Railroads (United States)

Last Updated: August 21, 2023, 20:26 pm UTC

Listed below are standard frequencies used by railroads in the United States. Most of the same frequencies are be used for cross-border operations with Canada. The American Association of Railroads (AAR) has assigned channel numbers to each standard voice radio frequency.

Such channel numbers are used with railroad radios and are commonly referred to by field personnel. Locomotive radios are able to select individual transmit and receive frequencies as needed. Sometimes this can be heard as "Go to 20-90". Standard practice is simplex operations, with the same channel number (i.e., 3636). A common channel for Union Pacific is channel 020, and may be heard on the radio as "go to Channel 20." Railroads on the radio still use the old channel number as opposed to the new numbers, where appropriate (i.e., "20" vs saying "020").

The AAR standard for digital voice radio uses the Kenwood/ICOM NXDN/Nexedge digital format in 7.5 kHz channel spacing. There is no mandate to use digital, but those locomotives or operations that are required to interchange with other railroads must use NXDN, if digital radio is used.

Regional or smaller/tourist railroads have been known to use channels or trunked radio systems outside of the AAR plan. In addition some small operations even use DMR or other modes or systems for internal communications. If interchanging with another railroad, the AAR standard will typically be used.

Amtrak/passenger trains outside of their own rail lines can be found on the host railroad's radio channels. Station operations may or may not be on a separate channel. Trains from another railroad company operating on another railroad will be found on the host railroads channels (i.e., a Norfolk Southern train detouring on CSX).

Railroad radio operations are additionally found in each states railroad section.

Frequencies

Railroad Operations

AAR 001-097

These channels are part of the original AAR band plan, and are widely used in the United States. After the narrowband mandate, AAR relabeled the channels with a 0 (zero) to indicate that the channel is now narrowband. Channel 24 (25KHz. wide) became 024 (12.5 KHz. wide) and the frequency remained the same. Channels 001-006 are used in Canada and in the US by some railroad trucking operations.

 

