PTC technologies are designed to automatically stop or slow a train before certain accidents occur — specifically, train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive speed, unauthorized incursions by trains onto sections of track where maintenance activities are taking place and movements of trains through track switches left in the wrong position.
The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 initially required that certain freight, commuter and passenger rail lines in the United States install PTC by Dec. 31, 2015. Congress extended that deadline to Dec. 31 of this year. Congress also has provided grants and loans to help railroads implement PTC technologies. During the hearing, the subcommittee will examine the progress railroads have made and the challenges that remain in meeting the December implementation deadline.
The hearing will be chaired by Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif. Scheduled witnesses are Ronald L. Batory, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration; Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; Susan A. Fleming, director of the physical infrastructure team in the Government Accountability Office; Scot Naparstek, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Amtrak; Edward Hamberger, president and chief executive officer of the Association of American Railroads; Jeffrey D. Knueppel, general manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority on behalf of the American Public Transportation Association; and Stacey Mortensen, executive director of the Altamont Corridor Express.
A live webcast will be available here.
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The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
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The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
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Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now