The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently released its quarterly report on the status of railroads’ progress toward fully implementing positive train control (PTC) systems.
The 42 railroads subject to the statutory implementation submitted progress reports before Oct. 31. The majority either are operating PTC systems or are conducting advanced field testing.
Three tenant-only, commuter railroads and four host railroads have fully implemented PTC. A total of 95.4 percent of Class I freight railroads have PTC in operation on their required route miles, and 42 percent of host commuter railroads are operating PTC systems in revenue service.
Amtrak reported approximately 99.8 percent of its required route miles are using a PTC system.
“We remain steadfast in compelling and assisting railroads to successfully complete all steps necessary for full PTC implementation,” Ronald L. Batory, FRA administrator, said. “The magnitude of this undertaking is immense, but putting PTC systems into operation demands diligence and a continued sense of urgency.”
Six Class II or III, short line, or terminal railroads also are required to implement PTC on their main lines if the lines provide or regularly host scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger travel.
Railroads have until Dec. 31, 2020, to fully implementing PTC on their required main lines.