High-speed train requirements to be included in safety standards
As the U.S. moves to replace some of its aging passenger train fleet with high-speed trains that can travel up to 220 miles per hour, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is moving to update safety standards for passenger trains in order to account for the speedy newcomers.
The proposed updates would establish a new category of passenger equipment, Tier III, for trains traveling up to 220 mph. The updates would offer an alternative method for evaluating how well passengers and crews are protected in an accident, often called crashworthiness. The public, railroad industry, railroad labor, manufacturers and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback and comment on the proposed rule during the next 60 days.