House Transportation Members Concerned About Further PTC Implementation Delays

deadline to implement portions of positive train control technology. Railroads can continue to get extensions through the end of 2020 to fully implement PTC but must demonstrate they are acquiring necessary spectrum holdings and meeting other annual goals. Senate Commerce Committee members raised similar concerns in March about PTC implementation (see 1803010054). Nine railroads, including the Maryland Area Regional Commuter and New Jersey Transit systems, are “at risk” of not meeting 2018 benchmarks, Federal Railroad Administration head Ronald Batory said during a subcommittee hearing. FRA “will continue to support and facilitate railroads’ implementation of PTC technology by utilizing the tools afforded by Congress and providing extensive technical assistance and guidance to railroads and suppliers,” Batory said. “We remain vigilant in harnessing and leveraging all the personnel, financial and other resources available to help expedite railroads’ implementation efforts.” GAO echoed Batory's assessment. GAO Thursday reported many railroads are in “early” stages of implementing PTC technology but at least 32 of the 40 affected railroads are likely to apply for an extension. NTSB “urges swift implementation of the congressional PTC mandate,” Sumwalt testified. “For each day that goes by without PTC, we are at continued risk for another tragic accident.” Chairman Jeff Denham, R-Calif., agreed there was some progress on PTC “among a majority of railroads,” but “we want to see everyone meet their requirements.”