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FRA issues final rule on ECP brakes
Author: OPRRMS
Date: 10-15-2008 - 22:40
From the UTU Newswire:
[www.utu.org]
FRA issues final rule on ECP brakes
The FRA has published rules encouraging the adoption of advanced brake technology that it says will enable railroad workers to better control their trains, lower the risk of derailment, and allow trains to safely travel longer distances between required brake tests.
The new rules will take effect Dec. 16.
"I believe that railroads and railcar owners will increasingly realize the benefits of electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake systems and will make the necessary investments," said FRA Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, adding that while ECP brakes are not mandated, the final rule establishes the performance requirements for its use.
Under FRA-approved waivers, Norfolk Southern and BNSF Railway are already operating several ECP-equipped coal trains, and Union Pacific is expected to begin operating some ECP-equipped intermodal container trains this fall.
Boardman said the final rule permits trains to travel up to 3,500 miles without stopping periodically for certain routine brake inspections - more than double the current limit - because ECP brake systems contain continual electronic self-diagnostic 'health check' capabilities that inform train crews when maintenance is required.
For example, an ECP-equipped intermodal container train originating from the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach may safely travel all the way to Chicago without stopping for a routine brake test.
Similarly, ECP brake-equipped coal trains will be able to make quicker deliveries from western coal fields to power plants in the eastern and southern states.
"The concept is simple: better brakes allow trains to operate more safely," said the FRA, noting that the agency’s final rule on ECP brakes will facilitate the widespread deployment of this technology by railroads and railcar owners.
The FRA explained that ECP brakes provide numerous safety and business benefits compared to conventional air brake systems that have changed little since the 1870s.
ECP technology provides simultaneous and graduated application and release of brakes on all rail cars within a train, resulting in shorter stopping distances, longer trains that can operate at faster speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, the agency said.
ECP also complements other advanced rail-safety technologies like positive train control systems, FRA said.
The final rule requires that ECP brake systems fully comply with existing industry standards and that certain railroad operating rules and training programs be modified to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills required to properly utilize the systems.
[www.utu.org]
FRA issues final rule on ECP brakes
The FRA has published rules encouraging the adoption of advanced brake technology that it says will enable railroad workers to better control their trains, lower the risk of derailment, and allow trains to safely travel longer distances between required brake tests.
The new rules will take effect Dec. 16.
"I believe that railroads and railcar owners will increasingly realize the benefits of electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake systems and will make the necessary investments," said FRA Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, adding that while ECP brakes are not mandated, the final rule establishes the performance requirements for its use.
Under FRA-approved waivers, Norfolk Southern and BNSF Railway are already operating several ECP-equipped coal trains, and Union Pacific is expected to begin operating some ECP-equipped intermodal container trains this fall.
Boardman said the final rule permits trains to travel up to 3,500 miles without stopping periodically for certain routine brake inspections - more than double the current limit - because ECP brake systems contain continual electronic self-diagnostic 'health check' capabilities that inform train crews when maintenance is required.
For example, an ECP-equipped intermodal container train originating from the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach may safely travel all the way to Chicago without stopping for a routine brake test.
Similarly, ECP brake-equipped coal trains will be able to make quicker deliveries from western coal fields to power plants in the eastern and southern states.
"The concept is simple: better brakes allow trains to operate more safely," said the FRA, noting that the agency’s final rule on ECP brakes will facilitate the widespread deployment of this technology by railroads and railcar owners.
The FRA explained that ECP brakes provide numerous safety and business benefits compared to conventional air brake systems that have changed little since the 1870s.
ECP technology provides simultaneous and graduated application and release of brakes on all rail cars within a train, resulting in shorter stopping distances, longer trains that can operate at faster speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, the agency said.
ECP also complements other advanced rail-safety technologies like positive train control systems, FRA said.
The final rule requires that ECP brake systems fully comply with existing industry standards and that certain railroad operating rules and training programs be modified to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills required to properly utilize the systems.
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 FRA issues final rule on ECP brakes |
OPRRMS | 10-15-2008 - 22:40 |