Most railroads expected to seek positive train control extension

Thirty-two of the 40 railroads required to implement positive train control are expected to request an extension, says the U.S. Government Accountability Office in a report issued Thursday.

Congress mandated positive train control systems, which are designed to prevent collisions, speed derailments and other accidents, in the aftermath of a 2008 train collision in Chatsworth, California, that killed 25 people and injured 201 others.

Positive control systems can automatically control train speeds and movements if a train operator fails to take appropriate action for the conditions at hand, according to the Federal Railroad Administration website. There are several different types in use in the United States.

The GAO said in its report that as of June 30, many railroads remained in the early stages of positive train control, including equipment installation and early field testing.

It said about half of the 40 railroads implementing the system reported they are still installing equipment, though many are nearing completion. However, with the exception of the largest freight railroads and Amtrak, most railroads reported less progress in later implementation stages.

The deadline for implementing the systems is Dec. 31, but railroads can apply for a two-year extension if they meet certain criteria, the GAO said in the report.

The report said 32 railroads reported to GAO that they, or the railroad that owns the track on which they operate, will apply for the extension.