Van Hollen Seeks Update from Governor on MARC Safety Measures

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan seeking answers on the implementation of positive train control (PTC) measures on the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) rail system. PTC hardware helps improve railroad safety, and in 2008, Congress passed legislation requiring PTC implementation on highly-trafficked and passenger railroads across the United States.

In the letter, Senator Van Hollen notes that MARC is “at risk” of missing the December 31, 2018 deadline set by Congress for implementing at least 85 percent of its PTC hardware. As the Senator highlights, this could lead to the Federal Railroad Administration imposing civil penalties on the railroad. The failure of MARC to reach this deadline could also cause disruptions in service.

“This is something that we all want to avoid. Please let me know what my office can do to assist MDOT as you move toward completion,” the Senator writes in conclusion.

For the full text of the letter, click here.

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