Like many rail companies, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) faced seasonal challenges that compromised track safety and service reliability. To enhance acceleration, braking, stopping distances, and overall rail wheel maintenance, it was crucial to find an effective solution to address poor adhesion conditions caused by leaf residue.
Pioneering LaserTrain Technology
In September 2018, LIRR partnered with LPS to test the first-ever LaserTrain prototype, designed to remove leaf residue and restore railhead adhesion. The testing process measured track Coefficient of Friction (CoF) before and after applying wet leaf mulch, and again after one LaserTrain pass-over. The LaserTrain delivered three times higher adhesion in just one pass, increasing the Tribometer measurement from 0.18 CoF to 0.37 CoF—providing optimal traction for safer, more reliable driving.
From the these results, LIRR commissioned the first ever operational LaserTrainwith a 40 km/h maximum cleaning speed to be operational in Fall of 2019. It achieved great results, including a remarkable 65 percent reduction in slip-slide on the branches it operated on. The number of cancelled trains dropped by 48 percent, and short trains due to wheel maintenance by 32 percent.
Pleased with the LaserTrain’s demonstrated effectiveness in restoring rail traction in 2019, LIRR decided to lease two Retro-Fit LaserTrain systems with maximum cleaning speeds of 40 km/h, along with the Full Service Maintenance and Support Package.
This is a test year for it. And if it works well — and we think it will . . . it will be, not only a change for the Long Island Rail Road, but it will have an industry wide impact, It’ll help a lot of railroads really, completely remove the problem with low adhesion.
Craig Daly, Chief Officer Rolling Stock Programs at Long Island Rail Road.
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