Who is responsible for providing speed restrictions to trains?

The train dispatcher is responsible for providing speed restrictions to trains. This role involves overseeing train movements and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the rail network. The dispatcher has access to the current conditions on the tracks, including any restrictions due to maintenance work, track conditions, or operational requirements. By communicating these speed restrictions, the dispatcher ensures that trains operate at safe speeds, which is critical for preventing accidents and maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure.

While the other roles, such as the train engineer, flagman, and local management, contribute to train operations and safety, they do not have the primary responsibility for establishing and communicating speed restrictions. The train engineer follows the guidelines set forth by the dispatcher, the flagman assists with safety during work zones, and local management may oversee operations but does not directly provide train-specific speed limits.