What are train orders issued for?

Train orders are specific instructions issued to train crews that are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of trains, particularly in coordinating movements on shared tracks. They serve to manage the movements of work trains, self-propelled vehicles, and hi-rail vehicles, ensuring that these vehicles can operate safely while avoiding conflicts with regular train operations.

This is essential in a rail network where multiple train types might share the same tracks, as it helps regulate their movement based on operational needs and safety requirements. By issuing train orders, the railroad can ensure that all parties involved are aware of the operational status and any special instructions necessary for safe travel, particularly during maintenance or track work.

While the other options touch on aspects of rail operations, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of train orders. Identifying crew members, scheduling maintenance, or issuing warnings to passengers, while important elements of rail management, do not encapsulate the function of train orders in the context of movement authority and coordination among various types of rail vehicles.