Amtrak Threatens Shutdown If Congress Does't Act
WASHINGTON (WJZ)--Could commuter rail come to a screeching halt?
Amtrak is threatening to shut down a large part of its rail system in the next few weeks if Congress doesn't extend a deadline for certain safety measures.
WJZ's Meghan McCorkell has more on the impact.
In May, a speeding Amtrak train flies off the tracks in Philadelphia killing eight people injuring hundreds more.
Had the train been equipped with new technology to automatically slow it down, experts say the tragedy wouldn't have happened.
"I promise that by the end of this year this system which will dramatically enhance safety will be complete and operational," said Amtrak Chairman, Joseph Boardman following the May derailment.
But now Amtrak is breaking that promise.
The company has sent a letter to Congress saying it needs an extension to install the safety measures, or it will be forced to suspend service on tens of thousands of lines by mid-December.
"It would be disastrous for our whole East Coast and for the country if we don't give them an extension to do what they need to do," said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger.
Congress first set the deadline for Amtrak back in 2008, in the rail safety improvement act.
Marc Rosen is an attorney that specializes in transportation cases.
He says it's unbelievable that Amtrak and other rail companies haven't been able to meet the deadline.
"The public's response to the next accident that this particular system would have prevented is going to be unprecedented because the red flags are just flapping in the air right now," Rosen said.
Still Congressman Ruppersberger says the extension is necessary to get the system right.
"I think now that they're on notice if they don't make the next deadline then I think clearly there will be some type of consequences," said Ruppersberger
But for now, he says trains must keep moving.
Congress is moving towards approving the extension.
Freight railroads are also lobbying for a congressional extension.
