Southern California’s Metrolink commuter rail system has received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security system. The system aims to detect unexpected movement on the tracks and automatically slow down or stop a train when necessary. Metrolink’s proposed “track intrusion detection” system would integrate with existing GPS technology to notify train crews of potential dangers. Los Angeles City Council President and Metrolink Board member Paul Krekorian expressed his optimism about the project, stating that it has the potential to improve safety for passengers, crew, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who interact with the rail system.
Currently, Metrolink relies heavily on human observation and reporting to identify potential hazards on the tracks. While the existing system can automatically stop a train if the engineer fails to respond to an alert, the new AI-powered technology would create a predictive model to better understand significant dangers. By utilizing cameras and sensors, the system will be capable of verifying the presence of people, vehicles, or debris on the tracks.
To commence the development of the program, Metrolink has already acquired two AI-equipped cameras. These cameras will undergo testing over an 18-month period on a 1.5-mile stretch between Haskell Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, passing through Van Nuys and Panorama City. The success of the initial test phase will determine whether the project can be expanded across the entire Metrolink network, which is currently the third largest commuter rail system in the country.
In recent years, Metrolink has experienced numerous incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians. Between July and December 2023 alone, there were 53 collisions, with nearly half of them being classified as suicides—a 39% increase compared to the previous year. Metrolink hopes that the development of the track intrusion detection system will help mitigate such accidents in the future.
Metrolink’s public relations manager, Meredith Yeoman, expressed her belief that this technology could be a game-changer for safety in the railroad industry. The project aligns with the Biden administration’s plan to improve railroad safety nationwide, and it highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and implement advanced technologies in the transportation sector.
Metrolink is also collaborating with law enforcement, community groups, and experts to further enhance track monitoring and prevent accidents. The $1.3 million grant from the Department of Transportation serves as a testament to the importance of innovation and investment in ensuring the safety of commuters and rail system users. In line with this focus on safety, the Department of Transportation recently announced a new rule requiring at least two crew members on all passenger and freight trains.
Metrolink’s AI-powered track intrusion detection system has the potential to revolutionize the safety standards of the railroad industry. With the integration of advanced technology and increased collaboration with various stakeholders, Metrolink aims to create a safer and more secure rail network for everyone involved.
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