Metro Am

Front 1

Absolute Block – (see Block, Absolute)

Back 1

A length of track having defined limits with its occupancy governed by fixed signals or Controller‟s orders.

Front 2

Accident

Back 2

An unforeseen event or occurrence which results in injury or property damage.

Front 3

Accident, Major

Back 3

An accident resulting in major property damage, injury requiring medical treatment away from the scene, fatality, derailment, grade crossing collision or a collision of a rail vehicle with another rail vehicle.

Front 4

Accident, Minor

Back 4

An accident resulting in minor property damage and/or minor, non-life threatening injuries requiring no medical treatment away from the scene.

Front 5

Accident, Preventable

Back 5

Any occurrence involving METRORail equipment or personnel which results in property damage or personal injury that could have been prevented by the proper application of Rules or Procedures or by reasonable action by the person(s) involved in the occurrence.

Front 6

Accidental Uncoupling

Back 6

An unintentional mechanical or electrical separation of two LRV couplers while a train is in motion.

Front 7

Approach Circuit

Back 7

An electrical track circuit in advance of an automatic highway grade crossing which activates crossing devices.

Front 8

Apron

Back 8

The embedded track area outside of the Shop LRV doors.

Front 9

Article

Back 9

A classification in the Employee Performance Code defining the corrective action steps associated with a violation of a work rule, policy, or regulation.

Front 10

Aspect

Back 10

The combination of color and position of a fixed signal light or lights which conveys an indication as viewed by a Train Operator.

Front 11

Audible and Visual Warning Devices

Back 11

Audible warning devices on the LRV such as horn, whistle or gong and visual warning devices such as turn signals and strobe light.

Front 12

Authorized Personnel

Back 12

Personnel who need to be aware of operating rules and procedures, particularly operators, controllers, and their supervisors, and other (employed or contractors) working on or near the right-of-way.

Front 13

Automatic Announcement Control Panel (AACP)

Back 13

A system that enables LRVautomatic passenger announcements broadcast over PA system of next stop information.

Front 14

Automatic Highway Grade Crossing (AHGC)

Back 14

An at grade level crossing of the track with a roadway equipped with automatic warning devices.

Front 15

Automatic Warning Devices

Back 15

Gates, flashers and bells at a grade crossing which are activated by the approach of a train.

Front 16

Axle Counting System

Back 16

A system used to show track occupancy or vacancy by transmitting a pulse to detect passing wheels of a train.

Front 17

Ballast

Back 17

Select material placed onto the rail roadbed for the purpose of holding the track in alignment and profile.

Front 18

Bar Signal – (see Signal, Bar)f

Back 18

A signal which provides information regarding train movement at the intersection, immediately ahead in line-of-sight operation.Bar Signals are two aspect indicators used to govern train movement.

Front 19

Berth

Back 19

A designated place to park and secure an LRV.

Front 20

Block, Absolute

Back 20

A block strictly governed by Control which no other train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train.

Front 21

Block, Manual

Back 21

Limits established by Control/Station Office when fixed signals fail, are not in service or conditions exist which require defined track limits.

Front 22

Block, Permissive

Back 22

A method whereby a Train/Equipment Operator is authorized by Control/Station Office to enter a block already occupied by another train in accordance with specific rules.

Front 23

Block, Test

Back 23

A section of track having specified limits for conducting specific tests as authorized by Control/Station Office.

Front 24

Blue Flag – (see Flag, Blue)

Back 24

A portable blue flag, light or marker placed on or near each end of an LRV or vehicle to protect it against being moved or coupled to another LRV or vehicle.

Front 25

Brake, Panic– (see Brake, Emergency)

Back 25

An irretrievable brake application used for emergency conditions utilizing friction and track brake plus the automatic application of sand. The Emergency Brake is activated by the red “mushroom” button on the operator‟s console. NOTE: The Spin/Slide system is cutout as part of the emergency braking system.

Front 26

Brake, Friction

Back 26

Controlled hydraulic systems applying stopping forces to brake discs on each axle.

