Wednesday, October 25, 2000 (Washington, DC ) Federal Railroad Administration-led partnerships with rail labor, management and others helped reduce train accident fatalities by 87 percent, rail employee casualties by nearly 34 percent, and highway rail crossing fatalities by more than 35 percent, according to a new report released today by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

This comprehensive rail transportation report on safety best practices and technology development indicates that since 1993 record safety lows were achieved while freight and passenger traffic increased to all time highs.

The report, FRA 2000- Federal Railroad Administration- A Report to the Nation , is an extensive guide for rail transportation industry leaders, state and local government officials faced with the challenges and opportunities for rail transportation in their communities, and citizens who want to understand how rail transportation impacts their lives.

"Leadership, partnership and results -- these three words embody the core spirit and professionalism of the women and men of today?s Federal Railroad Administration," said Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris. "Our job, however, is not done. With safety as our North Star and by working with our industry partners, we can achieve our ultimate goal of zero tolerance for accidents, injuries and fatalities in rail transportation."

The Federal Railroad Administration is committed to making America?s transportation system the world?s safest, most economically sound and environmentally friendly transportation system. The Report to the Nation sets the stage for future progress in achieving FRA?s goal of zero tolerance for railroad safety hazards.

FRA 2000- Federal Railroad Administration -Report to the Nation is available on the Internet at http://www.fra.dot.gov.