Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Dist. 5) took his “Mike on the Move” transportation initiative to Metra’s 49th Street Rail Yard last week in Chicago.

The purpose of the visit was to observe Metra’s progress in integrating Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology into its rail system and discuss the Dec. 31 deadline for implementation.

“Today’s tour of the 49th Street Metra facility gave me a close-up look at the complex and costly process involved in implementing PTC and the important work Metra is doing to ensure Chicago’s commuter rail system employs the most advanced safety technology,” Quigley said. “Implementing PTC is vitally important to ensuring that our region’s rail system provides the utmost level of safety for over 150,000 passengers who use Metra every day. Congress has mandated this important rail-safety technology, but has refused to help our nation’s cash-strapped commuter railroads fund its costly implementation. With the deadline for implementation just months away, and passenger rail service around the country in jeopardy, it’s time for Congress to act and provide commuter railroads with the necessary time and funding to implement this important safety technology.”