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            FRA Hits Highest-Ever Penalty Rate
      

      
  Document Series
              Press Releases


      

      
Press Release Number
              28-16

  Contact Name
              FRA Public Affairs

  Contact Phone Number
              (202) 493-6024


      Subject
                    Enforcement


      
  Keywords
              Enforcement


      

      
              Friday, December 23, 2016
      
              
                  
      
      
              **WASHINGTON –**The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that its enforcement of federal rail safety rules has led to the highest-ever civil penalty collection rate in the agency’s 50-year history, surpassing last year’s record-breaking rate.
For Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, the agency expects to collect 79 percent of the civil penalties it issued to railroads, hazardous materials shippers and others for violating federal safety regulations, a 4-percent increase over FY2015, and the largest percentage rate ever closed by the agency. The total amount of civil penalties in FY2016 hit $15.75 million, more than a half-million more than the previous year.
“The Department of Transportation will continue to take aggressive action against railroads for not following safety rules,” **said U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.**“This strong enforcement program helps prevent needless accidents and deaths.”
FRA’s closure rate is the highest in the agency’s history and significantly higher than previous years.
Closure Rate Chart

Last year, more than 6,268 railroad company violations resulted in civil penalties.
“The country continues to rely on rail more and more to transport  materials and people, and that must happen each day without an incident. A strong enforcement program is a critical element to achieve that goal,” **said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.**
To read the full report, visit: http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L18476#p1_z5_gD.
      
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