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
159.570 BM CSQ AAR 001 Channel 001 FMN Railroad
159.810 BM CSQ AAR 002 Channel 002 FMN Railroad
159.930 BM CSQ AAR 003 Channel 003 FMN Railroad
160.050 BM CSQ AAR 004 Channel 004 FMN Railroad
160.185 BM CSQ AAR 005 Channel 005 FMN Railroad
160.200 BM CSQ AAR 006 Channel 006 FMN Railroad
160.215 BM CSQ AAR 007 Channel 007 FMN Railroad
160.230 BM CSQ AAR 008 Channel 008 FMN Railroad
160.245 BM CSQ AAR 009 Channel 009 FMN Railroad
160.260 BM CSQ AAR 010 Channel 010 FMN Railroad
160.275 BM CSQ AAR 011 Channel 011 FMN Railroad
160.290 BM CSQ AAR 012 Channel 012 FMN Railroad
160.305 BM CSQ AAR 013 Channel 013 FMN Railroad
160.320 BM CSQ AAR 014 Channel 014 FMN Railroad
160.335 BM CSQ AAR 015 Channel 015 FMN Railroad
160.350 BM CSQ AAR 016 Channel 016 FMN Railroad
160.365 BM CSQ AAR 017 Channel 017 FMN Railroad
160.380 BM CSQ AAR 018 Channel 018 FMN Railroad
160.395 BM CSQ AAR 019 Channel 019 FMN Railroad
160.410 BM CSQ AAR 020 Channel 020 FMN Railroad
160.425 BM CSQ AAR 021 Channel 021 FMN Railroad
160.440 BM CSQ AAR 022 Channel 022 FMN Railroad
160.455 BM CSQ AAR 023 Channel 023 FMN Railroad
160.470 BM CSQ AAR 024 Channel 024 FMN Railroad
160.485 BM CSQ AAR 025 Channel 025 FMN Railroad
160.500 BM CSQ AAR 026 Channel 026 FMN Railroad
160.515 BM CSQ AAR 027 Channel 027 FMN Railroad
160.530 BM CSQ AAR 028 Channel 028 FMN Railroad
160.545 BM CSQ AAR 029 Channel 029 FMN Railroad
160.560 BM CSQ AAR 030 Channel 030 FMN Railroad
160.575 BM CSQ AAR 031 Channel 031 FMN Railroad
160.590 BM CSQ AAR 032 Channel 032 FMN Railroad
160.605 BM CSQ AAR 033 Channel 033 FMN Railroad
160.620 BM CSQ AAR 034 Channel 034 FMN Railroad
160.635 BM CSQ AAR 035 Channel 035 FMN Railroad
160.650 BM CSQ AAR 036 Channel 036 FMN Railroad
160.665 BM CSQ AAR 037 Channel 037 FMN Railroad
160.680 BM CSQ AAR 038 Channel 038 FMN Railroad
160.695 BM CSQ AAR 039 Channel 039 FMN Railroad
160.710 BM CSQ AAR 040 Channel 040 FMN Railroad
160.725 BM CSQ AAR 041 Channel 041 FMN Railroad
160.740 BM CSQ AAR 042 Channel 042 FMN Railroad
160.755 BM CSQ AAR 043 Channel 043 FMN Railroad
160.770 BM CSQ AAR 044 Channel 044 FMN Railroad
160.785 BM CSQ AAR 045 Channel 045 FMN Railroad
160.800 BM CSQ AAR 046 Channel 046 FMN Railroad
160.815 BM CSQ AAR 047 Channel 047 FMN Railroad
160.830 BM CSQ AAR 048 Channel 048 FMN Railroad
160.845 BM CSQ AAR 049 Channel 049 FMN Railroad
160.860 BM CSQ AAR 050 Channel 050 FMN Railroad
160.875 BM CSQ AAR 051 Channel 051 FMN Railroad
160.890 BM CSQ AAR 052 Channel 052 FMN Railroad
160.905 BM CSQ AAR 053 Channel 053 FMN Railroad
160.920 BM CSQ AAR 054 Channel 054 FMN Railroad
160.935 BM CSQ AAR 055 Channel 055 FMN Railroad
160.950 BM CSQ AAR 056 Channel 056 FMN Railroad
160.965 BM CSQ AAR 057 Channel 057 FMN Railroad
160.980 BM CSQ AAR 058 Channel 058 FMN Railroad
160.995 BM CSQ AAR 059 Channel 059 FMN Railroad
161.010 BM CSQ AAR 060 Channel 060 FMN Railroad
161.025 BM CSQ AAR 061 Channel 061 FMN Railroad
161.040 BM CSQ AAR 062 Channel 062 FMN Railroad
161.055 BM CSQ AAR 063 Channel 063 FMN Railroad
161.070 BM CSQ AAR 064 Channel 064 FMN Railroad
161.085 BM CSQ AAR 065 Channel 065 FMN Railroad
161.100 BM CSQ AAR 066 Channel 066 FMN Railroad
161.115 BM CSQ AAR 067 Channel 067 FMN Railroad
161.130 BM CSQ AAR 068 Channel 068 FMN Railroad
161.145 BM CSQ AAR 069 Channel 069 FMN Railroad
161.160 BM CSQ AAR 070 Channel 070 FMN Railroad
161.175 BM CSQ AAR 071 Channel 071 FMN Railroad
161.190 BM CSQ AAR 072 Channel 072 FMN Railroad
161.205 BM CSQ AAR 073 Channel 073 FMN Railroad
161.220 BM CSQ AAR 074 Channel 074 FMN Railroad
161.235 BM CSQ AAR 075 Channel 075 FMN Railroad
161.250 BM CSQ AAR 076 Channel 076 FMN Railroad
161.265 BM CSQ AAR 077 Channel 077 FMN Railroad
161.280 BM CSQ AAR 078 Channel 078 FMN Railroad
161.295 BM CSQ AAR 079 Channel 079 FMN Railroad
161.310 BM CSQ AAR 080 Channel 080 FMN Railroad
161.325 BM CSQ AAR 081 Channel 081 FMN Railroad
161.340 BM CSQ AAR 082 Channel 082 FMN Railroad
161.355 BM CSQ AAR 083 Channel 083 FMN Railroad
161.370 BM CSQ AAR 084 Channel 084 FMN Railroad
161.385 BM CSQ AAR 085 Channel 085 FMN Railroad
161.400 BM CSQ AAR 086 Channel 086 FMN Railroad
161.415 BM CSQ AAR 087 Channel 087 FMN Railroad
161.430 BM CSQ AAR 088 Channel 088 FMN Railroad
161.445 BM CSQ AAR 089 Channel 089 FMN Railroad
161.460 BM CSQ AAR 090 Channel 090 FMN Railroad
161.475 BM CSQ AAR 091 Channel 091 FMN Railroad
161.490 BM CSQ AAR 092 Channel 092 FMN Railroad
161.505 BM CSQ AAR 093 Channel 093 FMN Railroad
161.520 BM CSQ AAR 094 Channel 094 FMN Railroad
161.535 BM CSQ AAR 095 Channel 095 FMN Railroad
161.550 BM CSQ AAR 096 Channel 096 FMN Railroad
161.565 BM CSQ AAR 097 Channel 097 FMN Railroad
AAR 107-196
Channels listed are an addition to the AAR band plan when narrowbanding took effect. These are "splinter channels" and reside in between the existing AAR channels. Great care must be taken when submitting information to the database as these are not widely used. Interference, poor receivers and the such may cause a scanner user to believe that one of these 100 series channels are in use when in fact it is a 007-097 series channel being used

