PATH Exam Definitions questions and
answers rated A+
Switch (Sw.) - correct answer ✔✔ A track structure used to move a train from one track to
another, operated remotely as part of an interlocking system.
Third Rail - correct answer ✔✔ The rail providing traction power for a train's operation, also
known as a power or contact rail.
Third Rail Cover-Board - correct answer ✔✔ A non-conductive board that covers the third rail,
attached to brackets.
Third Rail Side Incline - correct answer ✔✔ An electrified extension alongside the third rail,
allowing the contact shoe to ride up onto the third rail at switch locations.
Track Indicator - correct answer ✔✔ An illuminated device used with an interlocking signal to
indicate the track to which the train will be routed.
Transponder - correct answer ✔✔ A passive device mounted in the roadbed, interrogated by
the train to identify its current location.
Trailing Point Switch - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ One or more rail cars coupled together, displaying proper front and
rear lights, crewed, and with a designated destination.
, Train Stop - correct answer ✔✔ The roadway element that, when engaged, automatically results
in an emergency brake application.
Turnout - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ A territory where CBTC has no control over CBTC-equipped
trains. CBTC trains automatically transition to wayside mode, a temporary territory.
Work Train - correct answer ✔✔ One or more non-passenger cars used to support construction
or maintenance work activity on the railway.
Yard - correct answer ✔✔ A system of tracks provided for making up trains, storing rail cars, and
other purposes.
Yard Mode - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ An employee who has completed the required training
and is authorized to perform specific duties within the PATH railway operations.
Qualified Person (QP) - correct answer ✔✔ A person trained under Federal Law to perform
specific functions within the PATH railway operations.
answers rated A+
Switch (Sw.) - correct answer ✔✔ A track structure used to move a train from one track to
another, operated remotely as part of an interlocking system.
Third Rail - correct answer ✔✔ The rail providing traction power for a train's operation, also
known as a power or contact rail.
Third Rail Cover-Board - correct answer ✔✔ A non-conductive board that covers the third rail,
attached to brackets.
Third Rail Side Incline - correct answer ✔✔ An electrified extension alongside the third rail,
allowing the contact shoe to ride up onto the third rail at switch locations.
Track Indicator - correct answer ✔✔ An illuminated device used with an interlocking signal to
indicate the track to which the train will be routed.
Transponder - correct answer ✔✔ A passive device mounted in the roadbed, interrogated by
the train to identify its current location.
Trailing Point Switch - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ One or more rail cars coupled together, displaying proper front and
rear lights, crewed, and with a designated destination.
, Train Stop - correct answer ✔✔ The roadway element that, when engaged, automatically results
in an emergency brake application.
Turnout - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ A territory where CBTC has no control over CBTC-equipped
trains. CBTC trains automatically transition to wayside mode, a temporary territory.
Work Train - correct answer ✔✔ One or more non-passenger cars used to support construction
or maintenance work activity on the railway.
Yard - correct answer ✔✔ A system of tracks provided for making up trains, storing rail cars, and
other purposes.
Yard Mode - correct 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 - correct answer ✔✔ An employee who has completed the required training
and is authorized to perform specific duties within the PATH railway operations.
Qualified Person (QP) - correct answer ✔✔ A person trained under Federal Law to perform
specific functions within the PATH railway operations.
