Several Metra trains delayed after positive train control outage
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Service was restored on several Metra train lines Monday afternoon, but extensive delays were expected following outages with systems designed to automatically stop trains to avoid collisions.
Trains on the Metra Electric, Rock Island, Southwest Service, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, Union Pacific North, and Union Pacific Northwest lines began experiencing delays late Monday morning due to an outage with the agency's "positive train control system," which is designed to automatically stop trains if engineers fail to obey a signal or exceed established speed limits, in order to avoid train collisions and derailments.
The Federal Railroad Administration requires positive train control on all passenger and freight trains in the United States.
Trains were moving again on all seven affected lines by mid-afternoon, although Metra warned commuters that extensive delays were possible for some trains as service resumed.