Re: Positive Train Control Standards Agreement
Author: Graham Buxton
Date: 10-10-2008 - 03:37
From the NS document:
"Passed October 1, 2008, The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 requires all
Class I railroads and passenger railroads to implement a PTC system by December 31,
2015 on all main line track where intercity passenger railroads and commuter railroads
operate, as well as on lines carrying toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials."
Note the part about "Class 1 railroads". How many short lines do you think are Class 1's? And it applies to hazmat "toxic-by-inhalation" loads only for branch lines that don't carry passengers.
Most hazmats are NOT toxic-by-inhalation, and the class 1's do not want to be in the toxic-by-inhalation business anyway. Note their earlier efforts to get the shipper to share in liability for these loads or get out of hauling these loads.