Implement Train Alert in Your Commnity
Train Alert is a hardware/software/communication solution that provides advanced warning to your community when a train is approaching town. The alerts can be used by cities and residents to reduce commuter and pedestrian disruptions caused by trains. Users can modifiy routes and/or notifiy others if delays are expected as a result of getting this information.
Train Alert is operational in Northern Colorado. Learn more about this implementation.
Train Alert is operational in Northern Colorado. Learn more about this implementation.
A Train Alert solution is comprised of the following components:
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How It Works
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Implementation InstructionsAll components required to install, integrate, test, announce and maintain a Train Alert solution can be aquired for free or at very low costs. Instructions for creating a solution are provided below.
STEP 1: ACQUIRE Components The following hardware, software, and communication infrastructure components are required: HARDWARE
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Consulting and implementation services are available for communities who want to outsource all or part of the effort required to establish the solution and/or network of users.
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STEP 2: SET-UP Compontents
- Mount cameras
- Configure PCs
- Load Train Alert video analysis software (and it's components) on PCs
- Create Web Site
Copy the main Train Alert web site or design your own if you have better ideas
- Establish Twitter Acounts
1. Establish a primary Twitter account which will be used to update the web alerts (example)
2. Establish a second Twitter account which will be used to send Twitter alerts (example)
3. For each Twitter account obtain consumer keys and access tokens
- Establsh Email Accounts
Establish a dedicated email account for each Twitter account
STEP 3: INTEGRATE and CONFIGURE Components
PC
CAMERA
TRAIN ALERT SOFTWARE
Modify the following info within the Train Alert software as follows:
PC
- Install Windows or Ubuntu
- Ensure PC is connected to the Wi-Fi network
CAMERA
- Connect Camera to Wi-Fi network
- Log into camera via web browser and ensure clear view of tracks
- Establish a secure camera log-in and password (do not use default settings)
TRAIN ALERT SOFTWARE
Modify the following info within the Train Alert software as follows:
- Change camera login settings to match your camera settings (IP address, login, password)
- Set crop settings to provide tight view of railroad tracks + ~20' above tracks
- Adjust settings as needed for: sunrise hour, sunset hour, seconds required to check for long trains, # of frames required to ID train, etc.
- Adjust directional labels as needed
- Copy & paste appropriate Twitter consumer keys and access tokens into functions:
send_twitter_update and send_web_page_update - Configure "sendemail" function with appropriate email and password info
- Add email subscribers' email addresses in "bccdist" blocks within "sendemail" function
- Modify appropriate cross streets and arrival estimates
- Modify Twitter and email message body contents as appropriate
STEP 4: TEST & CALIBRATE Solution
- Observe passing trains and adjust settings as needed.
- Conduct end-to-end tests to be sure passing trains generate timely alerts via the web and Twitter.
STEP 5: ANNOUNCE Train Alert
Execute an outreach campaign to build a user community. Suggestions:
Execute an outreach campaign to build a user community. Suggestions:
- Twitter
-- Announce the availability of Train Alert in your area.
Tag media outlets, personalities and city officials who may be willing to help you spread the word (example results)
-- Use your main Train Alert Twitter account (which will be followed by users) to start following people you expect might be interested in Train Alert
-- Search Twitter for expressions of frustration related to train delays in your area.
Respond to these comments with the news that Train Alert is now available. - Facebook
Announce the availability of Train Alert - Reddit
Announce the availability of Train Alert via appropriate community sub-Reddits - Email
Announce Train Alert to local media contacts
STEP 6: MAINTAIN Solution
- Process subscription requests
- Respond to inquiries
- Monitor reliability, detection accuracy, and alert delivery performance
- Update system as needed
DISCLAIMER: Train Alert is provided for informational purposes only and may not be 100% reliable. Train Alerts should not be used as the basis for critical decisions. People and organizations involved in providing Train Alert data are not responsible for actions taken as a result of the information provided.