LIGHT RAIL TECHNICAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT LIGHT RAIL OPERATOR TEST RULEBOOK DOCUMENT: TTT-RA-0787 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 14, 2014 This test rulebook contains rules currently used by Light Rail Operations, but only has a portion of the rules that are required to be known and adhered to by all rail Operators. In addition to these rules, Operators are required to understand and adhere to numerous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Operators are tested extensively on their knowledge of these rules and SOPs as well as the interlocking and system operations during the ten week light rail certification training, and also through the required annual re-certification training. Knowledge of these rules, SOPs, interlockings, and system operations are necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of our rail system in order to provide the highest level of customer service to our passengers. The new light rail Operator training program requires the student to pass five quizzes with a minimum score of eighty percent. Ten exams require a minimum ninety percent passing score. The rulebook exam, however, has a section concerning the indication of signals and speeds requiring 100 percent accuracy. Students must also meet weekly performance benchmarks in order to remain in the training program. A student will be required to invest a lot of their own time studying the material to successfully complete the training. Some definitions have been included in the back of this rulebook to assist in your understanding of these rules as some terms used in this rulebook may be unfamiliar to non-rail personnel. Page 1
1.1 1.1.1 1.3 KNOWLEDGE OF RULES, PROCEDURES, BULLETINS, TRAIN ORDERS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS, SUPERINTENDENT'S NOTICES, AND ADVISORIES - 1.3.1 CHAPTER 1 GENERAL RULES APPLICABILITY OF RULEBOOK - All VTA employees whose duties involve work within the right-of-way or movement of any train or other vehicle on VTA tracks shall be governed by these rules. POSSESSION OF OPERATING RULEBOOK - All VTA employees whose duties are prescribed by this rulebook must have a copy of this Rulebook in their possession while on the Main track. Employees shall know, understand and adhere to all Policies, Rules, Procedures, Bulletins, Work Instructions, Train Orders, Special Instructions, Superintendent s Notices, and Advisories. If in doubt as to their meaning or applicability, employees shall consult with their supervisor for clarification. Ignorance of the Rules, Procedures, Bulletins, Special Instructions, Superintendent s Notices, or Train Orders shall not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance or for neglect of duties. 1.5 CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING - All employees whose duties require a Class A, B or C Driver's License, Light Rail Operating Card and Medical Certificates as required by VTA, shall be responsible for maintaining the validity of such documents. Such license and medical certificate shall be in their possession while on duty. Copies of updated documents shall be provided to VTA in a timely manner. 1.6 EQUIPMENT QUALIFICATION - No employee or person shall operate any rail equipment without having been qualified thereon, except under the authorization of OCC and under the guidance of a Technical Trainer, Transportation Supervisor, Line Instructor, or qualified Operator. 1.7 SYSTEM QUALIFICATION - No employee or person shall operate over any portion of the Light Rail System upon which they have not been qualified to operate, except under the authorization of OCC and guidance of a Technical Trainer, Transportation Supervisor, Line Instructor, or qualified Operator. 1.10 ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT USE - Employees must adhere to all VTA policies, rules and procedures regarding the use of electronic equipment and communication devices while operating rail-borne equipment. Employees are prohibited from wearing or using electronic equipment, headsets or earpieces not designed or intended to be used as part of their normal duties while operating rail-borne equipment or while working on the right-of-way. Prohibited equipment includes, but is not limited to: scanners, cellular telephones, personal audio devices and PDAs. 1.17 HOURS OF SERVICE - Under normal conditions, the hours of service identified in the current labor agreement, Part B, or as specified by regulation or law, shall govern. In emergencies or natural disasters, Operators may be requested to work up to 12 hours within a 16 hour spread period. Page 2
CHAPTER 2 PASSENGER AND PUBLIC RELATIONS 2.6 PASSENGERS REQUESTING ASSISTANCE - When requested, Train Operators shall assist passengers with boarding and/or de-boarding the train. 2.8 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Operators observing persons attempting to bring hazardous materials on-board a train shall make a P.A. announcement stating that it is illegal to bring Hazardous Materials on-board and that the materials must be removed from the train before it can leave the station. If the person does not comply, the Operator shall: not move the train, leave the passenger doors open, and call OCC to report the situation. Page 3