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.2225 BM AAR 107 Channel 107 FMN Railroad
160.2375 BM AAR 108 Channel 108 FMN Railroad
160.2525 BM AAR 109 Channel 109 FMN Railroad
160.2675 BM AAR 110 Channel 110 FMN Railroad
160.2825 BM AAR 111 Channel 111 FMN Railroad
160.2975 BM AAR 112 Channel 112 FMN Railroad
160.3125 BM AAR 113 Channel 113 FMN Railroad
160.3275 BM AAR 114 Channel 114 FMN Railroad
160.3425 BM AAR 115 Channel 115 FMN Railroad
160.3575 BM AAR 116 Channel 116 FMN Railroad
160.3725 BM AAR 117 Channel 117 FMN Railroad
160.3875 BM AAR 118 Channel 118 FMN Railroad
160.4025 BM AAR 119 Channel 119 FMN Railroad
160.4175 BM AAR 120 Channel 120 FMN Railroad
160.4325 BM AAR 121 Channel 121 FMN Railroad
160.4475 BM AAR 122 Channel 122 FMN Railroad
160.4625 BM AAR 123 Channel 123 FMN Railroad
160.4775 BM AAR 124 Channel 124 FMN Railroad
160.4925 BM AAR 125 Channel 125 FMN Railroad
160.5075 BM AAR 126 Channel 126 FMN Railroad
160.5225 BM AAR 127 Channel 127 FMN Railroad
160.5375 BM AAR 128 Channel 128 FMN Railroad
160.5525 BM AAR 129 Channel 129 FMN Railroad
160.5675 BM AAR 130 Channel 130 FMN Railroad
160.5825 BM AAR 131 Channel 131 FMN Railroad
160.5975 BM AAR 132 Channel 132 FMN Railroad
160.6125 BM AAR 133 Channel 133 FMN Railroad
160.6275 BM AAR 134 Channel 134 FMN Railroad
160.6425 BM AAR 135 Channel 135 FMN Railroad
160.6575 BM AAR 136 Channel 136 FMN Railroad
160.6725 BM AAR 137 Channel 137 FMN Railroad
160.6875 BM AAR 138 Channel 138 FMN Railroad
160.7025 BM AAR 139 Channel 139 FMN Railroad
160.7175 BM AAR 140 Channel 140 FMN Railroad
160.7325 BM AAR 141 Channel 141 FMN Railroad
160.7475 BM AAR 142 Channel 142 FMN Railroad
160.7625 BM AAR 143 Channel 143 FMN Railroad
160.7775 BM AAR 144 Channel 144 FMN Railroad
160.7925 BM AAR 145 Channel 145 FMN Railroad
160.8075 BM AAR 146 Channel 146 FMN Railroad
160.8225 BM AAR 147 Channel 147 FMN Railroad
160.8375 BM AAR 148 Channel 148 FMN Railroad
160.8525 BM AAR 149 Channel 149 FMN Railroad
160.8675 BM AAR 150 Channel 150 FMN Railroad
160.8825 BM AAR 151 Channel 151 FMN Railroad
160.8975 BM AAR 152 Channel 152 FMN Railroad
160.9125 BM AAR 153 Channel 153 FMN Railroad
160.9275 BM AAR 154 Channel 154 FMN Railroad
160.9425 BM AAR 155 Channel 155 FMN Railroad
160.9575 BM AAR 156 Channel 156 FMN Railroad
160.9725 BM AAR 157 Channel 157 FMN Railroad
160.9875 BM AAR 158 Channel 158 FMN Railroad
161.0025 BM AAR 159 Channel 159 FMN Railroad
161.0175 BM AAR 160 Channel 160 FMN Railroad
161.0325 BM AAR 161 Channel 161 FMN Railroad
161.0475 BM AAR 162 Channel 162 FMN Railroad
161.0625 BM AAR 163 Channel 163 FMN Railroad
161.0775 BM AAR 164 Channel 164 FMN Railroad
161.0925 BM AAR 165 Channel 165 FMN Railroad
161.1075 BM AAR 166 Channel 166 FMN Railroad
161.1225 BM AAR 167 Channel 167 FMN Railroad
161.1375 BM AAR 168 Channel 168 FMN Railroad
161.1525 BM AAR 169 Channel 169 FMN Railroad
161.1675 BM AAR 170 Channel 170 FMN Railroad
161.1825 BM AAR 171 Channel 171 FMN Railroad
161.1975 BM AAR 172 Channel 172 FMN Railroad
161.2125 BM AAR 173 Channel 173 FMN Railroad
161.2275 BM AAR 174 Channel 174 FMN Railroad
161.2425 BM AAR 175 Channel 175 FMN Railroad
161.2575 BM AAR 176 Channel 176 FMN Railroad
161.2725 BM AAR 177 Channel 177 FMN Railroad
161.2875 BM AAR 178 Channel 178 FMN Railroad
161.3025 BM AAR 179 Channel 179 FMN Railroad
161.3175 BM AAR 180 Channel 180 FMN Railroad
161.3325 BM AAR 181 Channel 181 FMN Railroad
161.3475 BM AAR 182 Channel 182 FMN Railroad
161.3625 BM AAR 183 Channel 183 FMN Railroad
161.3775 BM AAR 184 Channel 184 FMN Railroad
161.3925 BM AAR 185 Channel 185 FMN Railroad
161.4075 BM AAR 186 Channel 186 FMN Railroad
161.4225 BM AAR 187 Channel 187 FMN Railroad
161.4375 BM AAR 188 Channel 188 FMN Railroad
161.4525 BM AAR 189 Channel 189 FMN Railroad
161.4675 BM AAR 190 Channel 190 FMN Railroad
161.4825 BM AAR 191 Channel 191 FMN Railroad
161.4975 BM AAR 192 Channel 192 FMN Railroad
161.5125 BM AAR 193 Channel 193 FMN Railroad
161.5275 BM AAR 194 Channel 194 FMN Railroad
161.5425 BM AAR 195 Channel 195 FMN Railroad
161.5575 BM AAR 196 Channel 196 FMN Railroad
AAR 307-487
These channels are the standard railroad digital channels using NXDN modulation at 6.25kHz spacing. No RAN codes are programmed on these standard channels. Site specific exceptions are possible as those radios/channels are only used at a certain terminal or function. These channels reuse the same frequencies as AAR 001-097 and AAR 107-196

