Metrolink Matters Metrolink invited fifth grade students from Castelar Elementary School in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles to learn how Metrolink uses satellites in space to help keep trains safe here on Earth in honor of National Space Day today.
National Space Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the exploration and use of space. The goal of National Space Day is to promote math, science, technology and engineering education for young people and to inspire them to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
With the goals of National Space Day in mind, the students learned how train agencies, like Metrolink, harness new technologies to keep trains running safely. This technology is known at Positive Train Control (PTC), the life-saving technology that uses satellites to monitor trains through GPS to ensure they are traveling at safe speeds, prevent collisions, derailments and other issues that may occur in the event of human error.
After hearing a bit about PTC, the students had a chance to try some hands-on learning with technology. Each student was able to try our PTC simulator that our engineers use for training by standing in their shoes. The students were able to see and hear what engineers do while operating trains, what could happen if they miss a signal or speed limit and how PTC will step in to safely stop their train.
To learn more about PTC and how Metrolink is a leader in this life-saving, space technology, visit our PTC Information Page.
Good idea !!!