DOT grant for PTC to aid Caltrain, HSR

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Thursday announced the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) can begin spending a $16 million grant to support safety and scheduling improvements between San Francisco to San Jose corridor. The grant will advance design of a positive train control (PTC) technology system, and will help integrate California’s existing passenger rail network with future HSR service.

“Keeping people safe is our top priority and positive train control technology will ensure California’s rail network transports passengers more safely and efficiently than ever before,” LaHood (pictured at left) said. “This comprehensive safety technology will improve passenger service along the highly-traveled corridor between San Francisco and San Jose and will ultimately benefit the entire high-speed rail system in California.”

The grant will enable the CHSRA and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to develop a system that will improve schedule management along the 52-mile San Francisco-San Jose route and, by extension, help improve train schedules along the entire California railroad network. In addition, the grant will be used to design a PTC system that will accommodate the existing 52-mile corridor and provide support for HSR trains.

U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) cited the spillover benefits to existing Caltrain service as well. “This is great news for Peninsula residents. This technology will improve Caltrain’s safety and efficiency,” she said. Echoing Eshoo’s comments, Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.), said, “Improving Caltrain and laying the ground work for high speed rail has a direct, positive impact on my constituents, and these federal funds show that their hard-earned tax dollars are being efficiently and effectively returned to their communities in visible and meaningful ways.”