Amtrak Pauses Train Safety Tech for Quick Software Fix
Published Date: 5/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Amtrak wants to temporarily turn off one of its safety systems for 1-2 hours to upgrade and test new software that helps trains run safely. This affects Amtrak trains and requires approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The public now has until May 30, 2025, to share their thoughts, giving everyone a bit more time to weigh in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary shutdown of Amtrak safety system
If you ride Amtrak, Amtrak asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for permission to turn off one FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system for 1 to 2 hours to install and test a Back Office Subsystem software upgrade that helps trains run safely. Amtrak submitted the request on April 16, 2025 and the FRA must approve the temporary disablement.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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