Rep. Schiff Calls for Immediate Implementation of Positive Train Control Across the Country

Statement

Today, in the wake of the tragic Amtrak crash in Philadelphia that so far has cost the lives of eight people, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) called for urgent implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), a predictive collision-avoidance technology which can override an operator to prevent train collisions and save lives. The technology consists of GPS signals and wayside devices that can detect unapproved train movement or trains going too fast with the ability to stop the train remotely.

"Even after the Chatsworth crash that killed twenty-five, some in the railroad industry and in Congress have been trying to delay implementation of Positive Train Control across the country, but the tragic Amtrak accident this week reminds us again of the terrible price we pay for delay," said Rep. Schiff. "While the Amtrak crash is under investigation, a number of experts are saying that PTC could have prevented this accident and many others that have occurred throughout the country.

"I was disappointed to see the House Appropriations Committee yesterday reject an amendment by my colleagues to provide funding for PTC in the transportation funding bill, because this shouldn't be a partisan issue -- we all need to continue working to improve funding for our critical infrastructure, and make sure that PTC is employed nationwide."

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