Front 27

Brake, Full Service

Back 27

Maximum amount of normal brake applied using dynamic and friction brakes.

Front 28

Brake, Maximum Service

Back 28

Highest level of recoverable braking utilizing dynamic, track and friction brakes. NOTE: The Slip/Slide system and automatic sanding are active.

Front 29

Brake, Track

Back 29

An electro-magnetic brake located between the wheels of each truck which when energized functions through friction contact with the running rail.

Front 30

Brakeman

Back 30

The person designated to ride in a disabled LRV in order to activate the Track Brake circuit breaker, Emergency Mushroom, or „C‟ car friction brake.

Front 31

Braking, Normal Service

Back 31

A combination of friction and dynamic brake used to provide a controlled braking effort.

Front 32

Braking, Dynamic

Back 32

A brake mode which utilizes traction motors operating as generators to provide a controlled braking effort for the LRV.

Front 33

AC (Main) Breaker – (see Breaker)

Back 33

A switching device located inside the Traction Power Substation (TPSS).

Front 34

Three types of breakers

Back 34

1. AC (Main) Breaker

2. DC Main Breaker

3. DC Feeder Breaker

Front 35

AC (Main) Breaker

Back 35

Three (3) phase device that controls alternating current power from Texas utility company supply to the primary side of the substation main power transformer.

Front 36

DC Main Breaker

Back 36

A device used to isolate rectifier output from the substation power bus.

Front 37

DC Feeder Breaker

Back 37

A device used to feed and/or isolate the 750 volts D.C. power from the catenary line section.

Front 38

Bulletin

Back 38

A written instruction issued by the Director of Rail Transportation which contains permanent changes or additions to the rules.

Front 39

Bumping Post

Back 39

Device at the end of a track designed to prevent LRV(s) from leaving the track

Front 40

Bus Bridge

Back 40

The substitution of buses in lieu of Light Rail due to an event that may disrupt rail service.

Front 41

Bypass

Back 41

A means of overriding a specific function

Front 42

Cab

Back 42

The operating compartment of an LRV from which control of a train is achieved

Front 43

Active Cab – (see Cab, Active)

Back 43

The cab that has a key installedin the key selector and in the on position

Front 44

Catenary

Back 44

A system of overhead wires including contact wire, messenger wire and hangers which supplies traction power to the LRV via the pantograph

Front 45

Central Business District (CBD)

Back 45

The section of track on Main Street between Pierce Street and the University of Houston.

Front 46

Command Post

Back 46

A field command center established at the scene of an incident used as a central point for communications, staging and the coordination of activities and assignments.

Front 47

Common Corridor

Back 47

A right of way shared with other modes of transportation.

Front 48

Common Corridor Emergency

Back 48

An emergency condition within the Common Corridor that impacts safe operations.

Front 49

Consis

Back 49

The number and specific identity of LRV(s) that make up a train.

Front 50

Contact Wire

Back 50

The electrical conductor which provides the 750 Volts Direct Current (Vdc) to the LRV through contact with the pantograph

Front 51

Contractor

Back 51

A person or group of people who are authorized by Control to perform work on or near the METRORail alignment for METRO or for the purposes of another company.

Front 52

Rail Controller

Back 52

The designated employee on duty having authority over all train movements and activities occurring on the LRT system.

Front 53

Coupler

Back 53

A device at each end of an LRV used to mechanically and electrically join LRVs.

Front 54

Coupling

Back 54

The process of mechanically and electrically connecting LRVs via the couplers.

Front 55

Crossover

Back 55

Two connected track switches which provide a route from one track to another.

Front 56

Dark Signal – (see Signal, Dark)

Back 56

Any signal which does not display an aspect.

Front 57

Dead-man Control

Back 57

A device incorporated into the master controller and foot pedal which must be held in the operating position before train movement can occur and if released will bring a moving LRV to a stop

Front 58

De-energize

Back 58

To remove electrical power

Front 59

De-railer

Back 59

A device installed to cause rolling equipment wheels to leave the rails and to prevent intrusion into an unauthorized area.

