Capabilities

Cab Technology Integration Laboratory (CTIL) Overview

The Cab Technology Integration Laboratory (CTIL) is a high-fidelity, full-sized locomotive simulator configured with tools for studying the boundaries of operator capability and performance, as well as the impact new technologies may have on them.

Located at the Volpe National...

Work Schedules and Sleep Pattern Survey Data

A Note About Downloading Excel Databases:

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Technology Transfer

The process of Technology Transfer is an area of responsibility undertaken in the Human Factors program to encourage utilization of project research results by the railroad industry, as well as Government, to develop policy and operating practices resulting in safer and...

Contextual Factors and Strategic Planning

This subprogram element focuses on the selection of projects, evaluation of program utility and effectiveness and product dissemination. Because human factors related accidents and injuries account for such a large proportion of overall incidents, it is imperative that...

Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is the systematic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a program with respect to implementation, impact, and long-term viability. The goal of evaluation is to provide documentation for accountability, direction for policy making, and guidance...

Close Call Reporting

In 2002, FRA’s office of Research and Development (R&D) noted that there had not been any major improvements in human-factors-caused accident levels in recent years. On the basis of this observation, FRA decided to implement and evaluate an approach to safety...

Key Functions

The objectives of FRA's Human Factors R&D Program, consistent with Departmental strategic goals, are to improve the safety of rail transportation. This goal is achieved through applied and theoretical research activities, dissemination of research results...

Human Factors Overview

Human errors now account for more than one third of all train accidents in the U.S. railroad industry. Railroads depend on the adaptability of people, as well as the performance of infrastructure, equipment, and control systems to keep the system safe. Railroad workers need knowledge, training,...

Next Generation Tank Car Project (NGRTC)

The following reports and papers were produced and published under this cooperative effort with FRA, VOLPE, The Chlorine Institute, Tank Car and Railroad industries:

Detailed Puncture Analyses of Various Tank Car Designs: Final Report - Revision...