FROM IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 8, 2000
Contact: Yvette Lester
Telephone: (202) 493-6024
FRA 16-00
FRA Approves Amtrak’s Continued Use
Of Talgo Trainsets in the Pacific Northwest
Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene Molitoris today announced a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) decision to grant Amtrak’s request to "grandfather" use of Talgo trainsets for its Cascade service in the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor.
"This decision is consistent with railroad safety and in the public interest. Amtrak provides a very successful passenger service for the people of Washington and Oregon using the Talgo trainsets," Molitoris said. "This high-speed corridor will benefit travelers by providing an important transportation alternative and by reducing pressure on crowded highways and airports."
Amtrak asked FRA to grandfather use of the Talgo trainsets because they were ordered by Amtrak before FRA issued its new passenger equipment safety standards on May 12, 1999. FRA’s approval includes several conditions intended to ensure continued safe operation of the trains. The grandfathering decision also calls on the trainset manufacturer to provide additional information and data of a technical nature. This information will permit FRA to complete an ongoing, detailed engineering evaluation of the trainsets.
The results of the ongoing technical analysis are needed to help FRA resolve remaining issues with respect to future operation of the trainsets at higher speeds, as well as their use on other corridors in California and Nevada for which Amtrak seeks to initiate new service.
Talgo trains differ from conventional North American designs, but similar trains have been used extensively in Europe. They offer the advantage of navigating curves at higher speeds, while enhancing passenger safety and comfort, by using a passive "tilt" feature. FRA had previously granted a waiver for the Cascade service permitting higher speeds on curves than would be allowed for conventional Amtrak passenger cars.
The decision today addresses the lesser "compressive" or "buff" strength of the Talgo equipment, which Amtrak has sought to address through use of unoccupied end cars and conventional locomotives. Amtrak’s petition requested approval for the Pacific Northwest Corridor (Eugene, Ore., to Blaine, Wash.) as well as new routes from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, Calif., and Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Nev.
FRA’s decision on the other routes will be issued at a later date, following receipt of additional information from Amtrak and Talgo.
A copy of the decision may be viewed on FRA’s website: www.fra.dot.gov.
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