Rail safety and transport bills approved by House committee

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Wednesday approved legislation involving passenger rail.

The committee chaired by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) approved H.R. 1346, a bill that repeals the rule entitled “Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform.” The committee in a statement said that the rule exceeds what is required in law, is contrary to congressional intent, and increases burdens on MPOs and states. By repealing this rule, the bill maintains MPO and state flexibility in planning and making transportation investments. The bill was introduced by Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill).

Also approved was H.R. 1093, requiring congressional notification of the initiation and results of passenger and commuter rail comprehensive safety assessments by the Federal Railroad Administration. The bill was introduced by Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.)