FRA unveils rule to assist rail passengers, crew in emergencies

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a new final rule intended to further help with the evacuation of passengers and crew members in the event of a rail emergency.

Among the provisions, the rule requires that vestibule and interior passageway doors on passenger rail cars be fitted with removable panels and windows to allow passage if the doors don't open, and provide for manual override in opening doors, FRA officials said in a rule notice.

The rule also requires floor or low-level lighting marking exit paths to assist passengers in reaching and operating emergency exists, particularly under conditions of limited visibility, they said.

Furthermore, the FRA is adding standards to ensure that emergency lighting systems are provided in all passenger cars, and strengthening requirements for the survivability of emergency lighting systems in new passenger cars.