U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the first-ever uniform technical standards for the manufacture of high-speed intercity passenger rail cars.
“As part of the Obama Administration’s focus on maximizing manufacturing opportunities, these first-ever uniform standards will provide an unprecedented opportunity for manufacturers in the U.S. – from rails to wheel bearings, to final assembly – to build a strong, stable manufacturing base,” said Secretary LaHood.
The first technical standard will apply to bi-level passenger rail cars for use in high-speed passenger rail operations.
The standards will ensure that newly manufactured cars can be used with the current passenger locomotive fleet, either alone or with existing bi-level cars, and are designed to accommodate entry and departure from low-level platforms. The new cars will also be Americans with Disabilities Act -compliant.
Similar standards for single-level passenger rail cars are expected to be adopted by the end of the year. The establishment of technical standards for high-speed rail operations is required by the Passenger Railroad Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 and was developed by the Technical Subcommittee of the Section 305 Next Generation Equipment Committee. Members include the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak and state Departments of Transportation. The subcommittee also received input and participation from rail industry manufacturers, freight railroads and transportation associations.