JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
9TH DISTRICT, ILLINOIS
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT
COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP
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July 27, 2012
2367 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
Telephone: 202-225-2111
Fax: 202-226-6890
TTY: 202-225-1904
5633 N. BROADWAY, SUITE 2
CHICAGO, IL 60640
Telephone: 773·506·7100
Fax: 773-506-9202
820 DAVIS STREET, SUITE 105
EVANSTON, IL 60201
Telephone: 847·328·3409
Fax: 847-328-3426
Chairman Julius Genachowski
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
RE: WT Docket No. 11-79 Spectrum Needs for Positive Train Control
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
I write in regards to a matter before the FCC that will impact my constituents and Metra (the
Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation), a commuter railway system
serving the Chicagoland area. I hope to gain a better understanding ofthe status of the
proceeding before the FCC and to learn about FCC's plans to accommodate the concerns
expressed by Metra and many other passenger rail lines.
The Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008 took several important steps to better protect the
public from railway accidents that threaten passenger safety and regional security. Among the
important changes was the plan to establish a Positive Train Control system which would use
new technology to prevent train collisions, track malfunctions, and other damaging
consequences. It also set a deadline of December 31, 2015 for implementation ofthe PTC
system for Class I freight as well as passenger railroads.
Metra has served the Chicago area well, completing over 80 million passenger trips in 2010. The
cost of implementation ofthe PTC could be as much as $200 million for Metra alone. Metra­
like many other commuter railways - is not in a position to fund that kind ofan investment, nor
does it want to pass the cost on to commuters and businesses that rely upon its services.
Last May, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) announced that it would seek
comments from stakeholders regarding the frequency bands and amount ofspectrum needed to
successfully implement PTC. According to the FCC, "the record received in response to this
Public Notice will be instrumental in a Commission determination ofwhat future proceedings or
actions, if any, might facilitate an effective, efficient, and timely process for railroads to acquire
spectrum to comply with the PTC implementation requirements under the RSIA and FRA
regulations." Metrajoined with other commuter railroads and submitted comments through the
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to that proceeding. The comment period
closed over a year ago, but no action has yet been announced on this matter.
I would like to know when action can be expected in response to the WTB proceeding. As you
know, the deadline for implementation is quickly approaching, and Metra and other commuterCTl~
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E-MAIL: jan.schakowsky@mail,house.gov
Chairman Julius Genachowski
July 27, 2012
Page 2
railroads would benefit from information relevant to their PTC obligation. It is my hope that
cost and feasibility will be seriously considered in implementing the PTC, and that
accommodations will be made if necessary to enable commuter railways to comply.
Your attention to these issues is much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you regarding
the WTB proceeding and the FCC's plan to address the concerns raised by Metra and other
commuter rail lines.
Sincerely,
chakowsky
ber ofCongress