Timeline for Positive Train Control?

Question:  Positive Train Control has to be implemented by 2014?

Answer:   No.  The current mandate is for PTC to be in place by the end of 2015; however, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently recommended that Congress push that date back because full implementation by that date is not feasible.

For the uninitiated, Positive Train Control (PTC) is an integrated network of sensors and communications (mounted trackside and in locomotives and perhaps also rolling stock) that will all but eliminate train vs. train collisions.  If implemented properly, PTC will result in significantly improved safety as well as increased capacity (through more precise and accurate train spacing and control).

No doubt, the rail industry and the federal government are spending a lot (billions of dollars) of money to develop, test and implement PTC technology.  Developing and maturing the most effective technology, then deploying it across the nation’s rail network is going to cost tens of billions of dollars and take over a decade.  This is not an elephant the railroads can eat all at once or in a hurry. 

Several smaller scale pilot systems are currently in place and being tested.  I believe we’ll see PTC implemented in an incremental fashion between 2015 and 2025.  It may be 2030 by the time PTC is completely implemented.  Between now and then, new technology will emerge.  PTC in 2030 may be quite different than what we envision right now. 

As long as the railroads are showing a good faith effort, continuing to move forward with PTC, pushing technology and implementing it where it can be effective, Congress will likely demonstrate a lot of patience.

Thanks for asking.  Stay safe out there.  Here we go!