Advocates of the technology say it could prevent speed-related accidents like the May 12 Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia that claimed eight lives and left more than 200 people injured, and the 2013 Metro-North Railroad derailment in the Bronx that killed four passengers and injured 61. Amtrak had installed the technology on tracks were the crash occurred, but it hadn’t been tested yet and so wasn’t turned on. “The condition of the transportation system and its ability to handle cargo quickly and efficiently are vital to retailers’ businesses, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass a long-term reauthorization bill”. Additionally, the measure includes a provision that would extend to 2018 the deadline for railroads to install positive train control (PTC) technology.
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But the industry said it could not meet the deadline, jeopardizing freight railroad operations and the Amtrak and commuter trains that share the track.
Congress is in agreement that it will extend until November 20 funding for all highway and transit, a measure that must be voted on this week so that money to state and local governments does not expire.
Senate action is still required.
The safety technology relies on Global Positioning System, wireless radio and computers to monitor train position and automatically slow or stop trains that are in danger of colliding or derailing due to excessive speed. A 2008 law gave railroads until the end of this year to implement the expensive technology on all tracks that carry passenger trains or are used by trains to haul liquids that turns into toxic gas if spilled. While NRF supports implementation of this complex technology, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, no Class 1 railroads will be in full compliance by the December 31, 2015, deadline that had previously been set by Congress.
Many railroads were late getting started. And rail companies have to be told, long before the deadline looms, that they face stiff fines and shutdowns if they don’t get the work done on time.
“Failing to extend the positive train control deadline now will have devastating economic impacts”, said U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation Committee.
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But a few lawmakers say the delay should be shorter and determined on a case-by-case basis. While a few delay is now inevitable, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) wrote in a letter to Shuster on Tuesday, that granting a “blanket extension” would send the wrong message.
