FRA revises regs for PTC changes, performance reporting

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has revised regulations governing changes to positive train control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system performance, according to a July 27 notice in the Federal Register.

First, recognizing that the railroad industry intends to enhance FRA-certified PTC systems to continue improving rail safety and PTC technology's reliability and operability, the agency is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment to the FRA before the railroad makes certain changes to its PTC safety plan and FRA-certified PTC system.

Second, the FRA issued a final rule, which expands an existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broadens 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 requires host railroads to utilize a new, standardized report form.

The final rule takes effect Aug. 26. The notice reported in the Federal Register can be read here.