CHAPTER 3 TRAIN OPERATION 3.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRAIN MOVEMENT - The person operating the train has full responsibility for its safe operation. Operators must question and/or refuse any unsafe instruction. 3.3 EMERGENCY STOP "MUSHROOM" TEST - Do not exceed 1 mph while testing the Emergency Stop Mushroom. 3.7 3.5.2 When late leaving a terminal, Train Operators shall notify OCC no more than two (2) minutes after their scheduled departure time to advise of the delay and of the anticipated duration of the delay. Train Operators shall also notify OCC when their train becomes four (4) minutes late from intermediate time points. ONBOARD CAMERAS - VTA Employees shall not obstruct or tamper with onboard cameras. 3.11 GATED GRADE CROSSINGS - Operators shall verify that crossing gates are down and fully functional prior to entering gated grade crossings. 3.12 CAB DOORS - Except when otherwise instructed by Supervision or Technical Training, cab doors of trains on the Main track shall be closed while the train is in motion. 3.15 ACCELERATING AND BRAKING - Train Operators shall accelerate and brake trains smoothly, as taught by Technical Training, to avoid injury or discomfort to passengers. 3.15.1 ISOLATORS - Operators shall not power through isolators and should avoid braking through isolators whenever possible. 3.16 PERSON ON THE RIGHT OF WAY - Trains approaching persons on the right-of-way shall reduce speed and prepare to stop. The appropriate signal shall be sounded in time to allow the person(s) to move clear of the tracks. 3.19 BACKING OF TRAIN - Unless a rail certified VTA employee acts as a lookout from the rear of the train, backing of trains is prohibited except when uncoupling. When outside of the yard limits, any backing of trains for purposes other than short uncoupling movements not exceeding three feet must be authorized by OCC. 3.22.4 Trains passing through and not stopping at a station, or when passing other trains on the opposite track that are stopped at a station, shall not exceed 25 mph. Under these conditions, Operators shall ring the low bell, or high (if appropriate), until their train is clear of the station or standing train. 3.22.6 When entering or exiting ALL stations, an appropriate audible warning must be made. 3.23 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS - Special Instructions supersede operating Rules and Procedures, and are issued to notify Operators of long-term restrictions and conditions affecting train operations. They remain in effect until canceled or superseded by Train Orders, or a revised Special Instruction. Page 4
3.23.1 Changes to Special Instructions shall be issued on Monday effective at 0301 hours. If changes are required after that time, they shall be carried in Train Orders until the following Monday. At that time, they shall be included in the Special Instructions amendment for that date. 3.23.2 When speed restrictions are specified by Special Instructions, such restrictions supersede any posted speeds in the affected area. 3.24 TRAIN ORDERS - Train Orders shall be issued to notify employees of short-term restrictions and conditions affecting train operations and shall supersede operating Rules, Procedures, and Special Instructions. 3.24.1 Train Orders shall be issued daily (service day) at 0301 hours and amended when necessary. All entries shall be numbered consecutively beginning with the number one (1). When a Train Order is canceled, the number may not be reused again on the same service day. 3.24.6 ADVISORIES - OCC may issue advisories as a means of conveying information that does not affect safety. 3.25.2 OPERATE ON SIGHT SPEED - A speed that allows the vehicle to be stopped within ½ the range of vision of another train, a stop signal, a switch not properly aligned, a track defect or an obstruction. 3.25.4 LIMITED SPEED - Operate-On-Sight speed, not to exceed 25 mph. 3.25.5 RESTRICTED SPEED - Operate-On-Sight speed, not to exceed 15 mph. 3.25.6 SWEEP SPEED - Limited Speed. 3.25.10 MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE TRANSIT MALL - Shall be made at a speed that allows stopping short of pedestrians, motor vehicles, misaligned switches, or other obstructions, and shall not exceed 10 mph. The speed through track curves in the mall shall not exceed 8 mph, unless otherwise posted. 3.25.11 SPEED OVER BROKEN RAILS - Once authorized by OCC to proceed over broken rail, speed shall not exceed 3 mph unless a higher speed is authorized by the Track Department not to exceed 10 mph. 3.25.12 AUXILIARY TRACK SPEED - Operate-On-Sight speed, not to exceed 10 mph unless otherwise posted or authorized by OCC. 3.26 YARD SPEED - Operate-On-Sight speed, not to exceed 5 mph. 3.27 REVERSE RUNNING - Operators shall receive permission from OCC to operate against the current of traffic. When a pilot flag is in use, the train shall be stopped prior to transferring the pilot flag to and from the flag person. 3.27.1 When reverse running in ABS territory without signal protection, trains shall not exceed the posted speed for the area, or 45 mph, whichever is less. Page 5
