New Noise Rules for America's (Imagined) 220 MPH Bullet Trains
Published Date: 8/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This NPRM seeks to amend the noise emission regulations to address the unique noise emission characteristics of trains operating at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour (mph). Specifically, the proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph, and also provide a special approval process for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 220 mph. This alternative noise emission standard and compliance process would effectively remove an existing regulatory barrier to the railroad industry for high-speed rail operations, while continuing to protect public health and welfare. Existing noise emission limits for all train operations at speeds up to 160 mph would continue to apply, and these existing limits would remain available for demonstrating compliance at higher speeds as well.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Optional High-Speed Noise Standard
The rule would let railroads optionally use a new alternative noise-emission standard for train operations exceeding 160 mph up to 220 mph rather than the existing 40 CFR part 201 limits. FRA says this change would remove an existing regulatory barrier to high-speed rail while keeping protections for public health and welfare.
Testing Costs and Net Benefits
Railroads and rail-equipment manufacturers would need to perform compliance testing if they use the alternative standard; FRA says testing requires sound-measuring equipment, calibration, and personnel. FRA estimates present-value costs of $105,462 (7% discount) or $178,230 (3% discount) over a 30-year analysis, and presents present-value benefits of $65,947,718 (7%) or $100,525,866 (3%).
New Measurement Method and Limits
The proposed alternative uses a baseline equivalent sound level of 96 dB(A) measured at 25 ft for a 160 mph pass-by and would allow an adjusted limit up to about 103 dB(A) at a 220 mph maximum speed; current U.S. standards measure at 100 ft and use a different metric. FRA explains a 25-ft measurement reads about 7–9 dB higher than a 100-ft reading.
Reuse of Prior Test Results and EU Tests
The proposal would let results from a previously tested operation be used to show compliance for any proposed operation up to the same maximum speed (between 160 mph and up to 220 mph). FRA also invites comment on allowing EU NOI TSI test results to be used to demonstrate compliance.
Special Approval for >220 mph Systems
For train operations exceeding 220 mph, the rule would create a special approval process (subpart D) that includes publishing a petition in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public comment. FRA says this would help unique systems (e.g., magnetic levitation or fully enclosed rights-of-way) demonstrate appropriate noise protection.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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