Railroads and the US Transportation Department appear to be on a collision course regarding implementation of a new law that requires trains to improve safety by talking to each other over a wireless data network.
Back in 2008, Congress passed a law requiring railroads to implement a system in which trains talked to each other over wireless networks and streaming data. The purpose of the network — called Positive Train Control, or PTC for short — was to avoid train to train collisions, derailments caused by speeding, and incursions into roadway work limits.
Digital Communications Safety Network
The system will use digital radio links, global positioning systems, and wayside computer control systems to help dispatchers and train operators manage the movements of trains throughout the nation’s rail network.
‘Don’t Bet On an Extension’
The new requirements gave railroads until December 31st of this year to implement the communications network on all passenger trains, as well as on all freight trains carrying hazardous materials. But as the deadline approaches, railroad officials are expressing doubt about being able to meet the law’s requirements and are asking for an extension.
That’s not something that’s likely to happen, according to Sarah Feinberg, acting administrator for the US Transportation Department’s Federal Railroad Administration, the agency charged with enforcing the new law. Already, about $250 million in federal grants have been issued for the implementation of the program.
During testimony before a Congressional subcommittee, Feinberg said her agency is prepared to begin fining railroads $15,000 to $25,000 per violation of the PTC by failing to equip locomotives with the technology to manage and record their progress, track data, and ensure the most up to date information.
These penalties could be assessed per day, per violation, or could even be increased based on aggravating factors.
Too Much, Too Soon?
But officials from some of the nation’s biggest railroads said they are worried that they may not be able to achieve the law’s requirements before the deadline and some have even called the law an “unfunded mandate” that unfairly requires technological upgrades on sections of the nation’s rail network where the cost is not justified.
Edward Hamberger, president of the Association of American Railroads, said the industry want to comply with the PTC’s requirements, but it’s simply too much too soon. He also called the December 31st deadline for fully implementing the PTC system-wide “overly ambitious”.
Some Progress Already Made
Much progress already has been made on the PTC, according to Hamberger. So far, the required equipment already has been installed on about 50% of locomotives required to have it. And about a third of the wayside units that will be required to monitor and manage the system already have been installed.
Half of the signals needed for PTC already are in place, as is the mapping of the track that will be equipped with the technology.
The law was passed shortly after the September 12, 2008, collision between a freight train and a commuter train near Los Angeles. Urgency for implementing the plan was increased recently after another tragic accident involving an Amtrak train outside Philadelphia earlier this year.