Virginia Railway Express (VRE) announced that the Positive train control (PTC) is fully operational on all its 32 trains running on Fredericksburg and Manassas lines. VRE invests USD 15 million for PTC implementation.
“Safety is always our top priority at VRE. The implementation of PTC takes system safety to the next level and continues our commitment to providing the safest environment for riders, rail workers and the general public,” Doug Allen, the CEO of VRE said.
Implementation of PTC required close coordination with VRE’s host railway companie, CSX and Norfolk Southern. While VRE was responsible for installing PTC technology on its 20 locomotives and 21 cab control cars, training employees and integrating a back-office system, the two railway companies were required to place compatible equipment throughout their systems as well as on the 145 km of track upon which VRE operates.
Currently, only four out of 41 railway companies required to implement PTC had done so as of December 31, 2018, the initial deadline imposed by the PTC enforcement and implementation Act of 2015. VRE was one of 33 railways requesting an extension. The Federal Railroad Administration approved the request after determining that VRE satisfactorily met the statutory requirements necessary to qualify for an alternative schedule.
VRE, an operator formed by Northern Virginia and Potomac & Rappahannock Transportation Commissions, is the 12th largest US rail commuter company.
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