ALL>> The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a $3.2 million grant to Metrolink to support Metrolink’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system. PTC is a life-saving automated collision-avoidance system that can prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments and unauthorized train movement.
Specifically, the most recent funds will be used to improve the reliability, efficiency and security of PTC beyond the initial installation. The funds will help to develop tools to monitor and troubleshoot PTC issues and increase the security of PTC communications.
“We applaud the USDOT for continuing to raise national safety standards of rail operators by providing funding for Positive Train Control and recognizing us as a leader in safety,” said Metrolink Board Chair Andrew Kotyuk. “We take great pride in being one of the first operators to use the most sophisticated technology available to keep our passengers and team members safe.”
This newly-awarded grant builds on Metrolink’s existing $220 million PTC system.
“Southern California has one of the busiest train corridors in the country. Metrolink was the first in the nation to deploy Positive Train Control system-wide, increasing the safety and reliability of trains operating in the region,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). “I’m proud of Metrolink’s commitment to implementing and perfecting this lifesaving technology. They deserve this grant.”
In June 2015, Metrolink became the first railroad in the nation to operate PTC in passenger service across the entire network of tracks it owns and operates. Metrolink continues to work closely with railroad partners to ensure PTC is also in service across all shared tracks in the Southern California region.
The $3.2 million to Metrolink is part of a federal spending bill lawmakers approved earlier this month, which included $197 million in funding to help commuter railroads get the PTC equipment installed on locomotives and track, along with the training of employees. To read the USDOT press release regarding the funding, please click.
For additional details on Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sherita Coffelt at coffelts@scrra.net or (213) 452-0318.