Front 60

Derailment

Back 60

When the tread of a wheel loses normal interface with the ball of the rail.

Front 61

Diamond

Back 61

A track configuration in which merging or crossing railroad lines provide track connections with each other that require trains to cross over in front of opposing rail traffic.

Front 62

Disconnect Switch – (see Sectionalization Switch)

Back 62

A switch used to sectionalize sections of the overhead contact system.

Front 63

3 Types of switches

Back 63

1. By-Pass Switch

2. Disconnect Switch

3. Tie Switch

Front 64

By-Pass Switch

Back 64

A switch, usually pole-mounted, that allows portions of the OCS to be divided into sections smaller than allowed by TPSS mounted switches.

Front 65

Disconnect Switch

Back 65

A switch connected in series with the output of a D.C. Feeder Breaker

Front 66

Tie Switch

Back 66

A switch connected to bypass the output of a TPSS. The switch may also be used to intertie (provide electrical continuity) sections of the OCS for maintenance and grounding purposes.

Front 67

Diverging Movement

Back 67

A train movement from one track to another over a track switch set in the reverse position.

Front 68

Dual Control Switch – (see Switch, Dual Control)

Back 68

A track switch that can be thrown either by hand or by power. When in the power mode, it can be thrown from the Local Control Panel, RailControlCenter or by IBIS

Front 69

Dual Feed

Back 69

A method in which two D.C. Feeder Breakers from adjacent substations are utilized to energize a section of catenary

Front 70

Dwell Time

Back 70

A period of time measured from the time a train stops at a station until the train resumes movement.

Front 71

Dynamic Envelope

Back 71

The space that is occupied by a vehicle as it progresses along the guide-way.

Front 72

Elevated Structure

Back 72

A viaduct/bridge or other steel, concrete or brick above ground structure.

Front 73

Emergency

Back 73

A condition that can result in injury to passengers, the public or employees, damage to the equipment and/or property, or any combination of these circumstances.

Front 74

Emergency Response Incident Commander

Back 74

The designated representative of an emergency response agency in overall command of an emergency scene

Front 75

Emergency Trip Switch (ETS)

Back 75

A switch, mounted on a traction power substation and in various locations throughout the Shop, that when depressed will initiate the emergency removal of traction power in the immediate area.

Front 76

Employee

Back 76

Anyone employed or contracted by METRO.

Front 77

Employee In Charge (EIC)-

Back 77

The person designated to be in charge of a work crew who assumes responsibility for the work crew and work being performed at the work site.

Front 78

Energize

Back 78

To apply electrical power.

Front 79

Evacuation

Back 79

The organized discharge of passengers from a train during unusual conditions.

Front 80

Express Operation

Back 80

Passing a station platform without stopping

Front 81

Facing Point Switch – (see Switch, Facing Point)

Back 81

A track switch aligned such that the switch points face toward an approaching train.

Front 82

Fallback Operator – (see Operator, Fallback)

Back 82

An operator assigned to relieve an arriving train operator at a designated terminal station.

Front 83

Feed Through Condition

Back 83

A condition where an AC breaker and D.C. Main Breaker have been opened and the DC Feeder Breakers remain closed allowing the catenary to be dual fed through the D.C. Feeder bus.

Front 84

Fixed Signal – (see Signal, Fixed)

Back 84

A signal at a specific location along the track area used to indicate conditions of train movement.

Front 85

Flag

Back 85

A device used for relaying information indicating condition of the right-of-way. A light may be used during hours of darkness.

Front 86

Flag, Red

Back 86

A portable red flag, light or marker placed on or near each end of a track indicating the track is out of service or being fouled.

Front 87

Flagger

Back 87

A person assigned to protect workers and equipment on or near the tracks and to ensure the safe passage of trains

Front 88

Flagging Procedure

Back 88

Used when a Temporary Restriction is established over a section of track through which trains will operate at a reduced speed to protect personnel or equipment.

