Do you think the FRA is dated on its acceptance of internationally designed passenger trains?

Question

It seems that after they are done with special ordering a train. The finished product is a lumbering slug.

Answer 1

Yes, the Federal Railroad Administration is hobbled by the rules that force passenger cars to be built to an almost "armored" level of strength to make them "safe" while running on lines with freight trains.

I've read a number of articles in and editorials in magazines like "Trains" and my local papers dealing with this... wish I had direct links to them, but I don't.

I think the trouble with the FRA is similar to the FAA... it's an organization that has TWO CONFLICTING  tasks:

1) Oversee and Administer the Operating and SAFETY rules.

2) Promoting the Industry.

I would LIKE to see MORE promotion of passenger travel... I realize Amtrak was created by the Feds to retain SOME passenger-service when the railroads were BAILING out of that business due to competition from the airlines and automobiles.  Amtrak has become a slug... a government supported program without profit (except in certain corridors).

I THINK the FEDS (FRA, Congress, NTSB) should "force" the railroads to pay a percentage of the costs to upgrade additional corridors for improved passenger train service... example being the California High-Speed Service.  After all, the railroads basically received the original right-of-ways for FREE.  THEN they should also "force" branch lines to feed INTO that corridor.

PUSH the Population away from the Automobile-Culture within many urban / suburban regions, AND recreate the inter-city / inter-state rail service...

Answer 2

It happens in the UK as well. Once upon a time, a railway company could design build and introduce a new passenger train within 6 months or so. Now, we have no indigenous railway stock builders in the country, everything is brought in from Siemens, Hitachi, Alsthom etc., and has to undergo months, if not years of 'acceptance trials'. They even tried to remove some stock which was badly needed as its internal passenger information system had letters 1 millimetre smaller than they were supposed to be. The world has gone totally mad.

Answer 3

Yes.  Until you see up close a pax train vs. freight train  or a large truck.