TRANSIT: Metra chooses positive train control source for $80 million contract
Sept. 8, 2015
The contract amount had been disclosed in April of this year, since which time a decision has been waylaid by negotiations
According to Chicago area transit officials, Metra has selected Parsons to install positive train control (PTC) on the railroad’s commuter-rail lines. The contract—$80 million—represents Metra’s biggest PTC expenditure to date and will require Parsons to install an electronic train management system that will be interoperable with 12 railroads, Parsons officials said in a press release.
The federally mandated technology also will integrate a system of locomotive-mounted GPS devices, radios, trackside antennas and computers.
“PTC will significantly improve safety for Chicago’s traveling public, and we’re proud to be contributing to this important endeavor,” said Parsons Group President Todd Wager.
The company previously has worked with Metrolink, Caltrain, Amtrak and New Jersey Transit to meet the federally mandated PTC system requirements. Metra links the outlying suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area to the city’s two major rail hubs, Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.
