AASHTO Journal - FRA Proposes Intercity Passenger Train Rule

The Federal Railroad Administration plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking “in the near future” that seeks to measure the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations – defining Amtrak intercity passenger train on-time performance, and would set forth an average minimum on-time performance standard of 80 percent.

[Above photo by the Maryland Area Regional Commuter train service.]

“Eighty percent is a minimum standard,” Ronald Batory, FRA’s administrator, said in a statement. “We expect many routes will be much more reliable. Clarity should help all parties ensure compliance.”

FRA added that the proposed performance and service quality metrics would give customers, Amtrak, its service providers, and the agency itself a “common tool” to help objectively gauge intercity passenger train travel.

“After extensive stakeholder consultation, FRA is proposing new metrics to promote transparency for railroads and travelers alike,” Batory noted. “We expect that all parties are interested in achieving higher performance.”