Schiff Requests Federal Study of Rail Safety
Schiff Requests Federal Study of Rail Safety
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) is asking the Federal Railroad Administration to study safety practices called into question after the January derailment of a Metrolink train in Glendale. Previous studies have shown that occupants of a relatively exposed cab car, including the engineer and passengers, are vulnerable to serious injury or fatality in the event of a collision with either a vehicle at a grade crossing or with another train.
"Current railroad requirements must be reassessed to ensure the safety of all passengers," said Schiff. "The federal government must do everything in its power to make sure commuter safety remains the top priority for rail operators."
Congressman Schiff is including his request in the Fiscal Year 2006 Transportation, Treasury and Housing Appropriations Bill.
If approved the legislation directs the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct a definitive study regarding the safety of "push-pull" train operation. This mode of train operation puts the heavy locomotive in the back of passenger cars where it pushes the preceding cars forward. Some safety experts believe this mode leaves the lighter front passenger cars overly exposed to severe damage if an accident occurs. The study will compare the "push-pull" mode to a mode where trains are operated by a standard passenger locomotive that leads all of the passenger cars. The study will also investigate the relative frequency and severity of accidents and the effectiveness of different safety features. The Federal Railroad Administration is asked to report to Congress by June 1, 2006.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California's 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
http://schiff.house.gov/HoR/CA29/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2005/03-22-05railsafety.htm