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The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th Street, SW 
. Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
June 12, 2014 
Received & Inspected 
JUN 1 7 2014 
FCC Mail Room 
We are writing to bring your attention to a recent letter we received from the Southern California 
·Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) and to ask for your personal attention to address the issues it 
raised, relating to its efforts to obtain the radio spectrum needed to continue to operate and 
implement positive train control (PTC) throughout Southern California. 
As you know, the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 mandated the installation of PTC for 
commuter and freight rail systems. This is an essential, life-saving technology necessary to 
enhance the safety of our nation's railroads. Metrolink is on track to be the first commuter 
railroad in the nation to implement PTC on its entire 512 mile system. 
In March, 2010, Metro link sought FCC approval of the acquisition and related necessary modifications 
and waivers for spectrum required to deploy its PTC system. Since that time, Metro link has filed at 
least six applications and supplemental "Showings" with the FCC in an effort to navigate what has 
often been a very complicated and frustrating process. Despite repeated inquiries and applications, the 
situation remains unresolved. 
In light of the difficulties with purchasing its own spectrum, Metro link took the precautionary step 
of entering into a short -term lease of spectrum from PTC-220 LLC (an organization of freight 
railroad operators) for preliminary PTC purposes. The lease was always considered a stopgap 
measure to allow for continued development of PTC, but was never considered a long-term 
solution. Now, as Metro link nears full implementation of its PTC system, in accordance with the 
federal mandate, the insufficiencies of the lease with PTC-220 are becoming increasingly clear. We 
are not alone in noting the importance of action related to the spectrum. The language in Section 
9402 of the Administration's proposed GROW America Act requires cooperation between the 
Department of Transportation and the FCC to develop a plan to "assess spectrum needs and 
availability for implementing positive train control systems." While we are encouraged by the 
inclusion of this language, we are troubled that it is necessary and we look forward to resolution 
of this ongoing process. 
Please note that we are not addressing the merits ofthe issues raised relative to Metrolink's 
applications. We fully expect the Commission to dispose of those issues consistent with its 
statutory authority and applicable administrative and judicial precedent. But we encourage and 
expect the Commission to take prompt steps to act on the Metrolink applications and related 
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waiver requests. In response to this letter, we would appreciate an estimate of when a decision 
resolving the Metrolink applications may be expected. 
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Please do not hesitate to call on us if you 
have any questions or if you require additional information. Please note that a copy of this letter 
is being submitted to the FCC's public docket No. 13-85. 
COL. PAUL COOK (RET.) 
Member of Congress 
ALAN LOWENTHAL 
Member of Congress 
{~YC~~ ....... ---~ 
Member of Congress 
Sincerely, 
Member of Congress