Before allowing a train to operate against traffic, what must the dispatcher confirm?

The correct answer is grounded in the importance of ensuring safety when trains operate against traffic. Before a train is permitted to move in a direction contrary to that of other trains, the dispatcher must confirm that opposing movements are restricted. This means that all trains moving in the opposing direction must be halted or otherwise prevented from interfering with the train moving against traffic.

In a controlled rail environment, managing traffic is crucial to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of both the train and its passengers. The dispatcher has the responsibility of maintaining an overview of the entire rail network, and ensuring that there is no conflicting movement is vital to preserving that safety.

Other options, such as confirming that the train is on schedule, that the signal is green, or that the crew is prepared, are important aspects of overall train operational readiness but are not sufficient alone to guarantee safe operations against opposing traffic. The core concern in allowing a train to operate against traffic lies in the management of potential conflicting movements.