FRA Publishes Amendments Governing Changes to PTC Systems and Reporting on PTC Performance.

By: Mike Barron

The FRA is amending regulations governing changes to PTC systems and reporting on PTC performance.

First, contemplating that railroads may enhance FRA-certified PTC systems to continue improving safety and PTC technology’s reliability and operability, FRA is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan and FRA certified PTC system.

Second, FRA is amending the final rule with regard to reporting by: Expanding an existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broadening the reporting requirement to encompass positive performance-related information, including about the technology’s positive impact on rail safety, not just failure-related information; and requiring host railroads to utilize a new, standardized report form.

This final rule is effective August 26, 2021.

For further information please contact Mike Barron at mbarron@fletcher-sippel.com.