YOUR ULTRA BRIEF ⚡
- PTC overrides human error to prevent certain types of collisions and derailments.
- It’s fully active on all required Class I PTC route miles.
- It’s features allow for future safety technology.
Mandated by Congress as part of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), PTC has been an unprecedented technological undertaking requiring each railroad to develop — from scratch — a system comprised of hundreds of thousands of components that must work across an interconnected network of freight, passenger and commuter railroads.
These technologies are designed to automatically stop a train before certain accidents related to human error occur. PTC systems determine the precise location, direction and speed of trains, warn train operators of potential problems and safely bring the train to a stop if the operator does not act.
PTC is a safety technology.
PTC is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions or derailments caused by excessive speed; unauthorized train movement onto sections of track where maintenance activities are taking place; and movement of a train through a track switch left in the wrong position. It does not prevent accidents caused as a result of track or equipment failure, improper vehicular movement through a grade crossing, trespassing or certain types of train operator error.
PTC provides the foundation for future innovations.
PTC is a key part of freight rail’s strategy to enhance an already safe network. Since 1980, nearly $810 billion in investments—along with advanced inspection tech, better rail cars, and rigorous training—have helped reduce incidents caused by track, equipment, and human error. Expanding tech use can further boost safety and efficiency. PTC’s geo-mapping, advanced communications, and upgraded locomotives support greater capacity, better service, and lower emissions. To fully unlock these benefits, regulations must evolve to support a modern, tech-driven rail industry.