Railroad Track Authority and Dispatching Software for Dark Territory Operations

TrackAccess by Main Line Systems

Replaces Traditional Track Warrant Control (TWC)

TrackAccess

A modern dark territory track authority system designed to reduce human error and improve safety through structured, auditable authorities.


TrackAccess integrates with WebHOS  railroad Hours of Service compliance software to support coordinated dispatching and duty time oversight.


TrackAccess is widely suited for short line railroads that need a dependable dispatching tool without the overhead of large enterprise systems.



FRA compliance

Track authority / reservation

Safety improvement over TWC

Dispatcher or no-dispatcher flexibility 

Built Specifically for Short Line and Regional Railroads

TrackAccess is built specifically for short line and regional railroads, focusing on their unique operational needs. The system delivers practical, reliable tools that let smaller railroads handle dispatching efficiently without the burden of overly complex, oversized solutions.


TrackAccess is designed for:
• Short line railroads
• Regional railroads
• Industrial railroads
• Private rail operations
• Railroads dispatching dark territory
If your railroad needs track authority control, dispatcher documentation, and compliance confidence, TrackAccess fits the job.


 Ideal for dark territory operations

Control your operations with ease using TrackAccess's structured movement authority, tailored for smaller railroads.

Structured authority control without signal system integration requirements

Enhance your dispatcher oversight with our intuitive interface, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Clear documentation for smaller dispatcher teams

Stay compliant with industry regulations effortlessly, thanks to our streamlined documentation processes.

Affordable and scalable for growing railroads

TrackAccess offers the most competitive pricing for railroad compliance tools, helping you save money while improving safety.

Independent Safety Risk Assessment

A preliminary fault-tree risk assessment prepared by Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) compares TrackAccess to manual Track Warrant Control (TWC). Baseline results indicate a collision hazard rate improvement of approximately 37x, with sensitivity analyses showing improvements ranging from about 18x to 75x depending on assumptions. Note: The report describes hazard rates, not accident rates, and includes caveats and sensitivity analyses. See the PDF for details.
Download risk assessment (PDF)

How TrackAccess improves safety

Structured authorities

Standardizes how authority is requested, issued, acknowledged, and recorded, supporting consistent operating practices.

Audit trail by design

Time-stamped actions and clear history support internal review and FRA compliant audit preparation.

Modern web-based workflows

Designed for field and office use without relying on legacy desktop database architecture.

TrackAccess Reduces Reliance on Contract Railroad Dispatching Services

TrackAccess delivers a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional contract dispatching by using advanced technology to reduce reliance on full-time contract dispatchers. It supports fully autonomous operations within a hybrid model that improves safety while optimizing overall costs.

Eliminate Full-Time Dispatchers

TrackAccess dispatching system helps reduce, and in many cases eliminate, the need for full-time contract dispatchers, allowing you to streamline operations and lower costs.

Support Autonomous Operations

Our track reservation system enables fully autonomous railroad dispatching, delivering efficient and reliable operations without requiring constant human oversight. 

Hybrid Dispatching Models

TrackAccess enables hybrid models where contract dispatcher services are utilized only when necessary, ensuring you pay for what you need without compromising on safety.

Key applications for safer rail operations

Typical Use Cases

Dark Territory Operations

Manage train movements in areas without signal systems using clear, auditable authority controls.

Roadway Worker Protection

Streamline authority issuance to safeguard crews working on or near tracks with real-time updates.

Authority Status Visibility

Provide dispatchers and field staff with instant access to current authority assignments across the network.

Reduced Contract Dispatching

Lower dependency on contract dispatching services by automating authority management in applicable territories.

For Owners and Operating Managers

Short line railroad leaders need clear visibility into train movement, dispatcher activity, and compliance exposure. TrackAccess provides a documented dispatching environment that supports efficient daily operations while protecting the railroad.

Strengthen Accountability

Whether operating a single subdivision or multiple territories, TrackAccess strengthens accountability and simplifies oversight.


  • Reduce dispatcher workload
  • Eliminate authority delays
  • Maintain a complete legal record of movement
  • Improve roadway worker protection

Enhance Safety

Our tools ensure compliance with hours of service and certification management, enhancing safety across your operations.


  • Issue track authority digitally
  • Control occupancy in real time
  • Prevent conflicting movements
  • Log all activity automatically

Optimize Operations

Streamline your dispatching processes with our cost-competitive software, designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs.


  • Eliminates paper track warrants
  • Removes dispatcher bottlenecks
  • Provides controlled track without centralized dispatch