The Federal Railroad Administration has proposed changes to the regulations concerning passenger equipment safety standards. The current regulations regarding passenger rail service in a shared right-of-way are separated into two tiers. Tier one focuses on speeds up to 125 mph and tier two focuses on speeds up to 150 mph.
The proposed changes to the regulations include adding an additional tier that would focus on speeds up to 220 mph. In addition, tier three would require trains traveling at speeds above 125 mph to be in an exclusive right-of-way without grade crossings.
Additional changes being proposed include alternative crash-worthiness and occupant protection requirements. This allows for a more open rail market in the United States and will incorporate recent technological designs.
Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed regulation changes until February 6, 2017.
