RELATED: APTA says rail industry making significant PTC progress
Latest PTC implementation progress report shows uneven progress
FRA reports that passenger railroads increased their percentage to 23% this quarter compared to 22% last quarter. The measurable progress made by passenger railroads has been predominately on the west coast.


The Federal Railroad Administration released third quarter 2016 data submitted by railroads on their progress in implementing Positive Train Control (PTC), which showed uneven progress across the country and across railroads toward activating the life-saving technology.
Freight railroads now have PTC active on 12% of their tracks, up from 9% last quarter. Passenger railroads increased their percentage to 23% this quarter compared to 22% last quarter. The measurable progress made by passenger railroads has been predominately on the west coast, while east coast railroads, other than Philadelphia’s SEPTA and Amtrak, have remained relatively stagnant.
“Passenger and freight railroads must continue their progress implementing Positive Train Control and work to beat the deadlines Congress set — because PTC saves lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
The Q3 2016 status update includes railroad-by-railroad quarterly data as of Sept. 30, 2016, and includes data such as track segments completed, locomotives equipped, employees trained, radio towers installed, route miles in PTC operation, and other key implementation data.
“In order to achieve full PTC implementation, everyone has to do their part — railroads must make implementation a priority, and Congress must make funding for commuter railroads a priority,” said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.
To view the interactive graphic of an individual railroad’s PTC implementation, click here.
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