What should the dispatcher do if they encounter a signal system failure?

When a dispatcher encounters a signal system failure, the best course of action is to immediately contact the MTO (Malfunctioning Track Operations) for guidance. This response is crucial because a signal system failure can significantly impact train safety and operations. The MTO is equipped to provide instructions on how to handle the situation safely and effectively based on the current operating conditions and protocols.

Communication with the MTO ensures that appropriate measures are taken to assess the situation and determine the best way forward, which may involve stopping trains, rerouting services, or implementing alternative procedures to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew. This proactive step helps prevent potential accidents that could arise from a failure to act or from unauthorized decisions made by dispatchers in high-risk scenarios.

In contrast, ignoring the failure, switching to manual control without proper authorization, or continuing operations under the assumption that everything is normal could lead to dangerous situations and compromise safety protocols. Thus, contacting the MTO is the safest and most responsible action a dispatcher can take in the event of a signal system failure.