Track Warrant Control

Set of instructions to a train crew A track warrant is a set of instructions issued to a train crew authorizing specific train movements. The system is widely used in North America.[citation needed] The warrant is issued by the train dispatcher and delivered to the train crew via radio. The train crew copies the instructions onto a pre-printed paper form and reads back the warrant to ensure that nothing was misunderstood. Operation Track warrants are issued granting main track use between two named points (i.e. milepost sign, station, or any fixed physical point, such as a switch). The dispatcher may also issue time constraints (known as "Box 6" on a standard form), although the track warrants remain in effect until cleared by a member of the receiving crew. Track warrants are sometimes used in conjunction with a block signal system to provide rear-end protection against following trains.[better source needed] Track warrants usually allow a train to move in one direction only—a "proceed" instruction. Sometimes a train may also be given authorizing movements in either direction, called a "work between" instruction. However, only one train can have a section of track at one particu