Protran Technology, a Harsco Rail company, has received an order for railway safety technology from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), operator of the sixth largest rail transit system by ridership in the U.S., the company announced on May 26, 2015.
Protran Technology, which describes itself as "an industry leader in advanced safety technology and warning devices," will provide SEPTA with its Roadway Worker Protection System (RWPS). The system adds a second layer of safety by simultaneously alerting track workers of an approaching train and train operators of worker presence.
“Railway safety is very much on the national agenda, and we are proud to partner with major operators like SEPTA to help safeguard human life,” said Peter Bartek, Harsco Rail Sales Director. “With more than 3,500 of our systems in operation, nothing is more important to us than the goal of protecting workers through leading-edge safety technology.”
With its order, SEPTA becomes one of the first rail transit systems to launch both Positive Train Control (PTC) and RWPS. Earlier this year, Protran’s RWPS was designated an FRA top safety recommendation, along with Protran’s Collision Avoidance for on-track equipment.
Secondary warning systems such as Protran’s have also been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board and required by the California Public Utility Commission. Harsco Rail acquired Protran Technology in March 2015.