NTSB Postive Train Control Forum Agenda Released

As follow up to my earlier post on the NTSB's planned February 27 Positive Train Control forum, the Board released the Agenda for the meeting as well as information on the speakers/panelists, which are linked here for review.

Increased Rail Haz Mat Penalties Published

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), published today revised civil monetary penalties for the violation of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. The FRA rule implements the increased penalties enacted in July 2012 with the passage of the MAP-21 Act (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act). The increased penalties, which apply to all violations of the federal haz mat transportation laws after October 1, 2012, increase the maximum civil penalty from $50,000 to $75,000 for "knowing violations," and from $100,000 to $175,000 if the violation "results in death, serious injury or severe injury to any person, or substantial destruction of property." Also, the prior minimum penalty of $250 has been eliminated, except that a $450 minimum penalty will apply to training violations.

NTSB to Hold Forum On Positive Train Control February 27

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced today it will hold a 1-day forum, titled "Positive Train Control: Is it on Track?" on February 27, 2013 at its Washington headquarters. No specific agenda or list of speakers has been named for the forum, however it is clear the status of the implementation of the long-proposed technology to control trains will be the main focus. The NTSB's page on this issue is attached here. The pending FRA docket on the PTC rulemaking is attached here.