FRA publishes final rule on PTC; exemptions expanded

摘要

The Federal Railroad Administration published its final rule concerning Positive Train Control (PTC) systems in the Aug. 22, 2014, Federal Register. The rule, which takes effect Oct. 21, 2014, expands certain exemptions and comes 16 months before the full implementation deadline of Dec. 31, 2015. The FRA final rule revises an existing regulatory exception to the requirement to install a PTC system for track segments carrying freight only that present a de minimis (minimal) safety risk. The final rule also adds a new exception for PTC-unequipped freight trains associated with certain freight yard operations to operate within PTC systems.