NTSB no longer looking for PTC

When one hears the name "most wanted list," thoughts immediately go to the FBI's most wanted list that hangs in every U.S. post office.

The National Transportation Board has a “most wanted” list as well, but they’re not looking for criminals—they’re looking for transportation improvements. After having been on the NTSB’s most wanted list for years, railroad positive train control is no longer on the list.

Here is the 2021-2022 most wanted list from the NTSB:

• Require and Verify the Effectiveness of Safety Management Systems in All Revenue Passenger Carrying Aviation Operations
• Prevent Alcohol and other Drug Impaired Driving
• Require Collision Avoidance and Connected Vehicle Technologies on All Vehicles
• Eliminate Distracted Driving
• Implement a Comprehensive Strategy to Eliminate Speeding-Related Crashes
• Install Crash Resistant Recorders and Establish Flight Data Monitoring Programs
• Protect Vulnerable Road Users through a Safe System Approach
• Improve Pipeline Leak Detection and Mitigation
• Improve Rail Worker Safety (page/content under development)
• Improve Passenger and Fishing Vessel Safety (page/content under development)

Since the NTSB deals with all modes of transportation, most of the current list doesn’t have urgent rail issues – the only exception are improving rail worker safety. Indeed, RT&S reported Wednesday on the NTSB’s preliminary report on the death of a rail worker in California.

It’s likely that many in the rail industry, after years of work and stress to get PTC up and going, are very glad to see it gone from the most wanted list.