A directional designation used in timetables and track warrants indicating movement toward a railroad headquarters, major terminal, or milepost zero. It is an administrative direction rather than a compass heading, meaning an up train could physically be traveling south or west depending on how the railroad originally surveyed the line.
Heard on the job
Extra 4402 East is running on the up track, keep clear of the main until they pass.
Do not mix it up with
- Down: Up generally means toward the primary terminal or milepost zero, while down means moving away from it.