As a leader in rail innovation, Unipart is proud to announce it will supply its industry-proven Onboard Shunt Enhancer™ (OSE™) technology to Siemens Mobility for the expanded Amtrak Airo fleet.

Siemens Mobility, a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, recently received a major follow-on order from Amtrak for 10 additional trainsets, bringing the total order to 83 units. These modern, semi-permanently coupled trainsets are being manufactured in Sacramento, California, and are scheduled to enter service beginning in 2026.

In a major milestone for rail safety, the Loss of Shunt Committee has formally recognised the implementation of an onboard shunt enhancement system as a recommended solution. This official endorsement validates the use of the technology as a critical tool for mitigating loss of shunt at grade crossings, maintaining operational integrity.

The Unipart OSE™ system is engineered to support and enhance the detection of a train’s presence by aiding in the mitigation of ‘loss of shunt’, a hazardous condition where factors including wheel to track contact, debris, rust or light axle loads can interfere with traditional signalling.  This can result in the failure of safety-critical systems such as signals and railroad crossings.

By integrating train-mounted antennas the OSE™ system provides an industry proven solution for reliable train detection, specifically engineered to overcome the common failure modes of traditional track circuits caused by rail head contamination or oxidation on low-usage lines. 

The system is an evolution of Unipart’s industry-proven Track Circuit Actuator (TCA) product. Built upon a legacy of reliable performance, the OSE™ enhances public safety, bridging gaps in traditional detection to support the reliable operation of crossing systems.

To meet the growing demand in North America and support the Amtrak Airo project, Unipart will manufacture its complete OSE™ system at its Westcode facility in Binghamton, New York. This strategic investment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative safety solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the US rail network.

Dr David McGorman, Unipart Managing Director of Rail & Technology, said: “The official recommendation of an onboard shunt enhancement system is a fantastic railway safety milestone. By addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as the critical issue of loss of shunt, Unipart continues to reinforce our proud reputation as a global leader in rail innovation.”

Paul Widdowson, President, Westcode Inc, emphasised the benefits of the technology: “We are extremely pleased that our proven OSE™ technology has been recognised as a transformative solution for grade crossings. Providing this technology to Siemens for the Amtrak Airo fleet marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of both rail passengers and the general public.”

Unipart’s commitment to rail safety is backed by an extensive history of pioneering advancements in rail safety and reliability across the world. By consistently delivering performance-enhancing innovations and safety-critical solutions, Unipart has established itself as a trusted partner to the industry. This deep expertise allows the company to address the most pressing infrastructure challenges while maintaining a reputation for excellence.