News Releases

Safety

Union Pacific Reports Second Quarter Positive Train Control Progress

Omaha, Neb., August 30, 2017

Union Pacific continues to make strides implementing positive train control (PTC). Accomplishments in the second quarter 2017 include:

  • Preparing 27 additional track segments for PTC operations, bringing the total number of track segments to 104 (56% complete). These 27 track segments are equipped with wayside devices (signals, switches and radios) and have defined GPS coordinates, which identify thousands of precise locations for systemwide PTC coordination.
  • Educating more than 3,400 additional employees on PTC operations, bringing the total number of employees trained to about 16,000 (40%). Diverse training materials are tailored to a variety of employee roles, including engineer, conductor, dispatcher, maintenance of way/engineering, mechanical, signal, telecom and information technologies.
  • Increasing by 1,900 the number of route miles in PTC operation, bringing the total number of route miles in PTC operations to 5,864 (34%).

Additional progress includes:

  • 74% of required locomotives are equipped with PTC technology.
  • 87% of required radio towers are equipped with PTC technology.
  • UP’s PTC Safety Plan was approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in April.
  • UP acquired the necessary spectrum to support PTC operations.
Original | PTC 2nd Quarter 2017 Progress Infographic
Second Quarter 2017 System Update

Developing and implementing a PTC system is a multi-dimensional process requiring a cross-functional, systemwide approach. Union Pacific’s PTC system consists of multiple technologies functioning together to constantly monitor and manage train movements. These involve integrating signal and telecom elements; GPS; wayside, base station and locomotive radios; antennas and satellites – all to predict whether the train crew should be alerted to take action or if the technology should take control to slow or stop the train.

Through June 30, Union Pacific:

  • Installed 97 percent, or 16,782 miles, of required route miles with PTC signal hardware.
  • Partially installed PTC hardware on 94 percent of its 5,656 locomotives earmarked for the technology.
  • Equipped 3,193 locomotives with PTC hardware and software.
  • Installed 98 percent of the wayside antennas needed to support PTC along the company’s right of way.

Union Pacific plans to spend approximately $300 million on PTC in 2017 toward the current total estimated $2.9 billion cost.

Original | PTC 2nd Quarter 2017 Progress Map
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. In the past 10 years, 2007-2016, Union Pacific invested approximately $34 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

Media Contact

Raquel Espinoza
402-544-5034
respinoza@up.com
@raquelespinoza