Coons pushed FCC for better ‘positive train control’ hours before deadly Amtrak crash

Just hours before the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia that has killed at least six passengers, Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler spoke at a press briefing about the FCC’s progress on positive train control (PTC) efforts.
PTC is a safety technology that allows for better, faster communication between train operators. But in order to establish higher quality PTC, the FCC needs to free up spectrum space.
Spectrum, the invisible infrastructure that supports wireless technology, is currently filled up with somewhat antiquated technologies like radio waves and television signals. It also supports GPS tracking and WiFi. Right now, the FCC is in the process of leveraging those technologies in spectrum auctions, in an effort to create more space for modern communications like WiFi and PTC.
During the briefing, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) urged Wheeler to expedite the FCC’s PTC progress.
According to Multichannel, Wheeler responded: “I think we are making some real serious progress on PTC.”
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Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) was on the train that derailed, but fortunately exited at the Wilmington station.
“I am grateful to be home safe and sound in Wilmington, and my heart goes out to all those on the train tonight,” he said in a press release. “I hope all of those that are injured recover quickly, and I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
Former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy was on the train when it crashed.