MIAMI — Positive train control issues will delay Miami’s Tri-Rail commuter service from starting operations at Virgin Trains USA’s MiamiCentral station before the end of the year, as had been anticipated. Miami Today reports that Virgin Trains host and parent Florida East Coast Railway is still awaiting government certification for its PTC system, and that […]
Train Topic: Signals & Train Control
Washington city wants Point Defiance Bypass to stay closed until all recommended safety installations are complete NEWSWIRE
A view of the wreckage of derailed Amtrak Cascades Train 501 on Dec. 18, 2017. Steve Carter SEATTLE — The city council in Lakewood, Wash., has approved a resolution asking the Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak not to reopen the Point Defiance Bypass until all of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations are […]
FRA releases first quarter 2019 positive train control progress for US railroads NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration today released a status update reflecting railroads’ self-reported progress toward fully implementing positive train control systems as required by Congress. PTC supports the Department of Transportation’s top priority of safety. Based upon railroad’s First Quarter 2019 PTC Progress Reports submitted to FRA by April 30, those required to implement […]
Wabtec earns order for PTC work on New Mexico’s Rail Runner NEWSWIRE
WILMERDING, Pa. — Wabtec was selected to implement the positive train control system for the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, in an order worth $55 million. Building on ongoing design work, Wabtec will provide full-system integration for deployment of PTC on Rail Runner’s full fleet of 18 locomotives/cab cars and nearly 100 miles of track […]
MTA board hears from PTC contractors about implementation issues NEWSWIRE
Croton-Harmon-bound Metro-North train 725, stopped at Marble Hill Station in the Bronx on May 26, 2018, is on its way from Grand Central. The MTA board heard from key vendors Wednesday on PTC installation on Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Metropolitan Transportation Authority Patrick Foye called it “radical […]
Siemens vows to support PTC efforts, MTA chief says NEWSWIRE
NEW YORK — Siemens executives have said they will provide any resources that are required for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to meet positive train control deadlines, addressing ongoing concerns over the performance of the company, a key contractor in the MTA’s PTC system. MTA Chairman Patrick Foye reported that declaration during Monday’s meeting of […]
Boston Surface Railroad, Siemens partner on PTC pilot project NEWSWIRE
BOSTON – When Boston Surface Railroad Co. begins revenue operations, its locomotive fleet could be equipped with positive train control technology, thanks to a partnership with Siemens Mobility. According to a statement from Boston Surface Railroad, the company and Siemens are developing a PTC pilot system suitable for the upstart railroad’s needs without the typically […]
New York implements automatic train operation on second subway line NEWSWIRE
NEW YORK – MTA New York City Transit has completed the implementation of “Automatic Train Operation” this week, a technology that helps enable faster and more reliable service, on the Flushing 7 Line in Queens. It is the second such line in the system, after the L Line. The news comes just months after the introduction […]
British investment group to acquire US shortline, signalling firms NEWSWIRE
LONDON — A British investment manager, 3i Group, announced plans to take control of U.S. shortline operator Regional Rail LLC and grade-crossing equipment supplier Diamondback Signal LLC. 3i will own 100% of both companies. Headquartered in Kennett Square, Pa., Regional Rail operates the East Penn Railroad and Tyburn Railroad in Pennsylvania, as well as the […]
MBTA says PTC equipment problems threaten ability to meet 2020 deadline NEWSWIRE
BOSTON — Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authorities are saying problems with positive train control equipment from one of the system’s major subcontractors is having problems that could cause the MBTA to miss the December 2020 deadline for full PTC implementation. Siemens is having problems with both hardware and software it is providing for the MTBA, CommonWealth […]
Why did it take so long to roll out PTC? Because ‘it had never been done before’ NEWSWIRE
When Congress decided in 2008 to mandate the nation’s railroads install positive train control, railroads initially had less than a decade to bring the technology to fruition. But, first, they had to develop it since there was no off-the-shelf solution. “It’s one of those disruptive technologies that some hate and some love,” said Steve Mazur, […]
NJ Transit moves up date for return of service to Atlantic City, Princeton NEWSWIRE
An NJ Transit Atlantic City train arrives at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station on March 13, 2018. Service on the Atlantic City line will resume in mid-May. Ralph Spielman ATLANTIC CITY — The long-awaited return of service on two NJ Transit lines won’t be awaited quite as long as had been anticipated. New Jersey Gov. Phil […]