PATH Exam Definitions Railroad Exam
Questions and Answers
Switch (Sw.) - Answer-A track structure used to move a train from one track to another,
operated remotely as part of an interlocking system.
Third Rail - Answer-The rail providing traction power for a train's operation, also known
as a power or contact rail.
Third Rail Cover-Board - Answer-A non-conductive board that covers the third rail,
attached to brackets.
Third Rail Side Incline - Answer-An electrified extension alongside the third rail, allowing
the contact shoe to ride up onto the third rail at switch locations.
Track Indicator - Answer-An illuminated device used with an interlocking signal to
indicate the track to which the train will be routed.
Transponder - Answer-A passive device mounted in the roadbed, interrogated by the
train to identify its current location.
Trailing Point Switch - Answer-Refers to the direction in which a train or other railroad
equipment approaches a turnout. A trailing point switch is one where the train or railroad
equipment approaches from one of the two diverging routes.
Train - Answer-One or more rail cars coupled together, displaying proper front and rear
lights, crewed, and with a designated destination.
Train Stop - Answer-The roadway element that, when engaged, automatically results in
an emergency brake application.
Turnout - Answer-An arrangement of a switch and a frog that permits a train or other rail
vehicle to be transferred from one track to another.
Watchman - Answer-A person designated at a worksite to warn the work group of an
approaching train and communicate with the engineer of an approaching train.
Wayside Mode - Answer-A territory where CBTC has no control over CBTC-equipped
trains. CBTC trains automatically transition to wayside mode, a temporary territory.
Work Train - Answer-One or more non-passenger cars used to support construction or
maintenance work activity on the railway.
, Yard - Answer-A system of tracks provided for making up trains, storing rail cars, and
other purposes.
Yard Mode - Answer-ATC carborne equipment limits the speed of train movement in
CBTC yards to 12MPH, without otherwise constraining the train movement. Yard mode
is only available when the ATC mode switch is in the MCS position or any time the
carborne controller is reset.
Qualified Employee - Answer-An employee who has completed the required training
and is authorized to perform specific duties within the PATH railway operations.
Qualified Person (QP) - Answer-A person trained under Federal Law to perform specific
functions within the PATH railway operations.
Regular Train - Answer-A train authorized by schedule for routine operation within the
PATH railway system.
Release Mode - Answer-A mode in which the ATC Carborne equipment limits train
speed to 12MPH, used for necessary movements or recovery from failure within the
PATH railway operations.
Restricted Speed - Answer-A speed at which a train can proceed, not exceeding
12MPH, while being prepared to stop and looking out for obstructions within the PATH
railway system.
Roadway Worker - Answer-An employee responsible for track inspection, construction,
maintenance, or repair with the potential for track fouling within the PATH railway
operations.
Route - Answer-A series of switches and signals establishing a train's travel course
within the PATH railway system.
Route Indicator - Answer-An illuminated device with interlocking signal indicating left or
right-hand route within the PATH railway operations.
Running Rail - Answer-The rail on which the train wheels rest within the PATH railway
system.
Running Schedule - Answer-A document containing departure and arrival times of all
scheduled trains at PATH for efficient operation.
Scraper Train - Answer-A train specifically designed for removing snow or ice from the
Third Rail and tracks, operated without customers within the PATH railway system.
Shunt - Answer-An electrical condition indicating track occupancy caused by car wheels
or Maintenance of Way Equipment within the PATH railway operations.
Questions and Answers
Switch (Sw.) - Answer-A track structure used to move a train from one track to another,
operated remotely as part of an interlocking system.
Third Rail - Answer-The rail providing traction power for a train's operation, also known
as a power or contact rail.
Third Rail Cover-Board - Answer-A non-conductive board that covers the third rail,
attached to brackets.
Third Rail Side Incline - Answer-An electrified extension alongside the third rail, allowing
the contact shoe to ride up onto the third rail at switch locations.
Track Indicator - Answer-An illuminated device used with an interlocking signal to
indicate the track to which the train will be routed.
Transponder - Answer-A passive device mounted in the roadbed, interrogated by the
train to identify its current location.
Trailing Point Switch - Answer-Refers to the direction in which a train or other railroad
equipment approaches a turnout. A trailing point switch is one where the train or railroad
equipment approaches from one of the two diverging routes.
Train - Answer-One or more rail cars coupled together, displaying proper front and rear
lights, crewed, and with a designated destination.
Train Stop - Answer-The roadway element that, when engaged, automatically results in
an emergency brake application.
Turnout - Answer-An arrangement of a switch and a frog that permits a train or other rail
vehicle to be transferred from one track to another.
Watchman - Answer-A person designated at a worksite to warn the work group of an
approaching train and communicate with the engineer of an approaching train.
Wayside Mode - Answer-A territory where CBTC has no control over CBTC-equipped
trains. CBTC trains automatically transition to wayside mode, a temporary territory.
Work Train - Answer-One or more non-passenger cars used to support construction or
maintenance work activity on the railway.
, Yard - Answer-A system of tracks provided for making up trains, storing rail cars, and
other purposes.
Yard Mode - Answer-ATC carborne equipment limits the speed of train movement in
CBTC yards to 12MPH, without otherwise constraining the train movement. Yard mode
is only available when the ATC mode switch is in the MCS position or any time the
carborne controller is reset.
Qualified Employee - Answer-An employee who has completed the required training
and is authorized to perform specific duties within the PATH railway operations.
Qualified Person (QP) - Answer-A person trained under Federal Law to perform specific
functions within the PATH railway operations.
Regular Train - Answer-A train authorized by schedule for routine operation within the
PATH railway system.
Release Mode - Answer-A mode in which the ATC Carborne equipment limits train
speed to 12MPH, used for necessary movements or recovery from failure within the
PATH railway operations.
Restricted Speed - Answer-A speed at which a train can proceed, not exceeding
12MPH, while being prepared to stop and looking out for obstructions within the PATH
railway system.
Roadway Worker - Answer-An employee responsible for track inspection, construction,
maintenance, or repair with the potential for track fouling within the PATH railway
operations.
Route - Answer-A series of switches and signals establishing a train's travel course
within the PATH railway system.
Route Indicator - Answer-An illuminated device with interlocking signal indicating left or
right-hand route within the PATH railway operations.
Running Rail - Answer-The rail on which the train wheels rest within the PATH railway
system.
Running Schedule - Answer-A document containing departure and arrival times of all
scheduled trains at PATH for efficient operation.
Scraper Train - Answer-A train specifically designed for removing snow or ice from the
Third Rail and tracks, operated without customers within the PATH railway system.
Shunt - Answer-An electrical condition indicating track occupancy caused by car wheels
or Maintenance of Way Equipment within the PATH railway operations.
