CA rail grants expected to create jobs, increase safety, reduce congestion

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a $16 million grant to support improved safety and scheduling on the San Francisco-San Jose corridor in California, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) announced on June 27.

On June 24, the U.S. DOT provided $126 million for Chicago’s Englewood Flyover project to eliminate one of the nation’s largest rail bottlenecks.

In California, the money will pay for the design of a positive train control system that increases rail safety and efficiency by monitoring and controlling train movements.  This will improve passenger service along the busy Caltrain corridor.  Soon, these technology enhancements will also help the California High Speed Rail Authority integrate California’s existing rail network with high-speed passenger service.