Amtrak Hits Pause on Train Safety Net for Software Tweaks
Published Date: 4/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Amtrak wants to pause its safety system for 1-2 hours on April 16, 2025, to upgrade and test new software that helps trains run safely. This affects passengers and workers who rely on the Positive Train Control system, but it’s a short, planned break to make things better. The Federal Railroad Administration is asking for public feedback before giving the green light.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Short PTC pause for system upgrade
On April 16, 2025, Amtrak asked to temporarily disable its Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system for one to two hours to install and test a new Back Office Subsystem environment. This planned pause affects passengers and Amtrak workers who rely on PTC and the Federal Railroad Administration is requesting public comment before deciding whether to approve the request.
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