Report finds Amtrak not properly budgeting for PTC implementation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Although Amtrak has made substantial progress in equipping positive train control (PTC) along its routes, an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report found that it has not adequately budgeted for the potentially life-saving technology, The Hill reports.

The progress report comes just more than a week after a speeding New Jersey Transit train crashed into the Hoboken, N.J., station, killing one person and injuring more than 100.

Amtrak has been seen as one of the leaders in the PTC field, especially as some railroads have made little or no progress installing the technology. However, the OIG said Amtrak still needs to complete the remaining 33% of its planned trackside installations, submit a safety plan to the Federal Railroad Administration, resolve potential radio frequency spectrum issues, and install onboard systems in its locomotives.

The report also raised concern that Amtrak is not properly accounting for the full cost of the technology and that PTC may cost “millions more than is currently budgeted.” For the full story, click here.