Railroad Frequencies (Non AAR Channel Band)

There are frequencies that railroads utilize outside of the typical AAR 160-161 MHz channel band plan. Here's a list of some of them...

Train Telemetry (EoTD, DPU, RLC)

These frequencies are utilized for End/Head of Train Devices, Distributed Power Unit loco control, and Remote Control of Locomotives.

VHF Marine Channel 16

156.800 This can sometimes be the calling frequency for lift bridges. Marine Channels 13 (156.650) and 14 (156.7) have also been reported as occasionally used in this way, in some areas.

Advanced Train Control Systems (ATCS)

This is a system that larger railroads are using on upper 800 and 900 MHz frequencies. The frequencies are being registered under the Association of American Railroads, or the Transportation Technology Center, not the individual railroads that use them. These radio systems basically collect information about train movement and other things along the line. This information is sent to computers and is then used to create the real time displays dispatchers have on their screens, showing train movement and so on. The data isn't always sent through the air, but when it is, it's done in a duplex method using two different frequencies. Small high band yagi antennas at various points along the right-of-way are usually used for these transmissions.

Positive Train Control

Positive Train Control (PTC) is a fairly recent new safety system that helps lower the chance of train collisions. The following frequencies are set aside for this system nationwide in the US.

Various Frequencies

The below frequencies are listed as being set aside for rail use in the national FCC database. It's unknown how many of them are being used now, and for what purpose. Some of the 900 MHz frequencies are being used for the above mentioned ATCS.

Ham Radio

It's been reported that hams have sometimes talked with crew members operating trains, who are also hams. Frequencies to monitor for this are 2 meter simplex...