Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking for rule of particular applicability (NPRM).
Summary
FRA is proposing a rule of particular applicability that establishes safety standards for the Florida Overland eXpress (FOX) high speed rail system. The proposed standards are not intended for general application in the railroad industry, but would apply only to the FOX system that is planned for development in the State of Florida. The FOX system will operate from Miami to Tampa, via Orlando on dedicated track, with no grade crossings, at a maximum speed of 200 mph. The FOX equipment and track are patterned after the French TGV high speed rail system, and will be used exclusively for passenger service. The proposed rule of particular applicability takes a systems approach, and so includes standards that address all aspects of the FOX high speed system, including system description, system safety, signal, track, rolling stock, operating practices, system qualification tests, personnel qualifications, and power distribution. In addition, the proposed rule adopts and incorporates by reference many existing standards that apply to all railroads, which are appropriate for application to FOX, such as alcohol and drug standards, hours of service requirements, and locomotive engineer qualifications.