Positive Train Control (PTC) has been implemented on all Amtrak-owned or controlled tracks, the railroad said on Aug. 14. A one-mile slow-speed section of track in the Chicago terminal was the final installation required on Amtrak’s network.
“Completing PTC installation and implementation is a key component of Amtrak’s overarching commitment to the safety performance of intercity passenger rail for our customers, employees and the communities we serve,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Chief Safety Officer Steve Predmore. “As leaders in PTC installation, Amtrak is pleased to achieve this milestone, and we will continue to work together with all of our partners to improve safety across the rail network.”
A round up of Amtrak’s PTC implementation numbers include:
- All (550) Amtrak owned locomotives are fully equipped and PTC operable;
- All (11) installation/track segments completed;
- All (160) radio towers fully installed and equipped;
- All employees who require training to support PTC operations have completed training.; and
- All 898 route miles are in PTC operation.
Amtrak says it continues to work with partners throughout the industry to advance this system on host infrastructure. Amtrak is also working with tenant railroads that operate over Amtrak’s infrastructure to complete interoperability testing and is on target for all tenant trains to be operating with PTC before the federal mandate deadline of Dec. 31, 2020.
The Federal Railroad Administration released the Second Quarter 2020 PTC Progress Reports last week and noted the progress the rail industry made during Q2 2020. The information, which is current as of June 30, 2020, shows Amtrak has achieved interoperability with three of the 16 railroads required.