3.27.2 When reverse running in non-abs territory, the speed shall not exceed the posted speed limit. If possible, proceed through intersections with a parallel train running on the opposite track in the same direction. When not possible to proceed with a parallel train, Operators shall sound their horn and proceed through the intersections only when safe, not exceeding 15 mph. 3.27.3 Once a direction of travel has been established, OCC s permission is required prior to changing directions. This is not required for terminal platforms, yard, or storage track moves. 3.34 CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND SEALED SWITCHES - Employees shall not trip circuit breakers or sealed switches, unless authorized by OCC. OCC shall be contacted whenever it becomes necessary to trip circuit breakers during trouble shooting efforts. Employees shall contact OCC for direction when specific trouble-shooting procedures are not known and understood, and shall never randomly trip circuit breakers. Page 6
CHAPTER 5 5.3 HAND SIGNALS - Hand signals may be given by hand, flag, lantern, or other object. Operators shall acknowledge all hand signals by using the horn. 5.3.2 If there is any doubt as to the meaning of a hand signal, or for whom it is intended, it shall be regarded as a STOP signal. 5.8 FLARES - Trains shall stop and Operators shall contact OCC for instructions if a lighted flare is observed on or within 10 feet of the track. RULE HAND SIGNALS INDICATION 5.9 Swung at right angle to the track. STOP AND STAY 5.10 Slight vertical REDUCE SPEED movement at arms length at right angle to the track. 5.11 Raised and lowered vertically. PROCEED 5.12 Swung slowly in a circle at right angle to the track. BACK UP 5.13 LIGHT AND FLAG/SIGN COLORS - Colors for flags or lights used for hand signals and/or work zones are illustrated below. The Operators of all rail-borne equipment shall adhere to the aspects of these lights and flags. Page 7
RULE ASPECT INDICATION 5.13.2 RED OR ORANGE STOP Train shall be stopped prior to the marker. 5.13.3 YELLOW PROCEED AT RESTRICTED SPEED Speed shall be reduced prior to reaching the marker and continue until a green marker is observed or with OCC permission. 5.13.4 GREEN PROCEED Speed shall not increase until the front of the train reaches the marker. 5.13.5 BLUE Worker in, under, or about the train Do not move or couple to cars in this condition. 5.14 RULE 5.14.1 BELL AND HORN SIGNALS - The signals illustrated below are authorized for use in Light Rail Operations. A bell or a short blast of a horn is indicated by a or a. A long blast of the horn is indicated by a. NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all signals shall be made with the horn ONLY. AUDIBLE SIGNAL INDICATION Acknowledges receipt of a STOP hand signal. 5.14.2 Acknowledges a PROCEED or REDUCE SPEED hand signal. 5.14.3 Bell shall be used prior to moving the train forward. 5.14.4 5.14.5 Horn shall be used prior to backing up. Acknowledges a BACK-UP hand signal. Call for signal. 5.14.6, etc A warning to people on or near the tracks and at station platforms. Also used while passing standing cars. Page 8
RULE AUDIBLE SIGNAL INDICATION 5.14.7 A warning to people or vehicles on or near the tracks. This is to be used if the preceding rule is not sufficient. 5.18 5.16 USE OF AUDIBLE WARNINGS- Only low bells shall be used in the mall area except in emergencies (necessary to take evesive action), when responding to a hand signal, or when low bells are 5.18.1 Indications of block signals govern movement through the entire block. If a train is delayed in a block after passing a PROCEED signal at a point where the block cannot be seen to be clear to the next signal, the Operator shall OPERATE-ON-SIGHT, not exceeding 45 mph. 5.18.2 If a signal remains at STOP for longer than 1 minute, the Train Operator shall notify OCC. During known conditions or MBS operations, contact OCC immediately. 5.18.4 If OCC authorizes a train to bypass a red signal, the Operator shall operate the train through the entire block at LIMITED SPEED. OCC may authorize a higher speed for following trains when the red signal is caused by a known condition that does not adversely affect safe operation. Speed under these conditions shall be OPERATE-ON-SIGHT not to exceed (45) MPH. BLOCK AND INTERLOCKING SIGNAL ASPECTS AND INDICATIONS RULE ASPECT 5.19.1 GREEN Proceed INDICATION 5.19.2 GREEN OVER LUNAR Proceed on diverging route 5.19.3 YELLOW Proceed, prepared to stop short of next block signal 5.19.4 YELLOW OVER LUNAR Proceed on diverging route, prepared to stop short of next block signal 5.19.5 YELLOW OVER GREEN Proceed approaching next signal, prepared to take a diverging route Page 9
RULE 5.19.6 RED ASPECT INDICATION Stop prior to physical location of signal 5.19.7 RED DISK Stop and call OCC B 1 0 3 5.19.9 LUNAR Proceed at restricted speed 5.19.10 FLASHING LUNAR Proceed on diverging route at restricted speed 5.2 RED X Stop, proceed when safe 5.21 TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS - Train movement through traffic signal controlled intersections is controlled by "BAR" signals as illustrated below. Operators of all rail-borne equipment (including hi-rail) shall adhere to these signals. NOTE: Do not confuse bar signals with Interlocking and Block signals. These are two separate signal systems used by Light Rail. RULE ASPECT 5.21.1 Red Horizontal INDICATION Stop prior to crosswalk or limit line. 5.21.2 Flashing Red Horizontal Stop prior to crosswalk or limit line, proceed when safe. Page 10
