Shunting problems could delay Cap Metro Rail opening
Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at 1:21 pm 
By Ryan BrownWhile opinions differ on the utility of the new Capital MetroRail Red Line, I think most people are interested to see it open and try it out. There are now reports that the scheduled opening date of March 30 may have to be delayed due to problems uncovered in recent testing.
Detecting train locations is critical for safely operating a rail system. Through ‘shunting’ an electrical signal in the rail, engineers can determine train position. The system must also coordinate with traffic signals near rail crossings to prevent motorists from stopping on tracks. This is called ‘Signal Pre-emption’ – the problem is illustrated below.
Cap Metro could delay opening the rail to passengers, or they may simplify the schedule for the first few weeks – providing only southbound service in the morning, and northbound service in the evening.
I imagine these issues are normal for bringing up any new transit system. See the links below for further detail.
CapMetro Rail Update presentation (Feb. 25) PDF
Austin Business Journal – CapMetro rail opening may wait
Statesman – Rail opening could be delayed
