Fairport, N.Y.-based RailComm said Friday, Feb. 18, 2015 the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's AirTrain JFK now has more third rail heaters in place remotely controlled using RailComm technology.
RailComm made the announcement as AirTrain JFK, serving John Fr. Kennedy International Airport in New York, endured the coldest day of the winter season thus far.
The company said the improvements are "part of a multiphase remote heater control project" put in plae without service interruption. AirTrain JFK provides transfer points with both MTA Long Island Rail Road and MTA New York City Transit subway service.
Thee heaters are being controlled via RailComm's DOC® System, with communication being handled with a combination of RADiANT® and RADiX® serial radios. Through the DOC's graphical user interface, authorized users are able to control the operation of all remotely equipped heaters, as well as monitor the operations of the element.
When heating elements present a failed condition, the system generates alarms on the user interface so action can be taken to fix the issue before it affects train movement, RailComm noted.
Remotely controlled heating elements allow Air Train to only run its heaters when absolutely necessary. This cuts down on energy cost and helps reduce the time railroad employees must spend along the track, the company said.
Bombardier Transportation operates AirTrain JFK under contract to the Port Authority.