advertisement

---

Yesterday, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a final rule on commuter- and intercity passenger-rail equipment safety standards designed to help passengers evacuate trains more quickly and provide emergency responders additional ways to reach trapped or injured passengers.

The rule mandates that passenger cars be equipped with two-way communication systems to enable train crews to inform and instruct passengers during emergency situations, and passengers to report potential safety and security problems to crew members. In addition, the rule requires that emergency evacuation and rescue access windows be included at all levels with passenger seating, and emergency roof access locations be placed on all cars.

The new rule also includes minimum requirements for the inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of the new safety features.

Later this year, the FRA expects to complete another rulemaking intended to enhance passenger-car emergency lighting systems, exit path markings and emergency signage.