Metra getting $2 million for safety technology

WASHINGTON (AP) - A suburban Chicago commuter rail agency will get more than $2 million from the federal government to implement a computerized system that will make train travel safer for passengers and rail workers.

In a news release, Democratic U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois say that the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation will allow Metra to implement what is called Positive Train Control safety technology on its railroads.

Positive Train Control is a federally mandated computerized system that prevents certain train-to-train collisions, helps prevent derailments and other accidents caused by excessive speed. It also increases safety for rail workers.

With the funding, Metra will be able to implement the system throughout the northeastern Illinois region that includes Cook. Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will and DuPage counties. .