The Federal Railroad Administration will soon update regulations regarding U.S. trains, this could have major impact on the industry and train travel.
American regulations have long been blamed for American trains being slower and more expensive than they are in other countries around the world. Angie Schmitt writes for Streetsblog that regulations are about to change and the Federal Railroad Administration, which "…expects the new rules will enable railroads to use trains that are safer, more energy efficient, and cheaper to operate." This is because U.S. Regulations are out of step with those of the other major train markets. "Building trains to unusual U.S. safety standards for the small American passenger rail market made rolling stock purchases needlessly expensive. Opening the door to standardized European train specifications will significantly lower prices," Schmitt reports.
These lower costs would translate to large savings, "Rail operators are expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars a year as a result," Schmitt writes. This leads some to hope that this cash infusion could go along way toward making passenger rail faster and less costly.
FULL STORY: Federal Regulators Will Let U.S. Railroads Run Faster, More Efficient Trains
Congress Intends to Ban Chinese Rail Cars
The U.S. is an expensive place to build transit resources. A move from Congress to ban Chinese rail cars over espionage fears may exacerbate that problem.
Buying American Is Making Infrastructure More Expensive, Study Finds
From train cars to buses, a new study finds that buying American adds cost.
64 New Subway Cars Arriving in Los Angeles by 2021
To replace its existing, Italian-manufactured subway rolling stock, Los Angeles County Metro is turning to China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC).
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety
More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
