Positive Train Control Ptc PDF Download

The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA) established a completion date for the installation of interoperable Positive Train Control (PTC) systems by December 31, 2015. The RSIA also required the Secretary of Transportation to transmit a report to specified congressional committees no later than December 31, 2012, on the progress of the railroad carriers in implementing such PTC systems. This report satisfies the statutory reporting requirement...Based on the results of this report, FRA believes that the majority of railroads will not be able to complete PTC implementation by the 2015 deadline. Partial deployment can likely be achieved; however, the extent of which is dependent upon the successful resolution of any known and emergent issues. As a result, FRA recommends that if Congress were to consider legislation extending the PTC implementation deadline it should consider several factors, including the extent to which each railroad has demonstrated due diligence in its efforts to successfully implement PTC technologies on its rail system. In the event that Congress were to make legislative changes, FRA suggests allowing for provisional certification of PTC systems that will allow for the use of installed PTC systems under controlled conditions before final system certification is complete. This will allow for the incremental use of PTC systems and produce an increase in safety as the systems are systematically rolled out. FRA also suggests that any revisions to a railroad’s PTCIP be subject to FRA approval with sufficient time for FRA to review and significant FRA oversight. Finally, FRA recommends that it be allowed to approve a railroad to use alternative safety technologies on specified line segments in lieu of PTC, particularly in areas with lower safety risks, if appropriately and properly justified to FRA.