Who issues track warrants?

• A. Dispatcher
• B. Train crew
• C. Station master
• D. Maintenance supervisor

Answer: (A)

Track warrants are the authority to occupy and move on a defined block of track, and they are issued by the dispatcher. The dispatcher is the central authority who plans and coordinates train movements, ensuring safe separation and avoiding conflicts with other trains or work on the line. A track warrant specifies the limits, any speed or safety restrictions, and the time frame for the movement, and the train crew carries and complies with those terms after obtaining them from the dispatcher.

The other roles don’t issue track warrants: the train crew can request and follow warrants but cannot grant them, the station master handles local station operations rather than movement authorization, and the maintenance supervisor issues work orders for track work, not the authorization to operate trains.