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
160.215 BM AAR 307 NXDN Channel 307 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2225 BM AAR 308 NXDN Channel 308 NXDN48 Railroad
160.230 BM AAR 309 NXDN Channel 309 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2375 BM AAR 310 NXDN Channel 310 NXDN48 Railroad
160.245 BM AAR 311 NXDN Channel 311 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2525 BM AAR 312 NXDN Channel 312 NXDN48 Railroad
160.260 BM AAR 313 NXDN Channel 313 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2675 BM AAR 314 NXDN Channel 314 NXDN48 Railroad
160.275 BM AAR 315 NXDN Channel 315 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2825 BM AAR 316 NXDN Channel 316 NXDN48 Railroad
160.290 BM AAR 317 NXDN Channel 317 NXDN48 Railroad
160.2975 BM AAR 318 NXDN Channel 318 NXDN48 Railroad
160.305 BM AAR 319 NXDN Channel 319 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3125 BM AAR 320 NXDN Channel 320 NXDN48 Railroad
160.320 BM AAR 321 NXDN Channel 321 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3275 BM AAR 322 NXDN Channel 322 NXDN48 Railroad
160.335 BM AAR 323 NXDN Channel 323 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3425 BM AAR 324 NXDN Channel 324 NXDN48 Railroad
160.350 BM AAR 325 NXDN Channel 325 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3575 BM AAR 326 NXDN Channel 326 NXDN48 Railroad
160.365 BM AAR 327 NXDN Channel 327 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3725 BM AAR 328 NXDN Channel 328 NXDN48 Railroad
160.380 BM AAR 329 NXDN Channel 329 NXDN48 Railroad
160.3875 BM AAR 330 NXDN Channel 330 NXDN48 Railroad
160.395 BM AAR 331 NXDN Channel 331 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4025 BM AAR 332 NXDN Channel 332 NXDN48 Railroad
160.410 BM AAR 333 NXDN Channel 333 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4175 BM AAR 334 NXDN Channel 334 NXDN48 Railroad
160.425 BM AAR 335 NXDN Channel 335 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4325 BM AAR 336 NXDN Channel 336 NXDN48 Railroad
160.440 BM AAR 337 NXDN Channel 337 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4475 BM AAR 338 NXDN Channel 338 NXDN48 Railroad
160.455 BM AAR 339 NXDN Channel 339 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4625 BM AAR 340 NXDN Channel 340 NXDN48 Railroad
160.470 BM AAR 341 NXDN Channel 341 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4775 BM AAR 342 NXDN Channel 342 NXDN48 Railroad
160.485 BM AAR 343 NXDN Channel 343 NXDN48 Railroad
160.4925 BM AAR 344 NXDN Channel 344 NXDN48 Railroad
160.500 BM AAR 345 NXDN Channel 345 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5075 BM AAR 346 NXDN Channel 346 NXDN48 Railroad
160.515 BM AAR 347 NXDN Channel 347 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5225 BM AAR 348 NXDN Channel 348 NXDN48 Railroad
160.530 BM AAR 349 NXDN Channel 349 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5375 BM AAR 350 NXDN Channel 350 NXDN48 Railroad
160.545 BM AAR 351 NXDN Channel 351 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5525 BM AAR 352 NXDN Channel 352 NXDN48 Railroad
160.560 BM AAR 353 NXDN Channel 353 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5675 BM AAR 354 NXDN Channel 354 NXDN48 Railroad
160.575 BM AAR 355 NXDN Channel 355 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5825 BM AAR 356 NXDN Channel 356 NXDN48 Railroad
160.590 BM AAR 357 NXDN Channel 357 NXDN48 Railroad
160.5975 BM AAR 358 NXDN Channel 358 NXDN48 Railroad
160.605 BM AAR 359 NXDN Channel 359 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6125 BM AAR 360 NXDN Channel 360 NXDN48 Railroad
160.620 BM AAR 361 NXDN Channel 361 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6275 BM AAR 362 NXDN Channel 362 NXDN48 Railroad
160.635 BM AAR 363 NXDN Channel 363 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6425 BM AAR 364 NXDN Channel 364 NXDN48 Railroad
160.650 BM AAR 365 NXDN Channel 365 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6575 BM AAR 366 NXDN Channel 366 NXDN48 Railroad
