Los Angeles Metrolink trains to be equipped with ATS technology

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Metrolink board announced on Friday that it will adopt a "safety first" policy by installing automatic train stop (ATS) technology in all Metrolink trains in Los Angeles.

The interim measure was aimed at avoiding a repeat of the Sept.12 fatal crash of a Metrolink commuter train near Chatsworth, some50 kilometers northeast of downtown Los Angels, the board said.

Operator error is being investigated as the possible cause of the Sept. 12 collision between a Metrolink train and a Union-Pacific freight train that killed 25 people and injured more than 100 others.

The board said it also approved the creation of a safety review committee composed of industry experts who will create short- and long-term recommendations for safety improvements.

The ATS technology will be used as a stopgap measure while the transportation agency pursues plans to implement the more advanced and expensive positive train control technology as soon as possible, according to Metrolink officials.

Automatic train stop technology uses receivers placed about 100feet before each warning signal that a conductor must acknowledge within eight seconds, similar to turning off a home security alarm.If the conductor fails to do so, the technology automatically causes the train to slow to a stop.

ATS technology is currently available on about 10 percent of Metrolink routes, according to agency officials.

Positive train control technology, a more sophisticated system, uses global positioning systems on locomotives and automatic control systems to override human errors.

Congress on Wednesday approved a train safety bill that requires positive train control technology to be on all passenger trains and freight trains that transport hazardous materials by 2015.

Metrolink officials said they don't intend to wait that long.