With a year-end deadline approaching, reports indicate progress by agencies and optimism that vulnerable systems will meet this year’s requirements.
Commuter rail systems are facing a December 31 deadline to put into place parts of positive train control (PTC) safety features, mandates stipulated by Congress in the 2008 Rail Safety Improvement Act. Paul Skoutelas of the American Public Transportation Association recently told reporters that rail systems had made progress in the last quarter, and he is optimistic that this progress would continue.
“Earlier this year, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sent letters to several commuter rail systems it felt were in danger of missing this year's deadline, but Skoutelas said he is confident in every agency’s ability to meet the FRA’s requirements,” reports Chris Teale. Skoutelas, however, did acknowledge that agencies are facing challenges related to the cost of implementing the safety measures as well as the limited number of PTC technology vendors.
FULL STORY: Rail leaders 'optimistic' about hitting train safety deadlines after federal warnings
Positive Train Control Deadline: Rail Systems Go 4 for 41
A decade after Congress set a deadline for rail systems to implement positive train control, only 4 rail systems were able to get the job done on time.
Would Advanced Technology Have Prevented the Metro-North Derailment?
As federal investigators focus on the likelihood of human error being the cause of the Dec. 1 derailment that killed four passengers, attention has been placed on the federal requirement for all railroads to install positive train control systems.
D.C. Has Concerns About Parking and the Cost of Maglev Proposal
Washington, D.C. officials are urging modifications to key components of a proposal to build a maglev system between D.C. and Baltimore, citing disruptions to neighborhoods and cost concerns.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service