Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Will the FRA Force Amtrak to Build Pricier High-Speed Trains?

11:20 AM EDT on April 22, 2013

On the Network today, Systemic Failure highlights what is apparently an ongoing dispute between Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration -- one that could affect the development of next-gen Acela trains.

Systemic Failure says Amtrak was hamstrung by federal requirements into building a custom design for the first Acela, which led to higher costs. From Amtrak:

The assumption that the standards simplify the design process of the equipment and would save $2,000,000 per train set is false. The Acela example indicates the exact opposite to be true. The FRA rules, as existing and proposed, eliminate the possibility of purchasing off-the-shelf equipment. The engineering work required to design new compliant equipment alone would far outstrip any possible savings from the rules if there were any to be had.

A recent FRA rule goes to some length to dispute Amtrak's claim, and indicates that the FRA does not intend to ease its regulations. "This is mind boggling," writes Systemic Failure. "Despite HSR being a top priority of the president, the FRA is still creating roadblocks."

The FRA's apparent hard line notwithstaning, the blog notes that the buck stops with FRA chief Joe Szabo, who seems amenable to using compatible "off-the-shelf" product for the next Acela and California high-speed rail.

Also on the Network today: Streets.MN weighs the pros and cons of subsidizing public transport; Bike Delaware notes the efficacy of bike projects as job creators; and the Political Environment laments the current state of affairs in Wisconsin, the state that originated Earth Day.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts