Positive Train Control (PTC) is one of the most complex technologies mandated for freight railroads to date. Its implementation has been an unprecedented challenge, particularly for short line railroads, who typically do not have the funds or the technology infrastructure and staff that are enjoyed by the Class I carriers.
Short line railroads that carry certain materials or passengers are required by statute to equip by December 2020. Some short line railroads will be asked to equip by their Class I partners prior to that deadline (Host Railroads in PTC parlance).
Recognizing the financial and technical challenges that implementation presents for short line railroads, ASLRRA applied for and received a grant from the FY2016 Railroad Safety Technology Grant Funds* to assist the industry in PTC implementation.
With the support of a $2.5 million grant, ASLRRA qualified sources, developed products and services and secured agreements that are now available to all Class II and III railroads. These companies are able to provide solutions that will assist short lines in lowering costs, accelerating implementation, and increasing interoperability between host and tenant operations.
Frequently Asked Questions are addressed here.
For ASLRRA members, the Member Discount Program includes several Preferred Providers offering additional PTC – related products and services available at discount pricing. Click here for details.
* Congress appropriated $25 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Division L, Title I (Public Law 114-113 [December 18, 2015]), to carry out railroad safety technology grants as set forth in 49 U.S.C. 20158. The Federal Railroad Administration oversees the FY2016 Railroad Safety Technology Grant Funds and awarded ASLRRA $2.5 million to help reduce the costs of PTC implementation by Class II and III railroads, provide technical assistance to them, and assist short lines in meeting PTC deadlines.
