# 2026-08738: MBTA Trains Test New Controls: Public Yawns Invited

2026-08738, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Request for Approval To Begin Field Testing on Its Positive Train Control Network, is a Federal Register notice from Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration published 2026-05-05, effective FRA will consider comments received by June 4, 2026. FRA may consider comments received after that date to the extent practicable and without delaying implementation of valuable or necessary modifications to a PTC system.; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-08).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08738
- As of: 2026-06-08
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-08738
- Title: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Request for Approval To Begin Field Testing on Its Positive Train Control Network
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Railroad Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 24317
- Published: 2026-05-05
- Effective: FRA will consider comments received by June 4, 2026. FRA may consider comments received after that date to the extent practicable and without delaying implementation of valuable or necessary modifications to a PTC system.
- Comments close: 2026-06-04
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-08

## In one line

MBTA Trains Test New Controls: Public Yawns Invited

## Summary

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wants to let CSX Transportation test its Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system on two MBTA train lines. This testing will help make sure trains run safer and smoother using new tech. The public can share their thoughts by June 4, 2026, before the tests kick off, with no big costs or delays expected.

## Abstract

This document provides the public with notice that, on April 21, 2026, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), as the host railroad, submitted a request to permit CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) to conduct field testing of the Interoperable Train Control positive train control (PTC) system on two segments of MBTA's North Side Fitchburg and Haverhill Lines utilizing CSX locomotives and equipment. FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on MBTA's request to allow its tenant to test on its PTC system.

## Effects PRIA read

- CSX Testing on MBTA Fitchburg & Haverhill: benefit, low. On April 21, 2026, the MBTA asked FRA permission to let CSX Transportation test an Interoperable Train Control positive train control (PTC) system on two segments of MBTA's North Side Fitchburg and Haverhill Lines using CSX locomotives and equipment (Docket No. FRA-2010-0030). FRA must review and a…
- Public Comment Deadline and Privacy Notice: cost, low. The FRA is inviting public comments on MBTA's field test request and will consider comments received by June 4, 2026; comments are posted publicly to regulations.gov without change, including any personal information provided. The notice also directs commenters with proprietary or confidential info…

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## Sources
- [2026-08738 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/05/2026-08738/massachusetts-bay-transportation-authoritys-request-for-approval-to-begin-field-testing-on-its)
- [2026-08738 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-05/pdf/2026-08738.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08738 (as of 2026-06-08).