Overview of the Operation for the Proposed Locomotive Worker Identification with Cameras

This paper will present the results of a system added to an active railroad system located in the southern United States. The addition of locomotive transportation worker identification certificate (TWIC) and camera systems in locomotives which prevents unauthorized movement of the locomotives as well as giving the ability to monitor activity associated with each locomotive. The TWIC is a recently implemented requirement for port transportation workers. Forward and aft looking cameras mounted on each locomotive provides further security. A live video feed of the footage locomotive can be accessed via the Internet by authorized personnel and designated agencies. 'Real time' GPS positioning data are provided at specified intervals so the physical location of each locomotive is known at all times. Each engineer on an engine is assigned and issued a technology-based credential (PIN validated) which is used for control of engine start-up, and as an event log of use. The system administrator enrolls each employee at the 'head end' TWIC server. This server networks with the 24 currently active locomotives to populate each locomotives security device with the proper credentials. The system as designed can accommodate more than 100 engines. Upon verification a "valid" read of the credential and PIN entry enables the train engineer to commence with the "start-up" process. As part of this deployment option the team integrated a metropolitan wireless network utilizing technology with GPS capability. All signals from each locomotive for the video and GPS positioning data are monitored by a network operations center.