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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....
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...
Research Results are brief, plain language reports written for nontechnical and technical audiences. These reports summarize the findings of projects associated with track, rolling stock, train control and communications, or human factors research. Research Results may also...
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...
Various training opportunities and resources are provided for applicants and recipients. These resources help to ensure that eligible applicants understand how to apply for grants and recipients understand how to properly manage grant funds with support and guidance from FRA staff. ...