In “'Positive Train Control' could haveprevented US derailment” (2015), the author said that the technology which might decrease “the cause of a fatal train derailment in the US city” is Positive Train Control: “PTC is a digital system that allows trains to communicate with each other and can automatically stop or slow the train if danger is detected.”; this system “monitors regional speed limits, works zones and other operational data using Wifi, GPS, and radio transmissions”. The PTC can help to stop a train “if sensors on the train and along the railway notice that the train is moving too fast or heading into a danger zone.” However, it needs times for the installation and training employee.
The traditional way to control a train is a railway signal beside railway line which shows a light or some lights in different direction for different meaning that is the role of the train-drivers to notice the signal which may give a warning or allow increasing speed, of course, the signals are controlled by monitors who operate railway at the center and can track every train where it is.
After I read this article, I try to think that how State Railway of Thailand controls all train. The signal system is a main one which we can see many signal displays along railway lines, but I am not sure that GPS is used in controlling the trains or not. Generally, the train crews are in charge of a train by themselves while the train is operating. As we have known, the railway in Thailand is single track. Therefore, a main problem which the crews have to concern is train crash; however, this disaster is hardly occurrence compared with other problems, such as, broken train or defective railway.
By the way, Thai government has many plans to extend the railway to support the transportation network of AEC and another main reason of extension is to be a leader of trading nation in Southern Asia. Apart of plans is construction of double tracked railway which I absolutely agree more than other plans. Although there has already been a bid on some parts of this project, the project is still not official.
I cannot assume when the double track project or any project about train will be finished, but I expect that State Railway of Thailand will use the Positive Train Control system because it not only provide safety, but it also help to track where it is or when it arrives.
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After I read this story I felt so happy and hopeful with new generation will be save train crash accident. Train crash other train in Thailand cause driver who usually take a nap lose control a train. If State Railway of Thailand get PTC system,I believe we can decease a disaster.
ReplyDeleteI agreed with P'Por. This system will help prevent the train crash like Philadephia's train.
DeleteI do agree that Thai government decided to construct the high speed train but it would be better if they extend the route to the South of Thailand too. It would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand,the most important problems of Thai Railways are to arrive at the destination too late and are too dirty. I think if they fix these problems, I'm pretty sure that Thai railways should be the right choice to pick when I travel.
I agree with you , why the government don't allow to construct any high speed route to the south? it has many attractions ,and Phuket, Hadyai or Krabi also as popular as Chiangmai or Phattaya. so I think if there has some speed route, it can gain more money from tourists and it will be good for everyone.
DeleteI do agree that the route of southern Thailand will attract many tourists to travel. By the way, I think that Thai government also plan to construct the high speed route to the south , but the main reason of the high speed train is trading agricultural goods and exportation that the most area of industrial estates and farmlands have been located in Northern and Eastern Thailand. Therefore, the route of Northern and Eastern Thailand are allowed to construct before.
DeleteI like the specific details that Pui includes in her comment. They are interesting in themselves, and add useful explanation for her larger idea here.
DeleteYour blog post make me think that when does Thailand have public transportation like train that cover all province? I think if we have train that can go almost everywhere in country, it would help our economic, tourism and traffic better. I like train transportation in Japan and England very much, it is convenient and fast. I can use it all the time when I traveled there.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you. If there is train system cover all province of Thailand , It would be comfortable and convenient for both Thai people and foreigners.
DeleteThere is recent news about a very old women who had faint while walking across trail railway and the train almost hit her. Fortunately, train driver could stop the train in time so she was safe. This innovation could prevent this kind of situation. Very interesting!
ReplyDeletePersonally , I am not sure that sensors of PTC system can detect human like your case , but it is able to stop a train promptly.
DeleteWhen I read this article, PTC is a good system that should be really applied for railway of Thailand for many reason. The first is that the railway is quite bad system and have many train accident. The second is that the train is one ways to promote tourism in our country. Because, compared to other public transportation, train is still safer and if the train is improved and use good control system, it will encourage the people to use it and will be alternative choices for traveling.
ReplyDeleteNow Thai government concentrates on it and try to make a connection with China to build railway to link to distance areas. Moreover, many organizations support and give some scholarship for interested people to learn about it and apply the knowledge for the development of our country.
I am really glad to heard that there are many organizations support this project because they will force it happen faster.
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