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General

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Regulations & Rulemaking

Rulemaking is a process for developing and issuing rules (rules are also referred to as “regulations”).  The process can lead to the issuance of a new rule, an amendment to an existing rule, or the repeal of an existing rule. Detailed information on the Rulemaking Process, including...

Model State Legislation

FRA has developed model legislation, made available to States, to address certain railroad safety issues.

Sight Distance at Passive Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Violations by Motorists Railroad Trespass Prevention Railroad Vandalism Prevention

FAST Act

Overview

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act (P.L. 114-94), was the first long-term Federal transportation bill in more than 10 years.

Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA)

In response to several fatal rail accidents between 2002 and 2008, Congress passed the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the first authorization of FRA’s safety programs since 1994.  RSIA directs FRA to, among other things, promulgate new safety regulations.  These new...

Legislation & Regulations

FRA exercises its responsibilities for regulating the safety of the nation's railroad system and development of intercity passenger rail through several means, including:

Legislative Rules, Non-legislative Rules (Interpretive Rules and Policy Statements), and Management and...

Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC)

In March 1996, FRA established the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) to provide advice and recommendations to FRA on railroad safety matters. RSAC is a formally chartered and structured Federal Advisory...

Partnerships & Programs

As part of its oversight, FRA has many programs and initiatives that help foster a safe railroad operating environment nationwide. Additionally, FRA personnel either sponsor or are represented on boards, committees, working groups, and task forces that share information or provide forums for...

FRA Secure Area

Access FRA's Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP)  secure site.