[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4410]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RAIL SAFETY AND POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL

  Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today I voice my concerns on an important 
rail safety issue that we have been working on in the Senate Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While railroads and commuter 
rails may face the immense challenge of implementing appropriate PTC 
precautions, now and always we must place the safety of our citizens 
above the fear of difficulties incurred by necessary technological 
change. We must face these difficulties head-on in order that our 
citizens' lives be ensured safety in public transportation.
  New Jersey runs on rail. Our economy simply could not sustain itself 
without it. Our Northeast corridor alone moves more than 700,000 people 
a day. Without the necessary PTC safeguards, these people will face the 
threat of a devastating crash more so every day. The sheer volume of 
commuters itself presents momentous concern for the State to be able to 
successfully guarantee the well-being of its rail lines. Knowing now 
that crashes like the Metro-North accident could have been prevented by 
PTC protections, I can say with bursting resolve that it is time for us 
to do better. The application of PTC directly translates into lives 
saved. To me and for many, that is an easy trade--as easy as it ever 
gets.
  But it is rarely ever that simple. I recognize that for many in the 
rail industry, who share my commitment to improving safety, the reality 
is that difficult investment decisions need to be made and the current 
timeline is not achievable, even for those with the best of intentions. 
Implementation will take time. We cannot expect these complex 
technological improvements to come overnight. In spite of this, we can 
still hold these improvements to a reasonably tight schedule, one that 
is attainable.
  I am hopeful that in the time between today's committee vote and 
before the final passage of PTC legislation, we can work to shorten the 
extension and find a better balance. I look forward to working with the 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee chairman, ranking 
member, and the rest of my colleagues to improve this initiative.

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