RULE 5.21.3 ASPECT Lunar Triangle INDICATION Signal is about to change to red. 5.21.4 Lunar Vertical I Proceed through intersection. 5.21.5 Lunar Slanted Proceed through intersection on a LEFT RIGHT diverging route. 5.22.5 5.23 RULE 5.23.1 Where north and southbound tracks cross at the intersections of First and Devine and First and San Carlos, train movement is governed by "BAR" signals. If the "BAR" signals are not working, northbound trains will have precedence in cases of train-to-train conflicts. SWITCH POINT INDICATOR (SPI) - Illuminated switch indicators located at the switches are illustrated below. Green ASPECT INDICATION Switch aligned for straight through movement. 5.23.2 Yellow Switch aligned for diverging movement. 5.23.3 Both dark Switch points are open or power is out. Stop short of switch and call OCC. 5.23.4 Red STOP, switch is not aligned for your move. Page 11
RULE 5.23.5 Both lit ASPECT INDICATION STOP. Call OCC immediately. (This is an imperfectly displayed signal). 5.23.6 5.24.2 5.24.3 Switch point indicators do not grant authority to proceed but provide the Operator with an indication of the switch position. Where a speed reduction is posted, the train shall be fully decelerated by the time the leading cab reaches the speed limit sign. Where the posted speed is increased, the speed of the train shall not be increased until the entire consist has passed the speed limit sign and/or is back on straight tangent track. RIGID SWITCH - Rigid mainline switches are identified with an "R" after the switch number. TRAILABLE SWITCH - Trailable mainline switches are identified with a "T" after the switch number. 1044-R 1045-T Page 12
6.2 6.5 6.6 6.8 6.9 6.11 6.12 7.2 SECTION 6 SWITCHES 6.1.1 Rigid switches must never be trailed through in the misaligned position. INSPECTING SWITCHES - After a switch has been aligned, the employee aligning the switch shall visually confirm the switch points are correctly aligned for the route desired. UNATTENDED SWITCHES - When main track manual switches, or power switches placed in a manual mode are left unattended, they must be left aligned for normal movements and locked, unless otherwise instructed by OCC. TRAILING POINT SWITCHES - When making a trailing point movement through a switch, the train shall not change directions until the entire consist has passed through the switch. MAIN TRACK SWITCHES - Employees shall not change the position of any main track switch except as scheduled, or as directed by OCC. DAMAGED SWITCHES - If a switch is damaged, OCC shall immediately be notified. A red flag, flare or flag person shall protect the switch, and trains shall not operate through the switch, until it is repaired or deemed safe by Way, Power, and Signal (WP&S) personnel. ALIGNING A SWITCH - A switch shall not be aligned while any portion of a train is standing or moving over it. PROXIMITY TO SWITCHES - Employees shall move to a place of safety away from switch stands and switches while a train is passing through the switch. SECTION 7 PROTECTION OF WORKERS ON THE RIGHT-OF-WAY PERSONNEL ON THE RIGHT-OF-WAY - Authorization from OCC is required prior to entering the Right-Of-Way. When within VTA's six (6) foot safety envelope, personnel shall move to a Place of Safety a minimum of fifteen seconds before a train moving at the maximum operating speed on that track can pass the location of the personnel. Use of tools requires a Work Zone. 7.2.5 When personnel are clear of the track, theemployee-in-charge (EIC) shall give a PROCEED or REDUCE SPEED hand signal to the approaching train. If personnel cannot reach a safe location, they shall give a STOP signal to the approaching train. 7.2.6 7.2.8 Personnel walking on the right-of-way shall walk facing the normal current of traffic. Personnel shall expect trains to operate on any track, in either direction, at any time. Personnel shall not walk between the rails unless it is necessary to carry out their work. OCC shall notify all trains that may operate in the area of personnel walking on the right-of-way. Use of any hand tools requires a work zone. Train Operators shall call for a signal when approaching personnel on the right-of-way. Unless a REDUCE SPEED or a PROCEED signal is given, Operators shall STOP prior to passing the personnel. OCC shall be notified when personnel fail to give a signal. Page 13
7.7 ELECTRICAL SAFETY - Consider any wire or apparatus to be energized (live) at all times. Unless authorized to do so, employees shall not touch or tamper with any electrical circuits or equipment. Never allow any part of the body, article of clothing, or objects being carried to come in contact with live electrical equipment or circuits. Page 14
