Skip to main content

FRA makes funding available for positive train control implementation

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is accepting applications for US$25 million in competitive grant funding available to railroads, suppliers, and state and local governments for positive train control (PTC) implementation. The funding is part of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funds the US Department of Transportation. Applications will be accepted until 19 May 2016 and FRA will give preference to projects that would provide the greatest level of p
April 5, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 324 US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is accepting applications for US$25 million in competitive grant funding available to railroads, suppliers, and state and local governments for positive train control (PTC) implementation.  The funding is part of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funds the US Department of Transportation.

Applications will be accepted until 19 May 2016 and FRA will give preference to projects that would provide the greatest level of public safety benefits.  As part of the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal, FRA requested US$1.25 billion to assist commuter and short line railroads with implementing PTC.

In 2008, Congress mandated PTC implementation on certain railroad main lines where railroads transport poisonous and toxic-by-inhalation materials, or any line where a railroad provides regularly scheduled passenger service.  Last October, Congress extended the original deadline from 31 December 2015 to at least 31 December 2018.

“Positive train control is a long overdue technology that prevents accidents and saves lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “These funds will help us get closer to implementing PTC, and I encourage applications that can make these limited dollars go as far as possible.”

“Any Congressional funding and investment to make Positive Train Control active on our nation’s railroad network is a worthwhile investment,” said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.  “But it will take even more significant funding to achieve this important, life-saving goal.  We look forward to working with Congress to find these resources and encourage railroads to submit strong applications.”
UTC

Related Content

  • March 23, 2012
    Parsons wins major rail contract
    Parsons has been selected by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB), which owns and operates Caltrain (the commuter rail line between San Francisco and San Mateo and Santa Clara counties), for design and installation of its $138 million interoperable communications-based overlay signal system positive train control (CBOSS PTC).
  • January 13, 2014
    Maryland to implement positive train control
    In the wake of the December derailment of a New York passenger train that came off the tracks as it sped too fast into a turn, the Maryland Board of Public Works has approved a US$13 million contract to begin installing positive train control equipment, which uses GPS and radio signalling to react automatically if a collision or derailment is anticipated.
  • July 23, 2014
    Former DOT chiefs press for more infrastructure funding
    As Congress considers legislation to avoid a shortfall of the Highway Trust Fund, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and 11 of his predecessors have written an open letter to Congress. Their message: Congress’ work doesn’t end with the bill under consideration. Transportation in America still needs a much larger, longer-term investment. The letter begins: “This week, it appears that Congress will act to stave off the looming insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. The bill, if passed, should extend surf
  • March 31, 2016
    US DOT announces funding opportunity to improve bus service nationwide
    The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the opportunity to apply for approximately US$266 million in competitive grant funding for bus programs nationwide. The funding consists of US$211 million in grants for buses and bus facilities projects, as well as US$55 million specifically for FTA’s Low and No Emission (Low-No) bus program, which promotes technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly buses. These investments will help advance the President’