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DOT/FRA

RIN: 2130-AC03

Publication ID: Fall 2009

Title: ●Positive Train Control
Abstract: This rulemaking would regulate the submission of Positive Train Control plans; the implementation of the Positive Train Control Systems; and the qualification, installation, maintenance and use of the these systems required under 49 USC 20157 or specifically required by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)	Priority: Economically Significant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: Yes	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 49 CFR 236
Legal Authority: PL 110-432, Section 104 (Codified at 49 USC 20157) Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: Required by the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-423.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Required by the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-423.

Alternatives: The Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008 does not permit FRA to exercise discretion in requiring the installation of PTC systems on railroads operating on the affected network.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008 does not permit FRA to exercise discretion in requiring the installation of PTC systems on railroads operating on the affected network. All costs and benefits that follow are 20 year costs and benefits, discounted at 7% per year. FRA estimates that it will cost between $3 billion and $7 billion to install PTC on passenger railroads, and between $10 billion and $20 billion to install PTC on Class 1 freight railroads. FRA estimates that the benefit of reduced accidents on railroads will be about $800 million, however the net impact on safety could be adverse if shippers and passengers divert to highway transportation.

Risks: The advantages of PTC technology will significantly improve the safety and performance of train operations, significantly reducing the risk of train accidents. Under the statute, required PTC systems will be designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, overspeed derailments, and incursions into roadway worker work limits.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	07/21/2009	74 FR 35950
NPRM Comment Period End	08/20/2009
Final Rule	01/00/2010

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: Undetermined
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov	Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes
Agency Contact: Kathryn Gresham Trial Attorney Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590 Phone:202 493-6063 Email: kathryn.gresham@dot.gov