More than three years after a deadly Metrolink crash killed 25 people, California's commuter rail system is finally ready to install a sophisticated crash-prevention system.

If all goes according to plan, the system should be fully operational by 2013. It is hoped that the investment will go a long way to protect against train crashes that result in personal injury or death.

The system, which cost more than $200 million, uses antennas and track-side communication stations to monitor trains along 512 miles of track. If necessary, the system can take control of trains in order to prevent collisions and derailments.

Congress May Relax Mandate

In the wake of the 2008 Metrolink accident, Congress passed a law requiring rail systems that transport either passengers or hazardous materials to install passive control systems.

Metrolink will be the first to implement the new controls. Initially, rail systems were supposed to have passive controls in place by 2015. However, Congress may extend that deadline to 2020 out of concerns that the systems are costly and difficult to install.

Opponents to the delay say that Congress is being pressured by railroads and other transportation organizations that value profit over safety. They worry that the delay could cost lives. The Los Angeles Times recently quoted Richard Katz, chairman of the Metrolink Board of Directors as saying "I don't think the rollback is justified. This is the most important development in our lifetimes as far as rail safety is concerned. Every year we delay, more people are going to die that don't have to."

Hopefully, California's implementation of the passive control system, and its resultant safety benefits, will serve as a model for the rest of the nation.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Metrolink Pushing Forward With System Designed to Prevent Crashes," Dan Weikel and Richard Simon, Feb. 11, 2012.