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Railroads react to likely PTC enforcement
One of the problems only hinted at in this piece by David Lester is the adaption of a new system which would be universally compliant on all railroads: one universal system or several systems with built in compatibilities. This is the real problem bureaucrats and solons don’t seem to understand. This is similar to how the FCC destroyed chances for AM stereo. The FCC endorsed an FM stereo system but never an AM system. Manufacturers of transmitters and receivers wall and broadcasters therefore knew what they had to do for FM stereo. But when it came to AM stereo the FCC’s stance was to let the market decide; but with so many systems available and none chosen, they all folded their tents and went home leaving us without AM stereo. Similarly with PTC, there are several apparently good systems. But if UP locomotives are to operate from Portland, OR to Portland, ME and BNSF locomotives from LA to FLA and NS and CXS units lead trains from the sands of Atlantic Ocean beaches to Sans Diego and Francisco, either one system should be chosen or an overlapping compatibility be developed. Unlike words which can be spoken in an instant and put on paper in less than a minute, developing, testing, and manufacturing a universal or all compatible system can take years to perfect. The railroads should elect to have and AAR technical staff or committee to endorse one would be the best way to handle this. Unless one rather the FRA do the endorsing for them.
Congress passed the law with the deadline. FRA has to enforce the law, or may itself be prosecuted for nonfeasance. Congress needs to amend the law.
Indeed, this is a problem created by congress. Perhaps the realities of large FRA fines – and what that would mean for the ability of railroads to provide service at all for certain haz-mat commodities and passengers service – will push congress to action. Perhaps they will provide grist for a big court case.
It would seem to me also that there will be a lot litigation starting on New Years Day.
Time for a change in Congress. They’ve outlived their welcome.
I predict more grandstanding and hot air from politicians and bureaucrats over this.
“Politicians and diapers need to be changed often and for the same reason” - Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
I don’t expect companies that I own stock in to intentionally violate the law of the land and intentionally incur fines for doing so. A temporary shut down is warranted. If your business or trip is hurt or disrupted, well you know who to call.
I appreciate the sentiment that railroads should simply halt service until they can be in compliance, but I suspect that, too, would be of dubious legality, given the vast majority of US railroads are common carriers and are pretty much obliged to carry anything they can technically carry.
I suspect most railroads will find themselves between a rock and a hard place on this one.
I agree with you, Paul , and John also ! Boy, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)was a brilliant man, wasn’t he ?
I could be wrong, but I predict there will be a derailment within a few days of failure to implement the system. Now by derailment, it could have a figurative meaning as well as literal. Either way, government is proving itself to be ignorant of the real issue and being part of the problem at the same time.
Politicians and diapers…how true, how true. Aren’t most railroads privately owned? Maybe the American railroader should just say enough is enough, we’re not going to work as long as the damn gov’t keeps screwing things up. M.Y.O.B. and leave us alone to do what we do best. Quit trying to regulate us to death. Or fine us to death. This crap will come back to haunt you.