Rail and Transit Systems Safety Research
Expanded and enhanced high-speed passenger rail service in the United States is an important goal of our national transportation system policy. Continued research and evaluation of high-speed rail technology has supported the introduction of new high-speed equipment by Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor as well as a wide variety of state initiatives nationwide. The use of high-speed equipment presents some unique technical as well as regulatory issues. As new equipment is developed and adapted for U.S. applications, federal regulations and industry standards to ensure the safe performance of high-speed ground transportation systems will continue to evolve.
Systems Issues
- Risk analysis allocation studies
- Research and development effectiveness measures
- Safety assurance approaches
- International High-Speed Rail safety statistics
Advanced Systems Technology Components and Accident Avoidance Methods
- Independent verification and validation (safety cases & critical elements)
- Command, control, and communications (C3) systems for train control and location tracking
- Accident severity mitigation
New Technology
- Guideway/vehicle interaction
- Equipment inspection and maintenance
- Acceptance testing
Operational Issues
- Fire safety
- Emergency preparedness
- Aerodynamic safety
- Glazing safety
- Human effects of electromagnetic fields
- Electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility
- Shared right of ways
