It’s official: Batory sworn in as FRA Administrator
WASHINGTON – Ronald L. Batory officially became the 14th United States Federal Railroad Administrator on Feb. 28, 2018.
Positive Train Control
GAO: More than half of commuter railroads at risk of missing PTC deadline
A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found as many as two-thirds of commuter railroads required to install positive train control (PTC) by the end of the year have not allocated enough time to accomplish implementation or qualify for an extension.
Caltrain considers new Wabtec contract for PTC
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board of Directors plans to consider the approval of a contract with Wabtec Railway Electronics, Inc. at its March 1 meeting to complete a federally-mandated safety upgrade to implement positive train control (PTC) along the corridor’s signal system.
House T&I Committee holds PTC hearing
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on Feb. 15 examining the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
NTSB issues three safety recs following LIRR, CSX/Amtrak incidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued three urgent safety recommendations, two to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and one to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) based on the agency’s findings in two ongoing railroad accident investigations.
FRA has $73M available in rail safety grants
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is accepting grant applications for projects that will strengthen rail safety efforts through the implementation of positive train control (PTC), crossing improvements and congestion mitigation.
Union Pacific updates Q4 2017 PTC progress
As concerns about the implementation of positive train control (PTC) continue to make headlines, Union Pacific (UP) says it expects to meet all required deadlines for installing PTC on its network.
BNSF details $3.3B capital program for 2018
BNSF Railway has released details about its 2018 capital plan of $3.3 billion, noting that it reflects a continued focus on maintaining its network, as well as expansion projects aimed at meeting customer demands.
House T&I subcommittee schedules hearing on PTC
A February hearing of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will focus on the progress made toward implementing Positive Train Control (PTC).
Amtrak engineer didn’t see mileposts, speed signs prior to deadly derailment
The engineer of an Amtrak train that derailed in DuPont, Wash., in December was aware of the 30 mph curve and planned to reduce speed, but miscalculated the train’s location until it entered the curve and derailed.
Capacity, equipment, tech investments drive record CN capital program
Canadian National plans a CA$3.2 billion (US$2.59 billion) capital program in 2018; a record for the railroad, as well as an increase of approximately 23 percent over its 2017 program.
Michigan line improvements result in improved Amtrak travel
Amtrak says rail infrastructure improvements along its Chicago – Detroit/Pontiac line have been made to enable safe, faster travel along the Michigan passenger and freight corridor.
Update on Amtrak safety culture, PTC plan requested by Reps. DeFazio and Capuano
Two U.S. Representatives who serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have requested an update on Amtrak’s safety culture and implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
NTSB preliminary report on Amtrak 501 accident says PTC would have prevented over speed
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the Amtrak 501 accident in Washington state and explains that positive train control (PTC) could have prevented the over speed condition.
Sec. Chao urges swift PTC implementation among US railroads
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine Chao sent a form letter to 47 Class 1, intercity and state and local transit authorities to stress the urgency and importance of implementing positive train control (PTC) by Dec. 31, 2018.