Safetran
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway signalling and transportation |
| Founded | 1920 |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Switch machines, railway signalling, rail transit signaling, active warning systems for rail-highway level crossing signals |
| Parent | Siemens (since April 2013) |
Safetran Systems Corporation was a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in switch machines, railway signalling, rail transit signaling, and active warning systems for rail-highway level crossing signals. The company provided signal systems for freight, commuter rail, and transit operations, serving prominent clients such as CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National Railway, Amtrak, MBTA, Metra, Metrolink, New Jersey Transit, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
History
Established in 1920, Safetran played a significant role in developing essential products that supported the growth of the U.S. railroad network. At one point, it owned Burco Services, a logistics firm focused on construction project support. In July 1984, Hawker Siddeley acquired a 40% ownership interest in the company.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Safetran operated under the umbrella of Invensys Rail Systems until its purchase by Siemens in April 2013. Following this acquisition, Invensys—excluding its rail division—was bought by Schneider Electric in July 2013.
Significant applications
- The Northeast Corridor utilizes technology developed in collaboration with Alstom to implement an Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System for Amtrak operations.
- Safetran's Grade Crossing Predictor technology has been employed to upgrade historic interlocking systems such as Brighton Park Crossing and Pershing Main located in Chicago.
- The city of Placentia, California established a Quiet Zone by integrating Safetran’s Grade Crossing Predictors, Wayside Access Gateways, Spread Spectrum Radios, and Home/Distant Link equipment.
- For its Positive Train Control (PTC) deployment across its network, the Long Island Rail Road is adopting Safetran’s Vital Interface Units (VIUs) as part of a signaling modernization effort managed by Bombardier Inc. and Siemens. Additionally, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority applies Safetran’s PTC solutions to improve operational speeds, expand station capacity, and support growing commuter demand on the country’s largest commuter rail systems.
Key United States Locations
- Marion, Kentucky
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Lee's Summit, Missouri
Safetran Traffic Co
Operating independently after separating from the original parent company, Safetran Traffic is a Colorado-based firm that continues to use the initial Safetran emblem. Since 2006, it has been affiliated with Econolite, headquartered in Anaheim.
External links
- Archived official website (captured 25 Aug 2010)
- Safetran Traffic, affiliated entity