FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION : SAFETY

In May 2008, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) completed the National Rail Safety Action Plan which was originally launched in May of 2005 after several major train accidents. It focused on reducing the two leading causes of train accidents--human factors and track flaws. It accelerated research to strengthen hazmat tank cars, addressed the effects of fatigue on train crews, and enhanced highway-rail grade crossing safety by forging stronger partnerships with states. And, most importantly, it used data in a new way to better direct FRA inspection resources where they’re needed most. From 2004 to 2007, there has been nearly a 25 % decrease in train accidents. This success was made possible by dedicated FRA professionals and actions taken by railroads, their employees, and others.

The achievements of this Action Plan lay the foundation for a new and promising "FRA Risk Reduction Strategy" to improve rail safety even more. FRA will work more closely with management and labor to gain knowledge and awareness of the causes of accidents, effectively analyze problems and then follow up with corrective actions. This strategy will help create innovative methods and technologies to identify and address safety issues before they can cause a train accident or an employee injury. This new risk reduction approach will supplement the best elements of the current FRA rail safety program and drive improvements in the years to come.

Updated Action Plan - May 2008
   Final Report May 2008
   Final Report Accomplishment Chart

Updated Action Plan - May 2007
   Progress Report

Updated Action Plan - July 2006
   Letter to Secretary Mineta
   One Year Progress Report

Updated Action Plan - January 2006
   National Rail Safety Action Plan Update 2006
   Secretary Mineta 012506 Remarks - Fort Worth, TX
   Administrator Boardman 012506 Remarks - Fort Worth, TX

Action Plan - 2005
   National Rail Safety Action Plan
   Secretary Mineta Announces National Rail Safety Action Plan
   Secretary Mineta 051605 Remarks - Columbia, SC
   Secretary Mineta 051805 Remarks - Baton Rouge, LA