Passenger Rail

The Federal Railroad Administration actively supports the development of the nation's intercity rail passenger system. On June 20, 2002, the Department released its outline for creating a viable intercity passenger rail system in the United States.  The outline includes Five Principles for Reform that will position intercity passenger rail for a successful future.  On July 28, 2003, the Department submitted the  Passenger Rail Investment Reform Act of 2003 to Congress.  The act proposes fundamental reform of the nation's intercity passenger rail system.

The FRA is the Federal sponsor of High-Speed Ground Transportation.  FRA administers the Maglev Deployment Program, which was established to build a maglev line for passenger service, and sponsors High-Speed Rail (HSR) technology development in support of incrementally upgraded HSR passenger service.  FRA provides technical assistance for passenger rail planning and conducts environmental reviews of rail projects that would be implemented with Federal assistance or approval.

The FRA also supports the development of policy regarding the nation's existing intercity passenger rail systems and sponsors passenger rail improvements and services. FRA's activities in this area include:

• Administering Federal grants to Amtrak ;
  
• Supporting the Secretary of Transportation in his capacity as a member of Amtrak's board of directors; and
  
• Administering Federal grants to the Alaska Railroad .

In addition to promulgation and enforcement of railroad safety regulations, FRA provides financial support, research and development, as well as policy analysis and recommendations on broad subjects relating to the rail industry and the nation's general railroad system.

The Office of Policy and Program Development provides support, analysis and recommendations on issues such as: rail mergers and restructuring; economic regulation; rail economics; rail financial health; traffic patterns and network analysis; labor-management issues; freight data and operations; intermodalism; environmental issues; and international programs.

The Office of Railroad Development provides financial assistance, sponsors research and development, and provides technical assistance. These program activites include: the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF), environmental research and project reviews, and research and development to further safety and efficiency of the nation's railroad system.

The Office of Research and Development conducts research, development, test, and evaluation projects to support its safety mission and to enhance the railroad system as a national transportation resource. It contributes vital benefits to the safety regulatory processes, to railroad suppliers, to railroads involved in the transportation of freight, to inter-city and commuter passengers, to railroad employees, and to labor organizations.