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Coaster trains equipped with new technology to keep riders safe

Posted at 10:14 PM, Jul 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-25 01:14:54-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A more than $87 million dollar operating system on Coaster trains aims to prevent deadly train accidents from happening in San Diego.

It's called the Positive Train Control system and uses GPS, digital communications and on-board computers to monitor locations and help eliminate human error.

The North County Transit District already tested the system on non-passenger trains and has officially rolled it out on passenger trains.

The government is requiring trains to be equipped with the technology by next year. They hope to eliminate accidents like the Metro-North crash in 2013 which claimed four lives. Safety officials found the engineer had fallen asleep as a result of an undiagnosed condition.

NCTD officials warn there may be some delays and unexpected stops as they continue to roll out the new system.