oltmannd BaltACDThe problem of lightweight, lower crash resistance equipment would have to operate concurrently with Amtraks own legacy equipment that have been constructed to the higher level of crash resistance - unless ALL equipment on the NEC were replaced (which is not financially doable). This is true if you accept that the FRA specs provide a measure of safety greater than their cost. I suspect they do not - or will not once we get into the "PTC world", particularly on routes with few grade crossings like the NEC. The "bang for the buck" for safety comes from figuring out how to avoid collisions, not how to survive them. Seems to work pretty well in Germany, et. al.
BaltACDThe problem of lightweight, lower crash resistance equipment would have to operate concurrently with Amtraks own legacy equipment that have been constructed to the higher level of crash resistance - unless ALL equipment on the NEC were replaced (which is not financially doable).
This is true if you accept that the FRA specs provide a measure of safety greater than their cost. I suspect they do not - or will not once we get into the "PTC world", particularly on routes with few grade crossings like the NEC.
The "bang for the buck" for safety comes from figuring out how to avoid collisions, not how to survive them. Seems to work pretty well in Germany, et. al.
Following incident is indicitave of what can happen in a crash - I am not saying FRA spec would have prevented the loss of life - but the forces involved in these kinds of incidents do not bode well for 'lightly constructed' equipment.
watch?v=V0nb1g3xXP4
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
a very very sobering experience to watch this not very pleasant, but important
BaltACDAmtrak has contracts with the carriers they operate over that specify who pays for what - without those contracts Amtrak would not be operating over freight railroads.
Well yes. But a railroad cannot be arbitrary and refuse to make such a contract with Amtrak. And, as you point out, they must transfer legal freight that is offered to them. I don't mean they are public roads in the sense that I can put a little rail car on the tracks and go where I want as I can put my car on the road. But if push comes to shove they cannot refuse business which is offered to them.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.