This article. Hmmm. http://cs.trains.com/trn/b/fred-fra...-will-be-paralyzed.aspx#.VfDtbk4LVVo.facebook
I have some acquaintances in the Roindhouse here, and yes, the PTC sysrem is buggy to say the least! And there are various other mandated upgrades being done in the event recorder systems and cameras systems. All of this involves lots of work and troubleshooting of the system, which translates to time. Ain't even going to go down the FRA/Govt track...........
I like Ice's moxie! Given the early stage of PTC technology and limited industry funds, Congress' edict is ridiculous. One could also argue that the requirement altogether is needless. I'm thinking that being privately owned, BNSF can advance radical policy like this that other roads would find more difficult.
BNSF is not shutting down, far from it. Certain types of cargoes will be embargoed, along with all passenger traffic. Of course, the loads that are being embargoed are critical for human life, but, eh, whatever....
I know they are not shutting down completely. But if this happens, their operations will be curtailed so much they might as well be.
In the litigious world of the 21st Century, no carrier can afford to be considered a scofflaw - to operate where PTC is required after the official deadline would be considered as being a scofflaw.
It seems I read somewhere that they were granted an extension last week. The reasoning being the development costs and technology required to get the system up, functional and reliable have proven to be a lot more challenging than expected. Duh. The RR world is a brutal world for electronic equipment.
There is mention in this topic: http://www.trainboard.com/highball/...k-southern-cessation-of-service-notice.86953/
And here is an article about the prez not signing any extension: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...-extending-deadline-for-rail-safety-equipment
As I said in the other thread, nothing in the arrival says the president wouldn't sign a reauthorization.