Transit systems face a 2015 deadline to install automatic equipment to halt trains that are speeding or disobeying signals, but Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx acknowledged Thursday that it might be difficult for them to comply.
Safety officials have long sought the equipment to prevent collisions like the recent crash in Spain, where a speeding train derailed and killed 79 people. Investigators found the train was going 119 mph in a 50 mph zone, and that the conductor was on the phone just before the crash.
In 2008, Congress set the looming deadline for intercity and commuter railroads to adopt equipment called “positive train control,” which would slow or stop a train that isn’t obeying speed limits or signals.
But the Federal Transit Administration tallies a nearly $80 billion maintenance backlog for transit systems – even before installing new equipment.
“Positive train control is an important safety measure,” Foxx told a dozen reporters on Thursday. “Of course, if it’s practically difficult to get it implemented within the time parameters that have been placed on it, we’ll have to look at it. That’s what we’re doing.”
Foxx said he is aware of a “fair amount” of concern about the deadline from the industry and on Capitol Hill.
“I think the most important thing is getting it done and getting it done right,” Foxx said.
“If we can’t get it done within the time parameters that exist, if there is a reasonable time beyond that, we ought to be trying to make it work.”
The National Transportation Safety Board put the train equipment on its 10 most wanted list for safety improvements. The board found that rail accidents often result from crew fatigue, medications and distractions.
Amtrak has used the technology for years.
© 2013 USA TODAY. All rights reserved.
