NJ Transit could qualify for PTC extension under new testing plan

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved New Jersey Transit's positive train control (PTC) testing plan that would qualify the agency for a two-year extension to implement the technology.

While existing PTC law allows railroads to seek an extension if they initiate a PTC revenue service demonstration on at least one required territory, the FRA can establish "substitute criteria" for commuter railroads.

In a June 26 letter to NJ Transit leaders, FRA Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety Robert Lauby approved NJ Transit's request to establish different criteria for obtaining the extension.

For NJ Transit, that will involve initiating field functionality testing of its Advanced Speed Enforcement System II (ASES II) on a portion of its Morristown Line by Dec. 31, according to Lauby's letter. NJ Transit also must submit a a master test plan, along with a schedule for its field functionality testing.

"We expect to meet the FRA's statutory requirements by the end of the year and, ultimately, receive their approval to have PTC fully implemented on our rail system by Dec. 31, 2020," NJ Transit officials said in an emailed statement.