WASHINGTON – In the wake of the latest train derailment in the region – last week’s Metro-North incident in Rye – Representatives Eliot Engel (D, NY-16) and Nita Lowey (D, NY-17) have written to National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Robert Sumwalt urging him to do everything in his power to expedite prompt implementation of positive train control.
That technology warns train operators of imminent danger and slows trains down automatically.
The call by the lawmakers comes following last week’s Metro-North train derailment in which five of the train’s 12 cars jumped the tracks during rush hour.
“As you are aware, this is just one of the many unnecessary and dangerous train derailments that have occurred in the Lower Hudson Valley in recent years,” they wrote. “While yesterday’s incident was minor compared with other horrifying accidents in recent years, we cannot afford a next time.”
Engel and Lowey told Sumwalt “it is critical that positive train control be expeditiously implemented.” They noted they have supported legislation mandating PTC implementation in 2008. “It is disappointing that many of America’s passenger rail lines are still not utilizing this lifesaving technology, and we encourage you to do everything in your power to push for its prompt adoption.”
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May 19, 2024