160.665 BM AAR 367 NXDN Channel 367 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6725 BM AAR 368 NXDN Channel 368 NXDN48 Railroad
160.680 BM AAR 369 NXDN Channel 369 NXDN48 Railroad
160.6875 BM AAR 370 NXDN Channel 370 NXDN48 Railroad
160.695 BM AAR 371 NXDN Channel 371 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7025 BM AAR 372 NXDN Channel 372 NXDN48 Railroad
160.710 BM AAR 373 NXDN Channel 373 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7175 BM AAR 374 NXDN Channel 374 NXDN48 Railroad
160.725 BM AAR 375 NXDN Channel 375 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7325 BM AAR 376 NXDN Channel 376 NXDN48 Railroad
160.740 BM AAR 377 NXDN Channel 377 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7475 BM AAR 378 NXDN Channel 378 NXDN48 Railroad
160.755 BM AAR 379 NXDN Channel 379 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7625 BM AAR 380 NXDN Channel 380 NXDN48 Railroad
160.770 BM AAR 381 NXDN Channel 381 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7775 BM AAR 382 NXDN Channel 382 NXDN48 Railroad
160.785 BM AAR 383 NXDN Channel 383 NXDN48 Railroad
160.7925 BM AAR 384 NXDN Channel 384 NXDN48 Railroad
160.800 BM AAR 385 NXDN Channel 385 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8075 BM AAR 386 NXDN Channel 386 NXDN48 Railroad
160.815 BM AAR 387 NXDN Channel 387 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8225 BM AAR 388 NXDN Channel 388 NXDN48 Railroad
160.830 BM AAR 389 NXDN Channel 389 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8375 BM AAR 390 NXDN Channel 390 NXDN48 Railroad
160.845 BM AAR 391 NXDN Channel 391 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8525 BM AAR 392 NXDN Channel 392 NXDN48 Railroad
160.860 BM AAR 393 NXDN Channel 393 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8675 BM AAR 394 NXDN Channel 394 NXDN48 Railroad
160.875 BM AAR 395 NXDN Channel 395 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8825 BM AAR 396 NXDN Channel 396 NXDN48 Railroad
160.890 BM AAR 397 NXDN Channel 397 NXDN48 Railroad
160.8975 BM AAR 398 NXDN Channel 398 NXDN48 Railroad
160.905 BM AAR 399 NXDN Channel 399 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9125 BM AAR 400 NXDN Channel 400 NXDN48 Railroad
160.920 BM AAR 401 NXDN Channel 401 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9275 BM AAR 402 NXDN Channel 402 NXDN48 Railroad
160.935 BM AAR 403 NXDN Channel 403 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9425 BM AAR 404 NXDN Channel 404 NXDN48 Railroad
160.950 BM AAR 405 NXDN Channel 405 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9575 BM AAR 406 NXDN Channel 406 NXDN48 Railroad
160.965 BM AAR 407 NXDN Channel 407 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9725 BM AAR 408 NXDN Channel 408 NXDN48 Railroad
160.980 BM AAR 409 NXDN Channel 409 NXDN48 Railroad
160.9875 BM AAR 410 NXDN Channel 410 NXDN48 Railroad
160.995 BM AAR 411 NXDN Channel 411 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0025 BM AAR 412 NXDN Channel 412 NXDN48 Railroad
161.010 BM AAR 413 NXDN Channel 413 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0175 BM AAR 414 NXDN Channel 414 NXDN48 Railroad
161.025 BM AAR 415 NXDN Channel 415 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0325 BM AAR 416 NXDN Channel 416 NXDN48 Railroad
161.040 BM AAR 417 NXDN Channel 417 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0475 BM AAR 418 NXDN Channel 418 NXDN48 Railroad
161.055 BM AAR 419 NXDN Channel 419 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0625 BM AAR 420 NXDN Channel 420 NXDN48 Railroad
161.070 BM AAR 421 NXDN Channel 421 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0775 BM AAR 422 NXDN Channel 422 NXDN48 Railroad
161.085 BM AAR 423 NXDN Channel 423 NXDN48 Railroad
161.0925 BM AAR 424 NXDN Channel 424 NXDN48 Railroad
161.100 BM AAR 425 NXDN Channel 425 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1075 BM AAR 426 NXDN Channel 426 NXDN48 Railroad
