Summary

FRA is continuing to support national deployments of advanced signal and train control technology to improve the safety, security, and efficiency of freight, intercity passenger, and commuter rail service through regulatory reform, project safety oversight, technology development, and financial assistance. Positive Train Control (PTC) refers to technology that is capable of preventing train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, and casualties or injuries to roadway workers (e.g., maintenance-of-way workers, bridge workers, signal maintainers) operating within their limits of authority. PTC systems vary widely in complexity and sophistication based on the level of automation and functionality they implement, the system architecture utilized, and the degree of train control they are capable of assuming. Current PTC system designs either act as a safety overlay for existing methods of rail operations or provide the functionality necessary to implement new methods of rail operations. PTC technology also has the potential capability to limit adverse consequences of events such as hijackings and runaways that are of special concern in an era of heightened security.
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