Metrolink secures $46.3 million in PTC funding

Metrolink's plans to implement Positive Train Control in southern California ahead of the federal mandate received a boost last week when the agency received $46.3 million dollars in funds to support the installation of the new rail safety technology. The California Transportation Commission allocated $22.8 million in Proposition 1A High-Speed Rail Passenger Train bonds and $10 million in Proposition 1B State and Local Partnership Program funds to advance the agency's PTC implementation program. Additionally, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $13.5 grant to Metrolink to fund a segment of the program that supports the Pacific Surfliner, located between San Onofre in Orange County and Moorpark in Ventura County. "Metrolink is grateful to the leaders who demonstrated their commitment to rail safety by allocating these funds. Our program is now fully funded, and Metrolink is well on our way to being the first commuter rail agency in the nation to implement positive train control," said Metrolink Chairman Richard Katz. In addition to the funds for the PTC program, the CTC also allocated $800,000 in State Transportation Improvement Program Intercity Rail Program funds to Metrolink for the design of its sealed corridor safety enhancement program in Ventura County.