Who has authority to authorize shoving movements on main tracks, controlled sidings, or any track where CTC is in effect?

• A. CTC
• B. RTC
• C. Dispatcher
• D. Rail Operations Center

Answer: (B)

In Centralized Traffic Control, the Rail Traffic Controller is the one who authorizes shoving movements on main tracks, controlled sidings, or any track where CTC is in effect. The RTC controls movement authorities, sets routes, and ensures the track section is protected and clear before a shove is allowed. The signaling system (CTC) provides the protections, but the explicit permission to move cars by shoving comes from the RTC, who coordinates with the route and occupancy status to prevent conflicts with other traffic. The other roles aren’t responsible for giving this direct authorization in CTC territory—the dispatcher is more associated with non-CTC operations, and the Rail Operations Center is a monitoring/coordination facility, not the on-trace authority granting shoving clearances.