161.115 BM AAR 427 NXDN Channel 427 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1225 BM AAR 428 NXDN Channel 428 NXDN48 Railroad
161.130 BM AAR 429 NXDN Channel 429 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1375 BM AAR 430 NXDN Channel 430 NXDN48 Railroad
161.145 BM AAR 431 NXDN Channel 431 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1525 BM AAR 432 NXDN Channel 432 NXDN48 Railroad
161.160 BM AAR 433 NXDN Channel 433 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1675 BM AAR 434 NXDN Channel 434 NXDN48 Railroad
161.175 BM AAR 435 NXDN Channel 435 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1825 BM AAR 436 NXDN Channel 436 NXDN48 Railroad
161.190 BM AAR 437 NXDN Channel 437 NXDN48 Railroad
161.1975 BM AAR 438 NXDN Channel 438 NXDN48 Railroad
161.205 BM AAR 439 NXDN Channel 439 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2125 BM AAR 440 NXDN Channel 440 NXDN48 Railroad
161.220 BM AAR 441 NXDN Channel 441 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2275 BM AAR 442 NXDN Channel 442 NXDN48 Railroad
161.235 BM AAR 443 NXDN Channel 443 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2425 BM AAR 444 NXDN Channel 444 NXDN48 Railroad
161.250 BM AAR 445 NXDN Channel 445 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2575 BM AAR 446 NXDN Channel 446 NXDN48 Railroad
161.265 BM AAR 447 NXDN Channel 447 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2725 BM AAR 448 NXDN Channel 448 NXDN48 Railroad
161.280 BM AAR 449 NXDN Channel 449 NXDN48 Railroad
161.2875 BM AAR 450 NXDN Channel 450 NXDN48 Railroad
161.295 BM AAR 451 NXDN Channel 451 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3025 BM AAR 452 NXDN Channel 452 NXDN48 Railroad
161.310 BM AAR 453 NXDN Channel 453 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3175 BM AAR 454 NXDN Channel 454 NXDN48 Railroad
161.325 BM AAR 455 NXDN Channel 455 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3325 BM AAR 456 NXDN Channel 456 NXDN48 Railroad
161.340 BM AAR 457 NXDN Channel 457 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3475 BM AAR 458 NXDN Channel 458 NXDN48 Railroad
161.355 BM AAR 459 NXDN Channel 459 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3625 BM AAR 460 NXDN Channel 460 NXDN48 Railroad
161.370 BM AAR 461 NXDN Channel 461 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3775 BM AAR 462 NXDN Channel 462 NXDN48 Railroad
161.385 BM AAR 463 NXDN Channel 463 NXDN48 Railroad
161.3925 BM AAR 464 NXDN Channel 464 NXDN48 Railroad
161.400 BM AAR 465 NXDN Channel 465 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4075 BM AAR 466 NXDN Channel 466 NXDN48 Railroad
161.415 BM AAR 467 NXDN Channel 467 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4225 BM AAR 468 NXDN Channel 468 NXDN48 Railroad
161.430 BM AAR 469 NXDN Channel 469 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4375 BM AAR 470 NXDN Channel 470 NXDN48 Railroad
161.445 BM AAR 471 NXDN Channel 471 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4525 BM AAR 472 NXDN Channel 472 NXDN48 Railroad
161.460 BM AAR 473 NXDN Channel 473 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4675 BM AAR 474 NXDN Channel 474 NXDN48 Railroad
161.475 BM AAR 475 NXDN Channel 475 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4825 BM AAR 476 NXDN Channel 476 NXDN48 Railroad
161.490 BM AAR 477 NXDN Channel 477 NXDN48 Railroad
161.4975 BM AAR 478 NXDN Channel 478 NXDN48 Railroad
161.505 BM AAR 479 NXDN Channel 479 NXDN48 Railroad
161.5125 BM AAR 480 NXDN Channel 480 NXDN48 Railroad
161.520 BM AAR 481 NXDN Channel 481 NXDN48 Railroad
161.5275 BM AAR 482 NXDN Channel 482 NXDN48 Railroad
161.535 BM AAR 483 NXDN Channel 483 NXDN48 Railroad
161.5425 BM AAR 484 NXDN Channel 484 NXDN48 Railroad
161.550 BM AAR 485 NXDN Channel 485 NXDN48 Railroad
161.5575 BM AAR 486 NXDN Channel 486 NXDN48 Railroad
161.565 BM AAR 487 NXDN Channel 487 NXDN48 Railroad
161.5725 BM AAR 488 NXDN Channel 488 NXDN48 Railroad
Advanced Train Control System

