WASHINGTON – BNSF Railway has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration for approval of its Positive Train Control Safety Plan. If approved, the railroad would be able to implement its PTC system throughout its 28-state network.

BNSF asserts that the plan demonstrates that its I-ETMS system has been designed as a vital overlay PTC system in compliance with the FRA's PTC Safety Plan content requirements and PTC System Certification regulations. The plan describes the BNSF implementation and the associated safety processes; safety analyses; and test, validation, and verification processes used during development of I-ETMS. The plan also contains BNSF's operational and support requirements and procedures.

Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.

Communications received by Jan. 20, 2015, will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable, according to the agency.

Interested parties can view the related documents and offer comment online at www.regulations.gov. Comments can also be submitted by mail to Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, or by fax to 202-493-2251.

For more information on positive train control, see the November 2014 issue of Trains Magazine, available now.