The process of Technology Transfer is an area of responsibility undertaken in the Train Occupant Protection Research Program to encourage the utilization of research results by the railroad industry, leading to safer and more efficient rail transportation. In every aspect of the train occupant research program, the technology that is developed is disseminated to the railroad industry. FRA provides technical input to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Passenger Railroad Equipment Safety Standards (PRESS) Construction and Structural (C&S) standards group to evaluate if alternative standards relating to occupant protection and rail equipment crashworthiness should be developed for conventional and Crash Energy Management (CEM) equipment. In the long term, this information may serve as the basis for rulemaking. In addition, the information gathered from the program research areas may be used in technical discussions in the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) Passenger Emergency Preparedness task force for the evaluation or revision to the existing Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) as well as industry standards. One instance of technology transfer of FRA’s train occupant protection is the support that FRA as well as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is giving to Metrolink in their procurement of CEM equipment.

Support to Metrolink Procurement of CEM Equipment and Retrofit of Existing Equipment with CEM Features: FRA, FTA, and APTA, in collaboration with industry stakeholders such as car manufacturers, union representatives, various operating authorities, and consultants, developed a procurement specification that Metrolink used to purchase CEM outfitted passenger rail equipment. In addition, FRA and APTA continue to work in collaboration with Metrolink and its consultants and part manufacturers to assess ability to retrofit existing multi-level fleet with CEM features such as push back couplers and potentially deformable anti-climbers on cab cars.

Current Projects: 

A Crash Energy Management Specification for Passenger Rail Equipment

Completed Projects:

Support to Metrolink Procurement of CEM Equipment and Retrofit of Existing Equipment with CEM Features: FRA, FTA, and APTA, in collaboration with industry stakeholders such as car manufacturers, union representatives, various operating authorities, and consultants, developed a procurement specification that Metrolink used to purchase CEM outfitted passenger rail equipment. In addition, FRA and APTA continue to work in collaboration with Metrolink and its consultants and part manufacturers to assess ability to retrofit existing multi-level fleet with CEM features such as push back couplers and potentially deformable anti-climbers on cab cars.