SunRail to debut without critical safety technology

When SunRail makes its debut in central Florida next year, Eyewitness News discovered it won't be equipped with new technology meant to prevent train disasters.

Four people were killed when Metro North's train flew off the tracks in New York City on Sunday.

But experts said the tragedy would have been prevented if the trains were equipped with positive train control or PTC.

PTC is a state-of-the-art technology being installed in trains nationwide.

"It's a system of sensors on the track and sensors on the train," Steve Olson with the Florida Department of Transportation said.

The sophisticated computers are meant to override human error and take control of the train. Eyewitness News discovered when the SunRail system is unveiled in the spring, it won't be armed with PTC.

"We're going to operate safely. It would be something that's nice to have," Olson said.

State transportation officials said they are waiting for CSX, which shares the tracks, to first implement the technology.

"We need a consistent PTC so both CSX and our passenger trains use the same positive train control," Olson said.

SunRail has set aside $20 million to install PTC by the 2015 deadline set by Congress. Some taxpayers said SunRail should be equipped from the start.

"It does concern me for the overall safety of people," taxpayer Gloria Correa said.

But others are satisfied with the plan.

"It's not something that can happen quickly, these type of things," taxpayer Sean Dampier said