Advanced Train Control System (ATCS) is a combination of wayside signal reporting, on board work reporting and message delievery along the railroad. Most commonly it is found along signaled/CTC rail lines and aids in the approximate location of trains, switch positions, route requests and other railroad specific data. A good source on monitoring ATCS data can be found on the ATCS Monitor website. ATCS data is not available on all railroads or lines. There is no standard channel plan or frequency band for ATCS. Listed are known channels in use, and will vary by railroad and/or location

 

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
896.8875 M F-1 MCP ATCS F-1 Mobile Control Point [UNION PACIFIC] Telm Data
935.8875 B F-1 BCP ATCS F1 Base Control Point [UNION PACIFIC] Telm Data
896.9375 M F-2 MCP ATCS F-2 Mobile Control Point [CSX] Telm Data
935.9375 B F-2 BCP ATCS F-2 Base Control Point [CSX] Telm Data
896.9875 M F-3 MCP ATCS F-3 Mobile Control Point [Shared ATCS Network] Telm Data
935.9875 B F-3 BCP ATCS F-3 Base Control Point [Shared ATCS Network] Telm Data
897.8875 M F-4 MCP ATCS F-4 Mobile Control Point [BNSF] Telm Data
936.8875 B F-4 BCP ATCS F-4 Base Control Point [BNSF] Telm Data
897.9375 M F-5 MCP ATCS F-5 Mobile Control Point [NS] Telm Data
936.9375 B F-5 BCP ATCS F-5 Base Control Point [NS] Telm Data
897.9875 M F-6 MCP ATCS F-6 Mobile Control Point [SP] Telm Data
936.9875 B F-6 BCP ATCS F-6 Base Control Point [SP] Telm Data
928.00625 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.01875 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.03125 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.04375 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.05625 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.06875 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
928.08125 BM ATCS MCP MCP Telm Data
Positive Train Control

Positive Train Control or PTC is a new GPS and data system to enforce various railroad and federal rules pertaining to train movement. Most railroads will be required to use a form of PTC currently offered by two vendors. This system is designed to be interoperable with other railroads to allow standardizing of data and equipment. Some isolated or passenger railroads may use their own form of PTC such as Amtrak's ACSES on the Northeast Corridor. PTC is independent of other forms of signaling such as ATC/CCS/ATC, but may be overlaid with signal systems. Although there is no dedicated service for PTC by the FCC, railroads have selected the 220MHz spectrum for PTC operations. These frequencies are licensed nationwide.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
220.1275 B PTC-1 BASE Base - 01 Telm Data
220.1325 B PTC-2 BASE Base - 02 Telm Data
220.1375 B PTC-3 BASE Base - 03 Telm Data
220.1425 B PTC-4 BASE Base - 04 Telm Data
220.1475 B PTC-5 BASE Base - 05 Telm Data
220.7525 B PTC-6 BASE Base - 06 Telm Data
220.7675 B PTC-7 BASE Base - 07 Telm Data
220.7725 B PTC-8 BASE Base - 08 Telm Data
220.7575 B PTC-9 BASE Base - 09 Telm Data
220.1025 B PTC-10 BASE Base - 10 Telm Data
220.1075 B PTC-11 BASE Base - 11 Telm Data
220.1125 B PTC-12 BASE Base - 12 Telm Data
220.1175 B PTC-13 BASE Base - 13 Telm Data
220.1225 B PTC-14 BASE Base - 14 Telm Data
220.7775 B PTC-15 BASE Base - 15 Telm Data
220.7825 B PTC-16 BASE Base - 16 Telm Data
220.7875 B PTC-17 BASE Base - 17 Telm Data
220.7925 B PTC-18 BASE Base - 18 Telm Data
220.7975 B PTC-19 BASE Base - 19 Telm Data
221.1275 M PTC-1 MOB Mobile - 01 Telm Data
221.1325 M PTC-2 MOB Mobile - 02 Telm Data
221.1375 M PTC-3 MOB Mobile - 03 Telm Data
221.1425 M PTC-4 MOB Mobile - 04 Telm Data
221.1475 M PTC-5 MOB Mobile - 05 Telm Data
221.7525 M PTC-6 MOB Mobile - 06 Telm Data
221.7625 M PTC-7 MOB Mobile - 07 Telm Data
221.7725 M PTC-8 MOB Mobile - 08 Telm Data
221.7575 M PTC-9 MOB Mobile - 09 Telm Data
221.1025 M PTC-10 MOB Mobile - 10 Telm Data
221.1075 M PTC-11 MOB Mobile - 11 Telm Data
221.1125 M PTC-12 MOB Mobile - 12 Telm Data
221.1175 M PTC-13 MOB Mobile - 13 Telm Data
221.1225 M PTC-14 MOB Mobile - 14 Telm Data
221.7775 M PTC-15 MOB Mobile - 15 Telm Data
221.7825 M PTC-16 MOB Mobile - 16 Telm Data
221.7875 M PTC-17 MOB Mobile - 17 Telm Data
221.7925 M PTC-18 MOB Mobile - 18 Telm Data
221.7975 M PTC-19 MOB Mobile - 19 Telm Data
ITC

