Dispatcher’s know on CTC territory were every train is according to his track line,or computer screen monitored track information,that’s displayed in front of him. He can now even tell if the train is operating under PTC . Train symbols are displayed.
The dispatcher can see every signal and if the auto router has him lined up and for how far slow orders and names of MOW with a track authority .
He can tell by the movement in each sector of code line that the train throws up if he’s moving in a block. The chief dispatcher can even monitor each trains speed.
So long story short,yes if the system is operating correctly a dispatcher can tell if a train is stopped at a stop and stay signal or a favorable signal that grants movement.
And the PTC can tell each Engineer up to six miles ahead of the signal .
It can show upcoming speed changes and when a bad signal is to be expected.
