The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized new regulations that will make it easier and more affordable to bring modern train designs to the United States. They also make it possible for high-speed trains to use conventional tracks for part of their journey, which is critical to launching and expanding a high-speed network.
For generations, outdated U.S. safety regulations slowed or prevented the adoption of modern train designs already in use around the world. These new rules remove those barriers, making it possible for American train operators to use “off-the-shelf” designs from the world’s leading train equipment manufacturers with minimal modifications. (The FRA estimates the necessary changes will affect the cost of a new train by less than one percent.)
The old regulations left us with trains that are very heavy. That means our trains are slower, use more fuel, and cause more wear on tracks (and themselves). The regulations were so unique that they effectively isolated America from the rest of the world market. If you wanted to buy a new train in the U.S., your choices were limited, expensive, and antiquated.
The new regulations are based on years of proven experience and safe operation from around the world, particularly from Europe. They allow for trains that use modern materials and techniques to be lighter yet stronger and safer.
The FRA previously allowed certain trains to adopt these modern