This is the Interoperable Train Control (ITC) system used on the North East Corridor (NEC), one of two Positive Train Control (PTC) systems there. Some of the frequencies are the same or overlapping with other PTC systems and steps are taken to minimize interference between the two systems. ITC uses a wider bandwidth (25 KHz.) signal than other systems. ITC is used by freight operators on the NEC and elsewhere.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
220.1125 BM ITC 1 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.1375 BM ITC 2 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.4125 BM ITC 3 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.4375 BM ITC 4 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.7125 BM ITC 5 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.7375 BM ITC 6 ITC 220 System Telm Data
220.7625 BM ITC 7 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.1125 BM ITC 8 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.1375 BM ITC 9 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.4125 BM ITC 10 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.4375 BM ITC 11 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.7125 BM ITC 12 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.7375 BM ITC 13 ITC 220 System Telm Data
221.7625 BM ITC 14 ITC 220 System Telm Data
Amtrak ACSES

Amtrak's Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) system is used by Amtrak and commuter passenger trains on the North East Corridor (NEC). Freight trains on these tracks use ITC listed elsewhere. Many of these frequencies duplicate or overlap with ITC and other PTC 220 range frequencies so steps are taken to avoid interference.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
217.0125 BM ACSES S1 ACSES South of New Haven Telm Data
217.025 BM ACSES S2 ACSES South of New Haven Telm Data
217.0375 BM ACSES S3 ACSES South of New Haven FM Data
217.050 BM ACSES S4 ACSES South of New Haven FM Data
217.0625 BM ACSES S5 ACSES South of New Haven Telm Data
217.075 BM ACSES S6 ACSES South of New Haven Telm Data
217.0875 BM ACSES S7 ACSES South of New Haven Telm Data
220.25625 BM ACSES N1 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
220.26875 BM ACSES N2 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
220.28125 BM ACSES N3 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
220.29375 BM ACSES N4 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
220.94375 BM ACSES N5 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
221.25625 BM ACSES N6 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
221.26875 BM ACSES N7 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
221.29375 BM ACSES N8 ACSES North of New Haven Telm Data
Train Telemetry

Frequencies listed here are used for train status within the train. EOTD's (End Of Train Device), also known as FRED's (Flashing Rear End Device) are fixed at the rear of most freight trains. This device is linked to the HOTD (Head Of Train Device) also known as a MARY (as opposed to "FRED"). The devices report that the train is moving, air pressure and emergency status of the air valve along with its specific radio ID. This data burst is commonly used by the railfan community that a train is in the listener vicinity. Trains using DP or Distributive Power (remotely controlled locomotives) also use 450MHz frequencies to control such locomotives and transmit information such as power or brake setting, unit ID and other status information. Remote Controlled Locomotives (RCL) are typically found in yards/terminals on yard jobs. Some may be found on mainlines on local jobs but are not used for through trains and are not the same as DP locomotives.

FrequencyLicenseTypeToneAlpha TagDescriptionModeTag
452.9375 M AAR HOTD Head of Train Telemetry Telm Data
457.9375 M AAR EOTD End of Train Telemetry Telm Data
452.925 M DPU Ch. 1 Distributed Power Unit Ch. 1 Telm Data
452.950 M DPU Ch. 2 Distributed Power Unit Ch. 2 Telm Data
457.925 M DPU Ch. 3 Distributed Power Unit Ch. 3 Telm Data
457.950 M DPU Ch. 4 Distributed Power Unit Ch. 4 Telm Data
44.580 BM BNSF HLCS BNSF Hy-rail Limits Compliance System Telm Data
452.93125 M RCL Data Locomotive Remote Control/Remote Indicator Telm Data
452.94375 M RCL Data Locomotive Remote Control/Remote Indicator Telm Data
452.95625 M RCL Data Locomotive Remote Control/Remote Indicator Telm Data
452.9625 M RCL Data Locomotive Remote Control/Remote Indicator Telm Data
452.96875 M RCL Data Locomotive Remote Control/Remote Indicator Telm Data