Will the FRA Force Amtrak to Build Pricier High-Speed Trains?
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 New York City
We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now
It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.
Friday’s Headlines: Crystal Hudson’s Idea of Leadership Edition
Today's headlines are long, but worth it!
Labor Gains: 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.
Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’
"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."
City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct
Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.
