When releasing authority verbally, the train dispatcher must:

• A. 1, 3, and 4
• B. 2, 3, and 4
• C. All of the above
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (C)

Releasing authority verbally is a formal handoff that must be complete, clear, and verifiable. The dispatcher communicates the exact block or track segment being released, states the current authority status and any restrictions, and ensures the train crew understands the new clearance. A positive acknowledgment from the crew is required to confirm they received and understand the release, and the release must be logged or recorded so there is an auditable record of the action.

All of these parts work together to prevent miscommunication or conflict in movement authority. If any piece is skipped, the crew might act on outdated instructions, or the system might not reflect the current status, creating a safety risk. For that reason, performing the full set of steps is necessary, which is why “All of the above” is the correct practice.