Positive Train Control Grants Program

Authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Section 3028), the fiscal year 2017 Positive Train Control Grants Program offers funding to states, local governments and transit agencies that operate commuter rail systems to install positive train control systems required under 49 U.S.C. 20157 (Implementation of positive train control systems). In May 2017, DOT announced $197 million in grants for PTC implementation.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are the recipients of federal grants under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, including state and local governments, and transit agencies operating commuter rail systems.

Eligible Activities

The capital costs of installing PTC systems and activities including but not limited to: back office systems; wayside, communications and onboard hardware equipment, software; equipment installation; and spectrum acquisition.

Preventive maintenance and overhaul costs, new vehicle procurement, real estate property acquisition, building construction and acquisition, and operating expenses are not eligible costs.

Statutory References

Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Section 3028

Funding Availability

The grant funds made available under the Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY 2017 Commuter Rail Positive Train Control Grant Funds must be obligated in a grant agreement no later than September 30, 2018.

Match

The federal share of eligible capital costs is 80 percent of the net capital project cost, unless the grant recipient requests a lower percentage