Boxer Statement on NTSB Findings on Metrolink Crash

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) made the following statement today on the National Transportation Safety Board’s findings on the tragic collision between a Metrolink passenger train and a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, California, in September 2008, which killed 25 people and left 135 injured.

Senator Boxer said, “The NTSB’s findings confirm that Positive Train Control could have prevented this terrible tragedy. I will continue to fight for federal funding to make sure we implement this life-saving technology as quickly as possible.”

Senator Boxer has been a leading advocate in the Senate for more federal funding to help install Positive Train Control, a train collision avoidance technology system. Last month, the Senate approved an omnibus appropriations bill that included nearly $500,000 sought by Boxer for Metrolink to begin installing Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.

The Senate bill also included $50 million for the Railroad Safety Technology grant program that was requested by Senator Boxer. Last summer, Senators Boxer and John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) requested full funding for this critical grant program, which helps support necessary safety improvements, including the installation of PTC.

For a copy of the NTSB’s findings on the Metrolink crash, go to www.ntsb.gov

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