Modernizing Metra & Investing in Our Future Chapter 1: Positive Train Control (Ptc) & Rolling Stock Back
MODERNIZING METRA & INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE CHAPTER 1: POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL (PTC) & ROLLING STOCK BACKGROUND Maintaining Metra’s extensive system in a state of good repair is the agency’s biggest challenge. State of Good Repair (SGR) is achieved when the preventative maintenance and rehabilitation needs of all assets are met within the recommended timeframe, and no component remains in service beyond its useful life. The long‐lasting nature of railroad assets gives a false impression of a fixed asset that does not wear out, but safe and reliable service depends on the perpetual maintenance and replacement of a diverse set of components: track, signals, electrical and communications equipment, rolling stock, bridges, support facilities and vehicles, and stations and customer parking facilities. The continued deferral of capital projects has far‐reaching consequences. As components degrade, service reliability suffers. A single breakdown can affect multiple lines; the failure of an important control point, for example, disrupts service on entire portions of Metra’s system. As unexpected problems occur, trains are delayed and crews must work longer hours or unscheduled shifts, driving up labor costs. The poor condition of one component can accelerate wear and tear on other components— for example, track condition affects the operation of rolling stock, and vice versa. As labor and repair costs rise, more dollars are diverted from capital needs, and capital maintenance is further deferred. Losses in ridership—and fare revenue—follow the decline in service quality and reliability, meaning that even fewer funds are available to sustain the system, and the downward spiral continues. Not only does this cycle degrade the existing system, but meaningful enhancements or extensions of service to meet the region’s changing transportation needs may not be feasible.
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