On Monday, Sound Transit announced that positive train control (PTC) has been fully implemented and received certification along the Sounder commuter rail corridors. Sounder trains operating the corridors from Lakewood to Everett are now controlled by PTC equipment that automatically slows trains from overspeeds and prevents collisions with other trains, evening stopping the train if necessary.
“Safety is our most important priority at Sound Transit,” said Peter Rogoff, Chief Executive Officer of Sound Transit. “Each and every one of our riders must get home or to work safely every time. Adding positive train control on all our Sounder trains will help us maintain our impeccable track record.”
Sound Transit operates commuter rail primarily along tracks owned by Burlington North Santa Fe, which is shared with freight trains and other passenger rail operators like Amtrak. Active PTC equipment along the corridor and onboard trains can greatly increase safety and avoid crashes. PTC equipment has been installed on 41 Sounder vehicles, along tracks, and in a train operations center. The PTC system was fully implemented in October.
