To occupy the main track after arrival or to follow a train, how must an employee determine that the train has arrived or left?

• A. Direct communication with a crew member of the train, or receive information about the train from the RTC or control operator.
• B. Visual observation only
• C. Direct communication with the crew member and RTC only
• D. Wait for a formal written notice

Answer: (A)

To safely occupy the main track after a train has arrived or when following, you must have a positive, verifiable indication of the train’s status. Visual sight alone isn’t reliable—distance, weather, or obstructions can hide a train or its movements. The best approach is to obtain confirmation either by talking directly to a crew member on the train, or by receiving status information from the Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) or control operator. Either source provides authoritative, real-time confirmation that the train has arrived or left, ensuring the block is clear before you proceed. Requiring both sources or waiting for a formal written notice isn’t practical for active track occupancy, and relying on visual observation alone isn’t sufficient.