General
PTC Communications: Cybersecurity Technology Review and Concept of Operations
Researchers sought to determine how to improve the confidentiality of information passing through the Positive Train Control network without significantly affecting network performance. Phase 1 of the project reviewed requirements and assessed existing technologies. Phase 2 focused on...
Stakeholder Perceptions of the Fatigue and Safety of Locomotive Engineers
This report documents stakeholder perspectives and opinions on the fatigue and safety of freight locomotive engineers. This work follows an online survey sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration, developed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, and distributed to members of the...
Virtual Block Track Circuit Assessment Report
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (MxV Rail), in collaboration with a railroad technical advisory group (TAG), to research and conduct proof-of-concept field testing of a Virtual Block Track Circuit (VBTC) concept. The VBTC concept uses...
President Biden Advances Vision for World Class Passenger Rail with $16 Billion Investment in America’s Busiest Corridor
Funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to 25 passenger rail projects in seven states along the Northeast Corridor, the latest investment in rail projects across the country
Rail investments are a key...
President Biden Announces $8.2 Billion in New Grants for High-Speed Rail and Pipeline of Projects Nationwide
Announcement includes 10 projects in 9 states ready for construction and 69 corridors across 44 states identified for future development through two grant programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
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Federal Railroad Administration Proposes Amendment to Freight Car Safety Standards in Support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proud to announce its proposal to advance a freight rail safety provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) amending the Freight Car Safety Standards (FCSS). This proposed amendment, on which FRA is seeking public comment,...
RAIL-MOUNTED OPTICAL FIBER SENSORS FOR MONITORING TRACK TRANSITIONS
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored a research team from Oklahoma State University (OSU) to assess how well Optical Fiber Sensors (OFS), specifically Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, can monitor railroad track transitions. The initial laboratory work focused on comparing the...