Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Dist. 5) called on Congress last week to fund implementation of safety technology, such as positive train control, by supporting the Reassuring Adequate Investment in Lifesaving Systems Act, which he introduced in March.

“Positive train control is a game changer for rail safety," Quigley said. "The technology would have likely prevented 140 train accidents that have caused more than 280 deaths and $300 million in property damage since 1969. Congress has mandated this important rail-safety technology, but has refused to fund it. It’s time for Congress to help our commuter railroads employ positive train control and prevent the kind of tragedies we saw on Amtrak last week."

The RAILS Act reauthorizes the Railroad Safety Technology Grants Program to provide funding for train safety technology. The bill would also provide $200 million for each of the next five years for positive train control safety technology, rail-integrity inspection systems, a system for electronic communication regarding hazardous-materials rail shipments and other new rail-safety items.