Front 89

Flagging Protection

Back 89

Flags or lights used for the protection of workers or equipment while on or near the track.

Front 90

Flood

Back 90

An amount of water 4 inches or more above the top of the rail.

Front 91

Following Movement – (see Movement, Following)

Back 91

Movement of trains or equipment on a mainline track in close proximity to that of another train.

Front 92

Fouling Point

Back 92

The location on a track beyond which a train/equipment will interfere with train movement on an adjacent track.

Front 93

Frog

Back 93

A track structure used at the intersection of two running rails to provide support for wheels and a passageways for flanges, thus permitting wheels on either rail to cross the other.

Front 94

Grade Crossing Indicator (GCI)

Back 94

A signal used to indicate the condition of grade crossing gate position.

Front 95

Grade Crossing, Intersection

Back 95

An at grade level crossing of the track with a roadway equipped with automotive traffic control devices.

Front 96

Graffiti

Back 96

Unofficial drawings or writings on METRO property.

Front 97

Ground

Back 97

A safety conductor or strap used to “short out” any electrical power to the OCS and to prevent it from becoming accidentally energized.

Front 98

Guard Rail

Back 98

A rail mounted to the inside of the running rail designed to keep the LRV wheels in line or minimize rail wear

Front 99

Hand Signal – (see Signal, Hand)

Back 99

A signal indication used to govern train movement by the motion or position of a person‟s hand and arm.

Front 100

Hanger

Back 100

The vertical dropper wire spaced at regular intervals which suspend the contact wire from the messenger wire.

Front 101

Hazard

Back 101

A condition or set of conditions, internal and/or external to the system or system operation which, when activated can cause injury or death, damage to or loss of equipment or property.

Front 102

Hazardous Material

Back 102

A substance or material that poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property such as explosives, poisonous gas and detonators.

Front 103

Headway

Back 103

The time interval between two trains, both traveling in the same direction on the same track, measured at a specific reference point.

Front 104

Hoist

Back 104

Lifting part of a crane, usually a motor-driven unit.

Front 105

Hot Zone

Back 105

An area that may be contaminated by hazardous material and/or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear agents (see Safe Zone).

Front 106

Hy-Rail Vehicle/Equipment

Back 106

Vehicles equipped with flanged wheels and rubber tires that allow the equipment to be operated on highway or rail.

Front 107

Impedance Bond

Back 107

An electrical device used to provide a path for traction power negative return and block AC signal circuit current.

Front 108

Inclement Weather

Back 108

Any weather conditions that cause an unusual disturbance in the atmosphere such as high winds, electrical storms, fog, flooding, ice or snow which severely effect normal train operations.

Front 109

Inductive Multiplexing Unit(IMU)

Back 109

A system that takes multiple signals and combines them in a single feed and/or can take a signal under appropriate conditions to energize a relay.

Front 110

Incident

Back 110

An unforeseen event or occurrence.

Front 111

Indication

Back 111

The information conveyed by a signal.

Front 112

Insulated Joint (IJ)–

Back 112

A rail joint designed to arrest the flow of electricity current from rail to rail by means of insulation so placed as to separate the rail ends and other metal parts connecting them.

Front 113

Insulated Overlap

Back 113

A transition in the OCS where different wiring sections are insulated from each other, not a physical device.

Front 114

Integrated On-Board Information System (IBIS)

Back 114

An on-board system that provides electronically coded information to wayside subsystem equipment which provides various operational functions.

Front 115

Interlocking

Back 115

An arrangement of signals, switches and control apparatus interconnected to provide a route and prevent conflicting train movement.

Front 116

Interlocking Limits

Back 116

The track section between two opposing interlocking signals.

Front 117

Interlocking Signal – (see Signal, Interlocking)

Back 117

A signal governing the use of an interlocking and conditions of the track beyond.Interlocking Signals are single-headed, three aspect signals provided that convey route information.

