Rail safety system pledged by 2012

In the wake of last month's fatal Metrolink collision in Chatsworth that killed 25 people, the region's two freight railroads announced Wednesday that they will put automated systems on L.A.-area tracks to stop trains before they crash by 2012 - three years ahead of an expected congressional mandate.Rachel Uranga in the Daily News.

Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe told a special state Senate hearing in Van Nuys the track infrastructure for the new system will be in place on 120 miles of track by 2012. But not every single locomotive will be fitted with a control computer by that date, officials said.

"Los Angeles is going to be our No. 1 priority," said Jeff Young, Union Pacific Railroad's assistant vice president of information technology.