APTA Statement on Commuter Rail Progress on Implementing Positive Train Control

Statement on Commuter Rail Progress on Implementing Positive Train Control by Richard A. White, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) acting president & CEO:

"The commuter rail industry is 100 percent committed to developing and installing the Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, as well as acquiring radio spectrum. It is important to note that progress has been made and significant financial resources have been dedicated to PTC implementation. This is a very complex safety technology being installed on multi-jurisdictional rail lines, many owned by freight railroads, and there are contractual, procurement, funding and technical challenges that are being addressed.

"As of April 2015, commuter rail systems had spent $950 million, but it is conservatively estimated that $3.48 billion is needed to install PTC on the nation's commuter rail systems. Despite this funding dilemma, the industry is moving forward with this top safety priority and we have sought additional funding from Congress so we can more quickly move to implement this important safety technology."