Passenger Rail
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) actively supports the development of the nation's intercity rail passenger system. FRA develops and implements Administration policy regarding the nation's existing intercity passenger rail systems and sponsors passenger rail improvements and services. On June 20, 2002, the Department released its outline for creating a viable intercity passenger rail system in the United States. The outline included Five Principles for Reform that would position intercity passenger rail for a successful future. On April 14, 2005, the Department submitted to Congress the Passenger Rail Investment Reform Act of 2005
. This act proposes fundamental reform of the nation's intercity passenger rail system. FRA's activities include:
- Administering Federal grants to Amtrak
;
- Supporting the Secretary of Transportation in her capacity as a member of Amtrak's board of directors; and
- Administering Federal grants to the Alaska Railroad
.
FRA is the Federal sponsor of High-Speed Ground Transportation. FRA provides technical assistance for passenger rail and High-Speed Rail (HSR) planning and conducts environmental reviews of rail projects that would be implemented with Federal assistance or approval. FRA administers the Maglev Deployment Program, which was established to build a maglev line for passenger service, and sponsors HSR technology research and development.
In addition to promulgation and enforcement of railroad safety regulations, FRA provides financial support, research and development, as well as policy analysis and recommendations on broad subjects relating to the rail industry and the nation's general railroad system.
The Office of Railroad Development works with and assists the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the United States Access Board in preparing and implementing regulations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
ADA
) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as they relate to movement of passengers by rail in the
United States
.
The detailed regulations can be found in 49 CFR Parts 27, 37 and 38.
Guidance concerning level boarding platforms and use of Segways is included on the ADA page
.
The Office of Railroad Development provides financial assistance, sponsors research and development, and provides technical assistance. These program activities include: the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF), environmental research and project reviews, and research and development to further safety and efficiency of the nation's railroad system.
The Office of Research and Development conducts research, development, test, and evaluation projects to support its safety mission and to enhance the railroad system as a national transportation resource. It contributes vital benefits to the safety regulatory processes, to railroad suppliers, to railroads involved in the transportation of freight, to inter-city and commuter passengers, to railroad employees, and to labor organizations.
The Office of Policy and Program Development provides support, analysis and recommendations on issues such as: rail mergers and restructuring; economic regulation; rail economics; rail financial health; traffic patterns and network analysis; labor-management issues; freight data and operations; intermodalism; environmental issues; and international programs.
