Collins, Reed: FRA’s Positive Train Control Funding Will Increase Rail Safety & Save Lives

WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that it is accepting applications for $73 million in grant funding for projects that would strengthen intercity passenger rail and boost safety initiatives that may include the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).  Following this announcement, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI), who helm the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD), and who sent a letter last week to Secretary Chao urging the Trump Administration to support PTC’s implementation on the nation’s railways, issued the following statement:

“These funds are an important resource for bolstering the safety of our nation’s railways.  There is simply no time to waste when it comes to ensuring that railway accidents like the ones we’ve seen in recent months are prevented, that Positive Train Control is implemented, and that Americans can feel safe when traveling by train.  We are proud to have joined our colleagues in the House in providing this funding last May and urging Secretary Chao to speed its release.  We’re glad to see progress finally being made.”