With GE's ITCS, the Future is now for Wireless Train Control
Omaha, Neb. -- May 16, 2005 -- With an installation in Western China and deployment in Michigan, the future is now for GE Transportation's wireless train control technology, Incremental Train Control System (ITCS).
GE Transportation announces its full commercial launch of ITCS at the upcoming Railway Systems Suppliers show (http://www.rssi.org) May 24-26 in Omaha, Neb. With ITCS, GE Transportation is helping Amtrak and China's Ministry of Rail run more trains closer together safely for both passenger and freight trains.
In the 4th Quarter of 2004, GE Transportation announced a contract with China's Ministry of Rail to implement ITCS as a standalone signalling system for both the freight and passenger trains on over 1,000 kilometres of tracking China, making rail more economical to use and maintain. On the passenger side, GE has a proven track record with Amtrak's high speed service in Michigan, making GE Transportation the first to offer wireless train control in
revenue service. Wireless train control has helped Amtrak increase its speed from 79 mph to 90 mph.
Using satellite positioning technology and radio communications, ITCS is a wireless train control technology that transmits signalling and railroad crossing information to a train's onboard computer, safely separating trains and enabling the engineer to more productively adjust speed limits according to track conditions, maintenance and speed restrictions. Ultimately, ITCS helps customers increase train speed by 10 to 40% and significantly increase line capacity. By enforcing track speed limits, signals and temporary speed restrictions, ITCS helps to increase safety by controlling train movement to protect the crew, rail workers, passengers and the general public. ITCS also increases savings with the initial investment at a fraction of the cost and two times the functionality over traditional train control
GE Transportation's global rail business (www.getransportation.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers to the railroad, transit, marine, stationary and mining industries, providing freight and passenger locomotives, motorized systems for mining trucks and drills, railway signalling and communications systems, value-added services and information technology solutions to its customers.
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, and water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs
more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com
Contact
GE Transportation
Shaunda Parks
816-650-1639
Chris Banocy