINC RailwayNet is currently available on a subscription basis as a hosted, software as a service (SaaS) solution. PTC messaging from the back office to the locomotive through VHF, cellular and WiFi is available today and additional value added services will be available in the future.
About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative aviation and high integrity solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.