FRA revises passenger train emergency preparedness regs

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) last week announced a final rule amending its existing Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness regulations.

The revised rule stipulates that existing requirements for initial and periodic training, operational efficiency tests and inspections of certain railroad personnel apply not only to onboard crew and control center employees, but also to the railroad's emergency response communications center workers who communicate or coordinate with first responders during an emergency involving a passenger train, FRA officials said in a press release.

The final rule also clarifies that railroads must develop procedures that specifically address passengers with disabilities during actual and simulated emergency situations, and limits the need for the FRA to formally approve certain administrative changes to approved preparedness plans.

Published in the Federal Register, the final rule can be viewed here.