Metrolink received a $3.2 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation Tuesday to support its safety system, which can prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments and unauthorized train movement.
Metrolink said the grant for the Positive Train Control system will be used to improve the system by developing tools to monitor and troubleshoot issues and increase the security of communications.
“We applaud the USDOT for continuing to raise national safety standards of rail operators by providing funding for Positive Train Control and recognizing us as a leader in safety,” Metrolink Board Chair Andrew Kotyuk said.
“We take great pride in being one of the first operators to use the most sophisticated technology available to keep our passengers and team members safe.”
The grant builds on the existing $220 million safety system, which was put into operation in 2015 and made Metrolink the first railroad in the nation to operate PTC in passenger service across the entire network of tracks it owns and operates.
“Southern California has one of the busiest train corridors in the country. Metrolink was the first in the nation to deploy Positive Train Control system-wide, increasing the safety and reliability of trains operating in the region,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. “I’m proud of Metrolink’s commitment to implementing and perfecting this lifesaving technology. They deserve this grant.”
