WMATA Rail Systems 5

Question 1

A track circuit detects the presence of a train by:

Accepted Answer

Sensing the electrical shunt created by the train's axles

Answer

Counting passengers

Answer

Reading the fare cards

Answer

Measuring noise levels

Question 2

What is the main reason rail systems divide track into 'blocks'?

Accepted Answer

To control train spacing and prevent collisions

Answer

To assign fare zones

Answer

To label stations

Answer

To schedule cleaning

Question 3

If an operator observes a person on the track ahead, the first priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Apply emergency braking and sound the horn

Answer

Speed up to clear the area

Answer

Open the doors

Answer

Switch off the lights

Question 4

Ballast under the rail ties primarily provides:

Accepted Answer

Drainage and load distribution to stabilize the track

Answer

Electrical power

Answer

Lighting

Answer

Passenger seating

Question 5

An 'absolute block' system guarantees that a section of track:

Accepted Answer

Is occupied by no more than one train

Answer

Always has two trains

Answer

Has no signals

Answer

Is reserved for maintenance only

Question 6

Regenerative braking on modern rail cars helps by:

Accepted Answer

Returning energy to the system while slowing the train

Answer

Increasing top speed

Answer

Cleaning the rails

Answer

Cooling the cabin only

Question 7

Why must a train operator observe speed restrictions through curves and interlockings?

Accepted Answer

To prevent derailment and maintain safe control

Answer

To save fare money

Answer

To improve cell reception

Answer

To reduce ticket prices