Tracking Trains in Houston FAdC® and RSR180

Houston MetroRail, or METRO for short, is comprised of three light-rail lines totaling 22 miles. Two-car, low-floor trainsets are powered by overhead catenary and operated on a mix of rail types, including embedded, grooved, concrete, and ballasted track. Extreme heat, humidity, and storms that produce heavy rain and flooding are typical in Houston. The combination of severe weather and the variable track structure presented significant challenges to the reliability of wheel sensors at the core of METRO’s signaling system. The previously installed equipment was unable to handle these conditions and malfunctions were commonplace, which led the operator to explore alternate solutions. The need for significant improvements in uptime, availability & safety became more apparent as Houston began preparations to host Super Bowl LI, which would take place in early 2017. The expected influx of approximately 700,000 visitors would greatly increase the burden on the already troubled METRO system.