Congressman Patronis Issues a Letter to the National Transportation Safety Board Following a January Railroad-Robot Collision

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Patronis sent a letter to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requesting critical information and a thorough review of safety protocols following the January 15th collision between a Brightline passenger train and an autonomous delivery robot on active railroad tracks in Miami.

While no injuries were reported, the incident raises serious safety questions about autonomous robots interacting with vital transportation infrastructure. In his letter to NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, Congressman Patronis requested answers and oversight regarding the circumstances surrounding the collision. Congressman Patronis expressed his concerns about the potential dangers of similar incidents occurring again as these technologies become more widespread. He seeks answers to where the NTSB is in the investigative process and what, if any, recommendations the agency has developed as a result of the accident. 

The Congressman’s inquiries to the NTSB include:

1. Did the accident between the Brightline train and the delivery robot on January 15, 2026, trigger any of the NTSB’s reporting requirements?
2. If so, please provide me with the report the NTSB received.
3. What investigative response, if any, is the NTSB pursuing or planning to pursue?
4. Is the NTSB currently conducting a broader study of autonomous vehicles at railroad crossings?
5. What recommendations does the NTSB currently have to mitigate the potential for these kinds of accidents in the future?
6. How does or should the NTSB’s recommendations differ for autonomous vehicles with and without human passengers?
7. Based on your findings to date, reviews of other accidents and/or anticipated needs, what can Congress do to help you meet these challenges?

“Given the rapid evolution of autonomous technologies, we must ensure that our transportation safety framework evolves as well,” said Congressman Patronis. “This incident highlights a gap in our understanding of how autonomous vehicles interact with railroad systems. It is important that we address these risks now before a more serious accident happens.”

Congressman Patronis remains committed to working with the NTSB and his colleagues in Congress to strengthen safety standards that protect the traveling public and address risks associated with autonomous technologies.

To review Congressman Patronis’ letter to the NTSB, click HERE.

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