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The process of Technology Transfer is an area of responsibility undertaken in the Train Occupant Protection Research Program to encourage the utilization of research results by the railroad industry, leading to safer and more efficient rail transportation. In every aspect of the train occupant...
Project is funded to demonstrate that Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) self-propelled passenger rail car technology fully meets the existing Federal railroad passenger safety standards 49 CFR §238....
Research efforts in the Passenger Rail Equipment program area focus on the development and improvement of rail equipment. The rail vehicle is integral in the protection of train occupants. The structural integrity of rail vehicles is very important. The rail vehicle’s structural crashworthiness...
The Train Occupant Protection Program (TOP) conducts research on the structural crashworthiness and interior safety of locomotives and intercity and commuter railcars, with the aim of improving the survivability of rail passengers and crewmembers in accidents.
While intercity...
The FRA crashworthiness research program has a long history.1 Initially, the program focus was on passenger equipment but a February 1996 accident in Silver Spring, Maryland that resulted in several fatalities brought a powerful impetus to address the problems of train collisions and their...
The Train Occupant Protection Program conducts research on the structural crashworthiness and interior safety of locomotives and passenger railcars (used for intercity and commuter rail service), with the aim of improving the survivability of rail passengers and crewmembers in accidents. It...
The Railroad Systems Issues (RSI) research program comprises the advanced strategic initiatives that ensure RD&T alignment with national priorities and areas of technological need. The program supports industry transformation by investing in research and innovation to meet the challenges of...
RD&T is organized into four divisions, subdivided into different program areas, and Railroad Systems Issues in the office of the director. The following table shows how RD&T divisions and program areas relate to the most frequent causes of railroad accidents and incidents. In...
Thank you for visiting the virtual FRA event booth for the Transportation Research Board's Annual Meeting in January 2025. Below, please find a list of research-related documents.
Browse the FRA website to find rail-related...
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