Future of Rail: CTA Pilots Fiber-Optic Tech for Track Safety

CTA Pilots Cutting-Edge Fiber-Optic Technology to Enhance Track Safety

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is embarking on a pilot program to revolutionize track safety, deploying advanced fiber-optic technology to detect intrusions in real-time. The CTA’s Board has approved an agreement with Sensonic Inc., a global leader in fiber-optic sensing, marking a significant step towards preventing accidents and minimizing delays across the CTA network. This initiative, part of the CTA’s Innovation Studio, aims to leverage innovative technologies to bolster safety on the rail right-of-way (ROW). The ‘What’ involves testing a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system. ‘When’ is now, with the pilot’s feasibility phase underway. ‘Where’ will be determined by locating a suitable test site along the CTA’s existing infrastructure. ‘Why’ is to enhance rider safety, reduce service disruptions, and improve operational efficiency, and ‘How’ is through the deployment of Sensonic’s DAS system, which uses existing fiber-optic cables.

Innovations in Track Maintenance

The core of the pilot program lies in the implementation of a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system. DAS technology utilizes existing fiber-optic cables to monitor acoustic vibrations along the rail tracks. These cables act as highly sensitive microphones, detecting changes in light scattering caused by acoustic vibrations. The system can differentiate between normal train movements and unusual vibrations, such as those caused by a person or object entering the track area. This capability allows for immediate detection of potential hazards, providing real-time alerts to CTA staff and enabling swift intervention. The benefit of the system is its range and scalability; a single device can monitor up to 50 miles of track, making it an economically viable option for large-scale deployment across the CTA network.

Technology Integration and Operational Advantages

A significant advantage of the DAS system is its ability to leverage existing infrastructure. The system will be integrated with the CTA’s existing fiber-optic network, minimizing the need for extensive new installations and reducing associated costs. When an intrusion is detected, the system triggers a real-time alert, providing the CTA staff with actionable intelligence to respond promptly. This real-time detection capability is crucial to mitigating potential accidents and minimizing service disruptions, crucial for an efficient public transit system. The DAS system will be deployed across various operational environments, including elevated tracks, at-grade sections, and subway tunnels, allowing the CTA to assess its performance across a range of operational scenarios.

Feasibility Study and Implementation Strategy

The initial phase of the pilot program will focus on determining the optimal location for system installation. CTA and Sensonic will collaborate to identify a site that offers diverse operational challenges. This assessment includes evaluating the system’s performance across different environments and analyzing its effectiveness in detecting various types of intrusions. The project is funded by a USD 110,700 stipend, disbursed in two phases, supporting the technology’s initial deployment and performance assessment. The pilot program provides a platform for assessing the system’s reliability and establishing its suitability for broader implementation throughout the CTA network.

Sensonic’s Global Expertise

Sensonic Inc. brings extensive international experience to the project, having previously partnered with rail agencies in Austria, Brazil, Czechia, India, Portugal, and Spain. The company’s track record includes successful deployments in diverse environments, detecting intrusions ranging from people and large objects to animals. The application of fiber-optic sensing is a sophisticated approach that is likely to provide reliable and comprehensive data to the CTA, helping them maintain a secure environment for its patrons. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to advancing safety within the rail industry.

Conclusion

The CTA’s pilot program with Sensonic marks a significant step forward in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance track safety and improve service reliability. By using Distributed Acoustic Sensing, the CTA aims to proactively detect track intrusions, minimizing the risk of accidents and reducing service delays. This technology offers significant advantages, including real-time detection capabilities, the use of existing infrastructure, and scalability across the network. If successful, this pilot program could provide a blueprint for the implementation of similar technologies across other transit systems. Furthermore, this initiative reflects the CTA’s broader strategy of embracing innovation to modernize its operations and enhance the overall rider experience. The ongoing data gathering and performance analysis will be crucial in determining the system’s effectiveness. With updates expected later this year, the results will likely shape the future of railway safety and efficiency within the CTA network and beyond.

Company Summary: Sensonic Inc.

Sensonic Inc. is a global leader specializing in fiber-optic sensing solutions for infrastructure monitoring and security applications. Focused on the rail industry, Sensonic provides advanced solutions for detecting and responding to track intrusions, fallen objects, and other potential hazards. Their expertise spans across various geographical regions, offering robust and adaptable solutions to enhance safety and operational efficiency for railway networks worldwide. They have a strong focus on the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including Distributed Acoustic Sensing and artificial intelligence, to enable real-time monitoring and alert systems for their clients.