8.2 8.6 8.1.3 8.5.1 SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE BUILDINGS AND YARD OPERATION Maintenance personnel must meet with the Operator before and after performing a simple repair to a vehicle being readied for pullout. STORAGE OF CARS - Employees storing cars on any track in the yard shall berth the cars as close as possible with the coupler not fouling any grade crossing or touching the coupler of the car ahead. Employees moving cars within yard limits must have a working radio and must monitor the proper channel. TRAIN PASSING CARWASH - All trains shall sound 2 short blasts of the low horn when passing the LRV Wash Rack located at the East end of Track 10. DEFINITIONS ABS Territory - A series of consecutive sections of track governed by signals activated by a train or certain conditions affecting the use of the track where the roadway crossings are protected by crossing gates, flashing lights, and bells. Non-ABS Territory - All trackway not protected by crossing gates, flashing lights, and bells where trains share the roadway with motor vehicles and intersections are controlled by bar signals. Audible Signal - A signal given with a train horn or bell. Bar Signals - Fixed signals at traffic intersections shared with motor vehicles and pedestrians governing the movement of trains through intersections. Block - A length of track of defined limits which extend from signal to signal in ABS territory. Consist - The number and specific identity of the car number(s) within the makeup of a train. Crossing Gates - Gates that come down to stop vehicle traffic from crossing intersections when a train approaches that are also equipped Current of Traffic - The normal direction of train travel on a specific track. Diverging Route - The position of a switch that will allow the train to move from one track onto another. Flagperson - The person who has been trained and qualified on roadway worker protection rules and procedures, and whose sole duty Hi-Rail Equipment - Maintenance vehicles that operate on rubber tires on city streets or on steel wheels on the rails. Isolator - A device in the overhead wire that allows power to be removed within a defined overhead section when needed. Page 15
Main Track - All tracks outside of the yard limits on which revenue service is operated. Yard limits begin at San Pedro and Younger Avenue and includes the tracks west of this intersection and the light rail facilities. Misaligned Switch - A track switch that is not properly aligned for an approaching train that can cause the train to go the wrong direction, result in a broken switch, or lead to a derailment. Pantograph - Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) roof mounted device that collects direct current (DC) electrical power from the overhead wire. Pilot Flag - A specific numbered object designated by OCC that provides authorization for movement through a section of track. 115 Place of Safety - A space where workers can sufficiently clear of any moving on-track equipment on any track. Reverse Running - A train operating opposite of the normal designated direction eg: a train traveling southbound on the northbound track. Right-of-Way - The area that extends ten feet from the closest rail and/or VTA owned property dedicated to Light Rail operation. Rigid Switch - A switch that must be properly aligned for the train's movement. If not properly aligned, the switch will break and the train may derail off the tracks. Special Instructions - Special Instructions are issued to notify Operators of long term restrictions and conditions affecting train operations. Storage Tracks - All tracks outside of the yard limits that are not usually used for passenger service. Superintendent's Notice - An official directive issued by a Superintendent of Guadalupe Division regarding a matter of importance to designated Sweep - Operating at Limited Speed for the purpose of inspecting the Right-of-Way. Switch - A device enabling rail vehicle movement from one track to another. Switch, Facing Point - The train has a choice of tracks on which to travel. Switch, Trailing Point - The train has no choice of which track it ends up on. Switch, Power - A switch where the alignment can be controlled from the train's cab or automatically based on train presence at a specific location. Switch Points - The movable portions of the switch that allow a choice of track direction (facing), or that must be properly aligned before operating over them (rigid trailing switches). Page 16
Trailable Switch - The train may operate through this type of switch even when misaligned. The switch is designed to allow the points to move over and stay as the train passes through the switch, or return to its original position using a spring. Train Orders - Train Orders notify employees of short term restrictions and conditions affecting train operations. Transit Mall - The trackway on First and Second Streets between Devine and San Carlos Streets. Trouble Shooting - Determining train problems and taking corrective action to return the train to service or tow it off the main tracks. Uncoupling - Electrical and mechanical separation of rail cars. Work Zone - An area defined by flags and/or signs in which work along or in the right of way is being performed. Page 17