What is a Bumping Post?

What is a Bumping Post?

• A. A track other than a main track.
• B. A structure at the end of track placed to prevent rail vehicles from running off the track.
• C. Information communicated by radio to all trains which must be acknowledged back to Control.
• D. A ramp on each end of the platform used for boarding and alighting passengers with mobility impairments.

Answer: (B)

A bumping post is a sturdy barrier placed at the end of a track to stop a rail vehicle before it can run off the rails. It serves as a physical safety feature that absorbs some impact and guides the vehicle to a controlled halt, protecting both the train and nearby people or equipment. You’ll typically see them at the end of yard tracks or end-of-line sections where there’s no further track beyond. This is different from a siding (which is just an alternate track), a radio communication system, or a boarding ramp for accessibility.

A bumping post is a sturdy barrier placed at the end of a track to stop a rail vehicle before it can run off the rails. It serves as a physical safety feature that absorbs some impact and guides the vehicle to a controlled halt, protecting both the train and nearby people or equipment. You’ll typically see them at the end of yard tracks or end-of-line sections where there’s no further track beyond. This is different from a siding (which is just an alternate track), a radio communication system, or a boarding ramp for accessibility.