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Amtrak officials can rest a little easier since Federal Railroad Administration granted its request Sept. 8 to grandfather the use of Talgo trainsets in Cascade service on the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor.

The passenger rail corporation asked FRA to grandfather the equipment because it was ordered before FRA issued its passenger rail safety standards (PRESS) May 12, 1999.

Although trainsets manufactured after PRESS meet all requirements, the older design specifications did not meet "compressive" or "buff" strength requirements. Amtrak tried to compensate by adding unoccupied end cars between locomotives and passenger-occupied cars.

As part of its decision, FRA requires Talgo to provide additional information and technical data, which will enable FRA to continue a detailed engineering evaluation. FRA plans to use this information to resolve remaining issues with respect to operating the trainsets at higher speeds, and possible use on developing high-speed rail corridors in California and Nevada.