PTC is a performance standard, not a concrete system. Some PTC systems do seem to use GPS for train positioning, which does seem surprising from a European train protection system perspective which all seem to completely avoid reliance on GNSS so far.

I guess a much less dense and largely overground network, mainly used by fairly slow moving freight trains as opposed to highspeed passenger connections, changes requirements somewhat.

Thanks.

I mean they are systems that rely on GNSS in Europe, but no safety systems, that would be simply to unreliable. For example I believe the railway announcements in Germany to depend on GNSS. They are also unreliable.