US to draw up high-speed train safety standards

New safety guidelines are to be drawn up by the US Department of Transportation to shape the design of the country’s first high-speed trains.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) voted in favour of introducing new standards governing the basic safety standards of high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph.

Once they are passed, the standards would be used to aid the development of high-speed programmes in California and on the Northeast Corridor.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: “Today’s vote is another important step in advancing high-speed and intercity passenger rail in America.

“This vote brings us closer to new jobs and manufacturing opportunities to make high-speed rail equipment for use here at home and abroad.”




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