Here’s the press release from Metrolink, the commuter rail agency partially funded by Metro:

Positive Train Control project receives $68.75 million and capacity-enhancing project on the Antelope Valley line gets $7.2 million

Los Angeles – Late last week, the California Transportation Commission allocated $1 billion for transportation projects across the state. Of those funds, Metrolink received $68.75 million for the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) and $7.2 million to add track to the Antelope Valley line in Los Angeles County. This action allows Metrolink’s member agencies to release funding for the two projects.

“Positive Train Control will enhance safety across the entire Metrolink System and the Antelope Valley siding project will increase capacity and reduce travel time on one of our busiest lines,” said Metrolink CEO John Fenton. “These funds help us reach our goal of becoming the region’s commute of choice by providing a safe, reliable, affordable and flexible transportation option for the region.”

Positive Train Control is a predictive collision avoidance technology that enhances safety through its ability to override human error, preventing train accidents. Metrolink’s PTC program calls for installing a back-office system, replacing the current computer-aided dispatch system on 57 cab cars and 52 locomotives, installing stop enforcement system at 476 wayside signals, and implementing a six-county specialized communication network to link the wayside signals, trains and centralized dispatch office on one of the nation’s busiest and most complex rail networks. Metrolink has a plan to fund the $201.6 million project and is on track to implement PTC well in advance of the 2015 Federal mandate.

The Antelope Valley siding project includes the addition of up to 7000 feet of passing siding between Metrolink’s Vincent Grade/Acton Station and Lang in Los Angeles County. This will provide additional capacity for passenger and freight trains reducing travel time and supporting regional commerce. The project is underway and scheduled in completion in the second half of 2011.

In a Jan. 20 press release , Caltrans director Cathy McKim said: “From one end of the state to the other, transportation projects are providing jobs and improving mobility for people and businesses in California.” Per Caltrans, for more information on the projects that received funding, please visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/docs/ctcprojectallocationsjanuary2011.pdf.

ABOUT METROLINK

Metrolink is Southern California’s regional commuter rail service in its 19th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network.