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.
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“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.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.
