Virginia Railway Express now running all trains under PTC

Positive train control (PTC) is fully operational on all Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains as of yesterday, the railroad's chief executive officer announced today.

Each of VRE's 32 inbound and outbound trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines ran under PTC operation for the first time yesterday, said CEO Doug Allen in a press release.

"The implementation of PTC takes system safety to the next level and continues our commitment to providing the safest environment for riders, railroad workers and the general public," Allen said.

PTC implementation required close coordination with VRE's host railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway, according to VRE officials. While the commuter railroad installed PTC technology on its 20 locomotives and 21 cab control cars, trained employees and integrated the back-office system, the host railroads placed compatible equipment throughout their systems, as well as on 90 miles of track on which VRE trains operate.

VRE estimated its cost for PTC implementation was $15 million.