MTA EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Block - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block
signals, block-limit signals, automatic speed control or any combination thereof.
Absolute Block - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block established between block stations, block limit stations,
interlockings or any combination thereof which must not be occupied by more than one train except as
provided by the rules.
Automatic Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by an automatic block signal, the cab signal indicator or both.
Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A series of consecutive blocks.
Manual Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by block signals controlled manually, by block-limit signals or both, upon information
received by telephone, radio or other means of communication.
Automatic Speed Control System ( ASC ) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A system so arranged that its
operation will automatically result in the following: A full service application of the train brakes if, while
operating under a speed restriction, the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate. The
application will continue until the train is either brought to a stop or, under the control of the engineer,
its speed is reduced to the predetermined rate.
Speed Controlled Train - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A train equipped with the following speed control
apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning device and
acknowledging switch, in operative condition for the direction in which it is to move.
Engine (ENG) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of units
operated from a single control, used in road or yard service.
Multiple Unit Equipment - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅Equipment capable of being propelled by electrical
energy through the use of third rail contact shoes.
, Track Car - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A roadway maintenance machine, not classified as an engine, which
is operated on track for inspection or maintenance. It may not shunt track circuits or operate signals and
will be governed by rules and special instructions for trains other than passenger trains.
Interlocking (INT) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅An arrangement of signals and signal appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Limits - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅The tracks between the extreme opposing home signals of
an interlocking.
Pilot - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅An employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer,
conductor or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad or
portion of the railroad over which the movement is to be made.
Aspect - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as viewed
from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal indicator as viewed in the
engine control compartment.
Block-Limit Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
Block Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at
the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
Cab Signal Indicator - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be used in
conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of block signals.
Distant Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal.
Fixed Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the
movement of a train.
Block - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block
signals, block-limit signals, automatic speed control or any combination thereof.
Absolute Block - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block established between block stations, block limit stations,
interlockings or any combination thereof which must not be occupied by more than one train except as
provided by the rules.
Automatic Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by an automatic block signal, the cab signal indicator or both.
Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A series of consecutive blocks.
Manual Block Signal System - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by block signals controlled manually, by block-limit signals or both, upon information
received by telephone, radio or other means of communication.
Automatic Speed Control System ( ASC ) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A system so arranged that its
operation will automatically result in the following: A full service application of the train brakes if, while
operating under a speed restriction, the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate. The
application will continue until the train is either brought to a stop or, under the control of the engineer,
its speed is reduced to the predetermined rate.
Speed Controlled Train - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A train equipped with the following speed control
apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning device and
acknowledging switch, in operative condition for the direction in which it is to move.
Engine (ENG) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of units
operated from a single control, used in road or yard service.
Multiple Unit Equipment - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅Equipment capable of being propelled by electrical
energy through the use of third rail contact shoes.
, Track Car - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A roadway maintenance machine, not classified as an engine, which
is operated on track for inspection or maintenance. It may not shunt track circuits or operate signals and
will be governed by rules and special instructions for trains other than passenger trains.
Interlocking (INT) - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅An arrangement of signals and signal appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Limits - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅The tracks between the extreme opposing home signals of
an interlocking.
Pilot - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅An employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer,
conductor or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad or
portion of the railroad over which the movement is to be made.
Aspect - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as viewed
from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal indicator as viewed in the
engine control compartment.
Block-Limit Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
Block Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at
the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
Cab Signal Indicator - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be used in
conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of block signals.
Distant Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal.
Fixed Signal - CORRECT ANSWER✅✅A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the
movement of a train.
