What authority is essential for a track car to operate in automatic block territory?

The operation of a track car in automatic block territory requires comprehensive and coordinated safety measures, which is why the correct authority includes both the train dispatcher and all block operators. The train dispatcher has the overall responsibility for the safe management of train movements in the territory, including ensuring that the track is clear for the movement of a track car.

Additionally, the block operators play a critical role as they control the signals and switches in their specific areas of responsibility. Their permission is necessary to ensure that the line is safe and correctly configured for the track car. This dual authorization process helps prevent conflicts with active trains and maintain the safety of all operations within the automatic block territory.

In contrast, relying solely on permission from the train dispatcher or just the block operator would not cover all the safety checks needed for track car operations, as there could be blind spots or miscommunications if only one authority is involved. The engineer of the track car alone lacks the authority to ensure safety across the entire operation, necessitating both the dispatcher and block operators’ permissions for safe movement.