Senate Looks to Clear Crossings
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to authorize the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) blocked grade crossing reporter website as a three-year pilot project.
FRA
For House Rail Subcommittee, an Earful on Multiple Matters
“Examining the Surface Transportation Board’s Role in Ensuring a Robust Passenger Rail System” was the topic of a virtual Nov. 18 hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
PTC: 0.4% To Go (!)
The “magic number” is 100%, and as of the end of third-quarter 2020 (Sept. 30), the railroad industry had reached 99.6% of fully implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) systems by the Dec. 31, 2020 federal deadline, according to the Federal Railroad Administration’s quarterly status update on railroads’ self-reported progress.
FRA Releases Final Rule on Amtrak Performance Metrics
After nearly 10 years of a contentious battle involving Amtrak and its host freight railroads that twice reached the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a final rule establishing metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of Amtrak’s intercity passenger trains.
No Longer Atypical
RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE: CN’s Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) uses railcars equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence that automatically scan and analyze tracks while operating in revenue-service freight trains.
RSI: Three New Board Members; Brewin Appointed to RSAC
The Railway Supply Institute has elected Tricia Charles, Jeff Lytle and Harrison Wadsworth to its board of directors for three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2021. As well, RSI Vice President Government and Public Affairs Nicole Brewin was appointed to the Federal Railroad Administration Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC).
Association News: ASLRRA Connections Convention a ‘Virtual’ Success; MARS Awards 17 Scholarships
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Virtual Connections Convention held earlier this month drew nearly 600 attendees with more than 130 speakers and 40-plus exhibitors. Additionally, the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) has awarded scholarships to 17 college undergraduates as part of an annual program.
FRA Publishes Track Safety, Rail Integrity Final Rule
The Federal Railroad Administration has published its Final Rule revising regulations governing minimum safety requirements for railroad track.
Safety Briefs: U.S. DOT Launches $6.6MM Crossing Campaign, OLI Offers Virtual Education Resources
Following Rail Safety Week, the U.S. Department of Transportation is running a $6.6 million “Stop. Trains Can’t” public awareness campaign through Nov. 8. In addition, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has made available online versions of its most popular highway-rail grade crossing safety materials for children.
FRA RD&T: Using AI TO Improve Safety
RAILWAY AGE, OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE: Ingenuity and innovation have made rail one of the safest modes of transportation. Among the cutting-edge technologies now making their mark is artificial intelligence.