Front 118

Island Circuit-

Back 118

An electrical track circuit located at each AHGC. The island circuit consists of the crossing itself and a short distance beyond on both sides of the crossing. This circuit activates the AHGC sequence when a train occupies the crossing.

Front 119

Light Rail Vehicle (LRV)

Back 119

An electrically propelled passenger carrying rail vehicle.

Front 120

Line of Sight Operation

Back 120

Operation on sections of track where Train/Equipment Operators control the train based on maintaining an adequate separation from preceding trains, work crews or other obstructions through visual observation.

Front 121

Line of SightTerritory

Back 121

Track not protected by signals.

Front 122

Live Tow – (see Tow, Live)

Back 122

A good LRV is used to either push or pull a disabled LRV. Trainline is isolated. Frication brakes and track brake are electrically cut-out on disabled LRV. Disabled LRV is keyed up.

Front 123

Local

Back 123

A method of removing access to a device or breaker from the TCC by use of a Local Control Panel (LCP) and allows the user at the scene to operate the device.

Front 124

Local Control Panel (LCP)-

Back 124

A control panel in a signal house used for aligning routes and operating switches within an interlocking.

Front 125

Lock and Tag

Back 125

An approved method for protecting personnel from injury and equipment from the risk of accidental damage due to energizing the equipment.

Front 126

Magnetic Trip Stop (MTS)–

Back 126

An electro-magnetic device that stops a train in the event of an unauthorized interlocking red signal overrun to ensure observance of governing signal indication.

Front 127

Main-line

Back 127

The territory consisting of all tracks outside of Yard Limits excluding the Test Track.

Front 128

Maintenance, Non-Routine

Back 128

Activities performed in the Safety Zone that do not occur on a normal scheduled basis.

Front 129

Maintenance, Routine

Back 129

Activities performed in the Safety Zone on a daily or weekly basis and are scheduled with METRORail

Front 130

Manual Switch – (see Switch, Manual)

Back 130

Track switches which must be operated by hand.

Front 131

Master Controller

Back 131

The drive/brake device that allows the Train Operator to control movement of the train.

Front 132

Master Control Panel (MCP)–

Back 132

A panelof switches located at a crossover that allows for operation of the switches locally.

Front 133

Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS)- (see Speed, Maximum Authorized)

Back 133

Allowable speed up to a specified limit except where restrictions have been imposed.

Front 134

Memo

Back 134

A directive issued by a Director or authorized subordinate in explaining a procedure on how to perform a certain task.

Front 135

Messenger Wire

Back 135

The uppermost electrical conductor in a catenary system from which the contact wire is suspended by means of hangers

Front 136

METRO On-Scene Coordinator

Back 136

The first METRO Police unit at the scene of an emergency incident coordinating all on scene communications/activities with outside emergency agencies, Control and other METRO departments.

Front 137

METRORail Identification Card

Back 137

A card given to all trainees who have successfully completed the METRORail Track Safety Class and this card must be presented to Metro Officials upon request.

Front 138

METRORail Identification Card has four different classifications for working on the mainline and yard

Back 138

1. M: This qualifies for operating LRVs on the mainline.

2. Y: This qualifies for operating LRVs on the yard only.

3. F: This qualifies for setting up Slow/Work Zones and flagging LRVs.

4. S: This qualifies for working within the METRORail Safety Zone.

Front 139

Mezzanine – (see Overhead Work Platform)

Back 139

Elevated platform (catwalk) within the Shop from which access to the roof an LRV is gained.

Front 140

Mid-Cab Operation

Back 140

A mode of operation where the lead cab is inoperable, and the train is controlled from a cab in the middle or rear of a consist.

Front 141

Movement, Conflicting

Back 141

Routing of a train or equipment into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Front 142

Movement, Normal

Back 142

Movement over a main-line track in the direction prescribed by the rules for that track.

Front 143

Movement, Reverse

Back 143

Movement strictly governed by Control permitting trains or equipment on a mainline track to operate in a direction opposite to that prescribed by rules.