Wireless Passenger Communications System

In 2006, the FRA introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to enhance intra-train communications on Tier I passenger cars. This rulemaking would promote the safety of passengers and crew members in passenger train emergencies by enhancing FRA's regulations for passenger train emergency systems. The rulemaking specifically addresses passenger train emergency communication systems, including public address and intercom systems. During emergency situations, the train crew and on-board service personnel are responsible for managing and directing the safe evacuation of passengers. Although passengers rely on the training, experience, and leadership of the on-board service personnel, passengers must also rely on direct communications with the crew to enhance situational awareness for passenger and crew security. Such communications help avoid circumstances which could result in injuries or further danger to passengers and crew. dFuzion therefore proposes the design and development of the Wireless Passenger Communications System (WPCS). The WPCS uses multiple wireless access points mounted in each rail car to provide system redundancy, fault tolerance and extended system range. These access points are arranged in a mesh network topology and receive data from the transceivers embedded within the existing emergency communications panels.