The benefits of commuter rail are well documented – less traffic congestion, better air quality, fewer road accidents, and more connected communities. Commuter rail is a win for our environment, cities and the economy: for every $1 invested in public transport, $5 is generated in economic returns, much of which flows to the private sector1, 2.
However, the combination of increased operating costs and aging infrastructure means commuter rail operators have to be extremely prudent about investing for the future. On one hand, it’s essential that train operations and track infrastructure are supported with up to date software that will keep passenger rail services running smoothly and efficiently, on the other, any technology investment must be cost-effective without compromising on quality or functionality. It’s a difficult balancing act.
Keeping WES Commuter Rail dispatch on track
The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) has been performing this balancing act for decades. Formed in 1969, TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail services in the Portland, Oregon, region – the transit agency’s exemplary performance and commitment to excellence was recognized with APTA Gold Awards (Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management) in 2023, 2024, and 20253, 4.
In 2009, TriMet launched Oregon’s first commuter rail line, which is also one of the few suburb-to-suburb commuter rail services in the nation. Built at a cost of $161 million, the Westside Express Service (WES) Commuter Rail connects the cities of Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville along 15 miles of track, and also connects to the MAX Light Rail in Beaverton. Trains run every 45 minutes during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
When TriMet decided it was time to upgrade their dispatch system for WES Commuter Rail, they turned to Tracsis for an integrated, smart technology solution.
Tracsis: Rail technology that improves safety and efficiency
TriMet wanted to enhance performance, safety, and customer experience across their commuter rail service. So, they selected the Tracsis E-ACT PTC enabled Centralized Traffic Control Dispatch Software for WES Commuter Rail.
The Tracsis CTC Dispatch and PTC systems improve safety and efficiency by affecting signals in the field in response to dispatch office-generated mandatory directives.
The Tracsis CTC Dispatch system is a traffic control solution for signaled territory which features a highly user-friendly graphic interface. Dispatchers have full visibility across the rail network so they can confidently manage train movement authorities, track protections and transfers. Tracsis CTC enables the dispatch of all types of trains and services from one platform, as well as the control and monitoring of wayside signals, power devices, substations, gates, bridges and any other infrastructure on your mainline and stations.
Developed as a standardized, configurable, off-the-shelf platform rather than one-off systems, Tracsis CTC Dispatch offers robust, proven solutions that evolve over time—while still allowing flexibility for customer-specific needs and scale through modular design and integrations.”
The Tracsis Dispatch solution is equally innovative, configurable, and user-friendly; supporting multiple types of PTC technologies with all dispatcher-required functionality seamlessly integrated into the office segment of the system.
Benefits of Tracsis rail technology include:
High system reliability and performance
Interoperable and easily integrated components
Incorporation of cutting-edge CAD and BOS technologies
Highly configurable, smart, and scalable solutions
Competitive and cost-effective pricing
Highly responsive maintenance and support services
Use your own servers or the Tracsis cloud (SaaS)
Tracsis has been leading the way in rail technology solutions for more than 20 years. Download our brochure to discover more about dispatch technology.
1 https://www.apta.com/news-publications/public-transportation-facts/
2 https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/APTA-FACT-SHEET-Commuter-Rail-Priorities-01.01.2024.pdf