In wake of the New Jersey Transit commuter train crash last week, some Connecticut officials are giving an update on safety controls in place on Metro North.  While the commuter railroad doesn't yet have Positive Train Control technology in place, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redecker says the New Haven line is the first phase of implementation on the Metro North system.

Connecticut owns the tracks that Metro North trains use in the state, and is responsible for paying for the safety system.  Redecker says Positive Train Control technology has been fully funded for some time.  But the technology won't be in place until near the 2018 deadline for installation. 

Redecker says some speed controls are in place, but PTC is not fully functional. 

The technology can automatically stop a train before an accident occurs.   It's a GPS-based system that monitors a train's location.  Sensors can apply the brakes if a train is moving too fast for conditions.  The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 required the system be installed on all commuter trains.