DOT 153-08
Contact: Warren Flatau or Rob Kulat, Tel.: (202) 493-6024
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
FRA Issues Final Rule on Advanced Train Braking Technology
Advanced brake technology will enable locomotive engineers to have better train
control, lower the risk of derailment, and allow trains to safely travel longer
distances between required brake tests under a new federal rule, announced U.S.
Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
“The concept is simple, better brakes allow trains to operate more safely,” said
Secretary Peters, noting that the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) final
rule on Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes will facilitate the
widespread deployment of this technology by railroads and railcar owners.
Peters explained that ECP brakes provide numerous safety and business benefits
compared to conventional air brake systems that have changed little since the
1870s. ECP technology provides simultaneous and graduated application and
release of brakes on all rail cars within a train, resulting in shorter stopping
distances, longer trains that can operate at faster speeds, improved fuel
efficiency, and reduced emissions. It also complements other advanced rail
safety technologies like Positive Train Control systems, she added.
“I believe that railroads and railcar owners will increasingly realize the
benefits of ECP brake systems and will make the necessary investments,” said FRA
Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, adding that while ECP brakes are not mandated,
the final rule establishes the performance requirements for its use.
Boardman said the final rule permits trains to travel up to 3,500 miles without
stopping periodically for certain routine brake inspections – more than double
the current limit – because ECP brake systems contain continual electronic
self-diagnostic ‘health check’ capabilities that inform train crews when
maintenance is required. For example, an ECP-equipped intermodal container train
originating from the ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach may safely travel all the
way to Chicago without stopping for a routine brake test. Similarly, ECP
brake-equipped coal trains will be able to make quicker deliveries from western
coal fields to power plants in the eastern and southern states.
The final rule requires that ECP brake systems fully comply with existing
industry standards and that certain railroad operating rules and training
programs be modified to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills required to
properly utilize the systems.
Under FRA approved waivers, Norfolk Southern Railway and BNSF Railway are
already operating several ECP-equipped coal trains, and the Union Pacific
Railroad is expected to begin operating some ECP-equipped intermodal container
trains this fall.
The final rule is available at:
http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-22549_PI.pdf.
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