ENSCO announced today that it has received an initial $7.8 million contract for a self-propelled Track Geometry Vehicle (TGV). The contract was awarded by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA or Metro). The TGV will be a diesel-powered rail vehicle specifically designed to inspect WMATA tracks in order to ensure track safety on the complete WMATA system. Delivery of the vehicle is scheduled for March 2012. ENSCO has teamed with Plasser American for this effort, who will supply the base vehicle.

The completed WMATA TGV will inspect for track geometry deviations. Future contract options may include inspection of internal steel rail flaws, rail wear, and third rail and platform alignment. The vehicle will also be capable of video logging the WMATA system, inspecting for electrical hot spots and monitoring aspects of the train control system. The TGV will be one of the most advanced track inspection vehicles in the world, using advanced laser, optical and inertial sensors. All track data will be analysed in real time by onboard computers, providing WMATA personnel with instantaneous reports on the condition of the rail system.

“Efficient and effective track measurement remains one of our top priorities. We’re delighted with this opportunity to significantly contribute to Metro’s enhanced safety performance efforts,” said Boris Nejikovsky, ENSCO’s vice president of applied technology and engineering division. For more than 35 years, ENSCO has been a leading provider of railway safety technologies throughout the world. ENSCO is committed to the delivery of new solutions to improve rail safety and performance and is the industry’s premier source for track inspection, vehicle/track interaction consulting, railroad safety and security as well as railroad asset management technology.