Why positive train control is vulnerable to a cyber-attack NEWSWIRE

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Even as railroads continue to roll out positive train control, one question remains front and center: Are the systems vulnerable to a cyber-attack? “Those are questions that have been raised at the highest level to the lowest levels,” says Jim McKenney, technical director at United Kingdom-based NCC Group’s Transportation Assurance Practice.  “Those are continuously being […]

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California town holds ‘Wig Wags Forever’ festival to celebrate restoration of signals NEWSWIRE

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Wig-wag signals in downtown Richmond, Calif., are being restored to operating condition. Google Street View RICHMOND, Calif. — Richmond will hold a “Wig Wags Forever” festival on Sunday, celebrating the restoration to operating condition of two of the nearly extinct grade-crossing protection devices. The signals, near 1 West Richmond Ave. at a grade crossing in Point […]

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Wabtec closes first PTC-digital tech deal since merger with GE Transportation NEWSWIRE

WABTEC

WILMERDING, Pa. — Wabtec Corp. was selected to provide fully integrated positive train control, digital imaging, and data transfer and analytics capabilities for Iowa Northern Railway, marking Wabtec’s first such deal since closing its merger with GE Transportation. Under the contract, Wabtec will provide an integrated offering, including its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System PTC […]

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Montana Rail Link gets $3.5 million federal grant for PTC

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MISSOULA, Mont. – Montana Rail Link has obtained a $3.5 million grant from the federal government to install positive train control on 600 miles of main line across Montana and Idaho. MRL spokesperson Ross Lane tells Trains News Wire that the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will […]

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FRA’s Batory testifies before Congress on crew sizes, PSR, and Positive Train Control NEWSWIRE

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Train length is an issue that Congress is interested in. These Union Pacific trains are meeting at Nunn, Colo. Trains: Jim Wrinn WASHINGTON — During an at times testy hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, congress members peppered Federal Railroad Administration administrator Ron Batory about Precision Scheduled Railroading, Positive Train Control, and the recently dismissed crew […]

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PTC stalls Tri-Rail move to MiamiCentral station

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MIAMI — Positive train control issues will delay Miami’s Tri-Rail commuter service from starting operations at Virgin Trains USA’s MiamiCentral station before the end of the year, as had been anticipated. Miami Today reports that Virgin Trains host and parent Florida East Coast Railway is still awaiting government certification for its PTC system, and that […]

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Washington city wants Point Defiance Bypass to stay closed until all recommended safety installations are complete NEWSWIRE

Passenger cars of derailed train hanging off bridge over highway

A view of the wreckage of derailed Amtrak Cascades Train 501 on Dec. 18, 2017. Steve Carter SEATTLE — The city council in Lakewood, Wash., has approved a resolution asking the Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak not to reopen the Point Defiance Bypass until all of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations are […]

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FRA releases first quarter 2019 positive train control progress for US railroads NEWSWIRE

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WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration today released a status update reflecting railroads’ self-reported progress toward fully implementing positive train control systems as required by Congress. PTC supports the Department of Transportation’s top priority of safety. Based upon railroad’s First Quarter 2019 PTC Progress Reports submitted to FRA by April 30, those required to implement […]

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Siemens vows to support PTC efforts, MTA chief says NEWSWIRE

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NEW YORK — Siemens executives have said they will provide any resources that are required for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to meet positive train control deadlines, addressing ongoing concerns over the performance of the company, a key contractor in the MTA’s PTC system.   MTA Chairman Patrick Foye reported that declaration during Monday’s meeting of […]

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Boston Surface Railroad, Siemens partner on PTC pilot project NEWSWIRE

Siemens

BOSTON – When Boston Surface Railroad Co. begins revenue operations, its locomotive fleet could be equipped with positive train control technology, thanks to a partnership with Siemens Mobility. According to a statement from Boston Surface Railroad, the company and Siemens are developing a PTC pilot system suitable for the upstart railroad’s needs without the typically […]

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