Amtrak Gets Waivers Allowing Positive Train Control Along Busy Passenger Corridors in East

and many commuter and freight railroads, to deploy interoperable PTC systems by Dec. 31 as part of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the bureau noted Wednesday. The system provides trains with information on the status of tracks on which the train is traveling and allows the rail traffic controller to “manage the system by providing status of the tracks, switch positions, signal lights and location of work crews,” it said. The PTC system uses Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS) spectrum, originally allocated for marine voice and data communications, through a system of coastal stations, the order said. But the use of that spectrum comes with various strictures, including frequency monitoring and a requirement that coast stations receive calls from ships and aircraft, from which Amtrak sought waivers. “Our finding of good cause to grant the requested rule waivers is inseparably tied to Congress’ directive that Amtrak, as well as certain freight and commuter railroads, implement PTC safety systems and the substantial public interest benefits that will accrue from a nationwide interoperable rail safety network,” the bureau said.