Tuesday, November 21, 2000 (Washington, DC) U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Mortimer L. Downey and Federal Railroad Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris today unveiled the T-2000 and T-16 Track Geometry Vehicles, which will enable railroad inspectors to find questionable track conditions much faster and more accurately.

The cars also measure ride quality to help identify areas of "rough track" in a more objective manner.

"The T-2000 and T-16 represent the latest advances in railroad safety technology," said Downey. "The new track inspection vehicles will help the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) preserve and enhance rail transportation safety into the 21st century."

The T-2000, which can operate at speeds of 90 mph and may be towed at 110 mph, will continuously survey railroads throughout the general railroad system to assess track safety on those routes. Federal and state track inspectors, and railroad maintenance personnel will ride the T-2000 and examine data related to severe track conditions which could result in derailments. The T-16, which can be towed at 150 mph, will be used for specialized inspections of high speed rail lines and will serve as a research and development platform to explore new inspection technologies that are currently being developed by the FRA. The T-2000 replaces the T-10 Track Geometry Vehicle which has been in service for over twenty years inspecting nearly 30,000 miles of the nation?s rail system, but has reached the end of its service life.

"The T-2000 and T-16 Track Geometry Vehicles give the FRA a significantly enhanced capability to ensure the safety of rail transportation in America," said Molitoris. "The T-2000 and T-16 will enable the FRA to certify that our nation?s railroad tracks continue to meet the highest safety standards in the world."

The T-2000 and T-16 are important tools to reduce the occurrences of train derailments. The FRA places high priority on surveying routes with passengers, hazardous materials, heavy traffic, and railroad tracks that are critical for our nation?s military readiness.