Positive train controls
In this May 12, 2015, file photo, emergency personnel work the scene of a deadly train wreck in Philadelphia.
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Amtrak anticipates having positive train controls operational throughout the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington by the end of the year, except for two segments owned by New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
But much of Amtrak's system in country won't have the controls by Dec. 31. And only 29% of commuter railroads are expected to meet the deadline. Freight railroads estimate that only 39% of locomotives, 76% of wayside interface units and 67% of base station radios will be ready, Feinberg said. Freight railroads are concerned about the legal liability of operating next year in violation of current law, said Frank Lonegro, a vice president of CSX Transportationwho testified on behalf of the Association of American Railroads. |
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would extend the positive train controls deadline for five years through 2020. Some Senate Democrats are seeking a shorter extension through 2018.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on railroads, which held Wednesday's hearing, hasn't weighed in on whether to extend the deadline or give federal regulators new authority to impose interim safety measures.
Feinberg told lawmakers at the hearing that her agency doesn't have authority to extend the Dec. 31 deadline.
"The Congress is going to have to act,'' she said.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on railroads, which held Wednesday's hearing, hasn't weighed in on whether to extend the deadline or give federal regulators new authority to impose interim safety measures.
Feinberg told lawmakers at the hearing that her agency doesn't have authority to extend the Dec. 31 deadline.
"The Congress is going to have to act,'' she said.