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5/17/2021
The Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) has achieved a new milestone in its freight-rail research program accumulating 5 billion gross tons of freight train loading at its Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST).
TTCI's landmark accumulation of 5 billion gross tons over a 2.7-mile loop of track is equivalent to taking the current population of the United States (about 331 million people) on a 450-mile train ride, TTCI officials said in a press release.
TTCI's work at FAST involves full-scale research, development and testing efforts aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability and efficiency of high-tonnage, heavy axle-load freight-rail transportation in North America and around the world, they said.
Maintained and operated by TTCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), FAST serves a central role in the AAR’s Strategic Research Initiatives program.
The FAST test bed comprises a full-scale loop of track and a fully functional test freight train, which accumulates 120 million to 140 million gross tons of loadings per year.
"For the past 45 years, the FAST program has been very successful in facilitating the safe introduction of new technology into commercial service. We are looking forward not only to continuing, but also expanding this critical and impactful program for another 5 billion gross tons," said TTCI President Lisa Stabler.