USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                        About FRAAbout FRA
  

        
              Overview
                Organization
                Program Offices
                Resource Center
                Web Policies and Notices
                Contact Us
                Communications
                Governmental AffairsFeatured
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA
                Careers
                Leadership Profiles
                Organizational Chart
                Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches
                Fact Sheets
                TestimonyRailroad SafetyFeatured
  

        
              Train Horn Rule/Quiet Zones
                Public Blocked Crossings Incident Reporter
                Drug & Alcohol
                Safety Data
                C3RS
                High-Hazard Flammable Train Route AssessmentRailroad Safety
  

        
              Overview
                Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention
                Accident Data & Reporting, Investigations
                Divisions
                Partnerships & ProgramsRail Network DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              High-Speed Rail
                Amtrak
                Environmental Reviews
                GIS Maps
                RuralRail Network Development
  

        
              Overview
                Passenger Rail
                Freight Rail
                Environment
                Planning
                International
                Maps & Data
                Training & GuidanceResearch & DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              R&D Current Projects
                Positive Train Control
                Hazardous Materials
                Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
                Close Call Reporting
                Broad Agency AnnouncementResearch & Development
  

        
              Overview
                Program Areas
                R&D ReportsLegislation & RegulationsFeatured
  

        
              FAST Act
                National Rail Plan
                Proposed State Rail Plan
                Civil PenaltiesLegislation & Regulations
  

        
              Overview
                Legislation
                Regulations & Rulemaking
                Buy AmericaGrants & LoansFeatured
  

        
              FRA Discretionary Grant Program Tool
                Discretionary Grant Calendar
                Railroad Capital Project Guidance
                FRA Webinars
                DOT GrantsGrants & Loans
  

        
              Overview
                Grant Programs
                Applying for Grants
                Resources for Grant Recipients
                Training & GuidanceFRA eLibraryeLibrary
  

        
              Accidents & Fatalities
                Compliance
                Conferences & Presentations
                Emergency & Safety
                Enforcement & Litigation
                Publications & Policy
                Reports
                OtherMenu Home
                        Research & Development
                        Program Areas
                        Train Occupant Protection
                        Passenger Protection


            
            In This Section
        Passenger Protection
                Equipment
                                Overview
                Other Projects
                Technology Transfer
                Risk Studies
                Interior Occupant Protection
                Emergency Preparedness
                Fire Safety
                
                Passenger Protection
    

    
    
          Introduction

An inspector walks through a train car.The Train Occupant Protection Program will carry out research on structural crashworthiness and interior safety of locomotives and in intercity and commuter rail cars, with the aim of improving the survivability of rail passengers and crewmembers in accidents.
The commuter rail environment has changed significantly in the past decade. Commuter rail operations nationwide are growing to meet increasing demands for service. In some metropolitan areas, operations are expanding. In others, commuter rail is finally becoming a reality. Some of the start-ups of the 1990s are now major railroads. Commuter railroads have welcomed newcomers on the manufacturing side. They are also taking advantage of new technologies to improve efficiency and safety. The overall safety record of inter-city and commuter passenger train operations in the United States have been very good. However, there are hazards involved in rail travel, as there are in all forms of transportation. In the event of a collision or derailment, train occupants are subjected to risk of injury from loss of occupied space and/or the secondary forces generated as they impact interior surfaces during the ride-down phase of the incident. In the event of a fire, passengers are subjected to risk of smoke inhalation and/or burning. Once the train has come to a complete stop, passengers must determine the appropriate action to take and may have to quickly locate, reach, and operate emergency exits to self-evacuate. Should emergency responder assistance be necessary for evacuation of occupants, emergency responders must be familiar with the operating environment, as well as the particular rail equipment involved.
Consequently, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has been very active in the development of federal regulations and the support of industry standards for the safety of passenger rail equipment, including crashworthiness, fire safety, and emergency preparedness. FRA and the industry must remain vigilant to ensure that passenger railroads continue to be operated at a high level of safety, and there are several initiatives underway to promote the safety of passenger rail operations.

Objectives

The objectives of the train occupant protection research program, consistent with the Departmental strategic goals, are to promote and improve safety on the national passenger rail transportation system. The research program is geared towards the development of information that will be used as the basis for making and updating the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and industry standards. FRA's Train Occupant Protection R&D Program is structured into subprogram areas of research outlined below.
A tree diagram detailing the train occupant protection program objectives.
              
      
    
          Last updated: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Railroad Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About Us
  

        
              About FRA
                Careers
                Contact Us
                FRA Civil Rights
                Doing Business with FRA
                Grants and Financial Assistance
                Safety Management TeamsAreas of Interest
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
                Safety Data
                Buy America
                Operation Lifesaver
                Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
                FRA Secure Area
                Proactive DisclosureI Am A...
  

        
              Railroad Traveler
                Railroad Inspector
                Reporter
                Educator/StudentPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web Standards