Monday, March 07, 2005 (Washington, DC) New standards governing Positive Train Control (PTC) systems will accelerate the deployment of train collision prevention technology, the Federal Railroad Administration announced today.

PTC systems can improve rail safety through the use of technology that automatically controls train movements and speed, including bringing a train to a stop. Where installed, it can prevent collisions between trains, provide warning of other on-track equipment or hazards, and enforce track speed limits. Future capabilities may give motorists in-vehicle advance warning of a train’s approach at highway-rail grade crossings. In addition, PTC technology can benefit rail operations by safely increasing the capacity of high-density rail lines.

“The safety benefits of PTC technology are real and its accelerated implementation holds the promise of reducing certain types of railroad accidents,” said FRA Acting Administrator Robert D. Jamison.

The standards announced today are the first revision of federal signal and train control regulations since 1984. They establish minimum performance requirements to provide a uniform framework to guide railroads as they develop and implement PTC systems. Importantly, PTC systems must meet or exceed the level of safety provided by the conventional wayside signal systems they replace.

In addition, the standards ensure that railroads deploy PTC systems that are compatible with one another, require that FRA be notified prior to the installation of PTC components, and that appropriate employee training and record-keeping be undertaken.

FRA and several railroads currently are testing different types of PTC systems with varied applications and functionality. The Final Rule for Standards for Development and Use of Processor Based Signal and Train Control Systems was published in today’s Federal Register.

Click here to view the final rule

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