The U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded USD 204 million funds for 28 projects in 15 states to assist with the deployment of positive train control (PTC) systems.
The awards fund many aspects of PTC system implementation for intercity passenger or commuter rail and freight rail transport including back office PTC systems, wayside, communications, and onboard PTC system equipment, personnel training, PTC system testing and interoperability.
“These USD 200 million in grants will help the railroads continue to implement positive train control, a technology that could help reduce accidents and save lives,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said.
FRA expects in the coming days to issue a second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soliciting applications for PTC systems deployment projects based on the balance of the USD 250 million that remained after these awarded funds. Applications for the USD 46.3 million under this second solicitation will be due 30 days after the NOFO is published in the Federal Register.
In an effort to assist railway companies as they work towards fulfilling the Congressional PTC mandate, the Department of Transportation focused its resources on releasing these important funds in an expeditious manner.
PTC implementation deadline is December 2018, but it can be extended no later than 2020, only if the railway company demonstrates it has met the congressionally mandated criteria for an alternative schedule.
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