How long is a Track Authority in effect?

• A. Until a crew member reports that the train has cleared the limits and the authority is made void
• B. Until the RTC issues a new authority
• C. For a fixed duration of 2 hours
• D. Until the next scheduled stop

Answer: (A)

Track Authority is a temporary permission to occupy a defined section of track that remains in effect as long as the train is within the authorized limits. It is cancelled when the train has cleared those limits, which is typically confirmed by the crew reporting clearance and the authority being made void. This ensures that occupancy is clearly ended before another movement can be authorized, preventing conflicts with other trains or movements.

That’s why the best choice is that the authority lasts until the crew reports that the train has cleared the limits and the authority is void. It isn’t a fixed time (like two hours), nor does it wait for a new authority to be issued by the RTC, and it isn’t tied to the next scheduled stop.