§20169 Speed Limit Action Plans

Summary

Railroads that run intercity or commuter passenger trains must check their whole network and find every main track spot where the speed drops by more than 20 miles per hour when approaching a curve, bridge, or tunnel, and record the maximum allowed passenger speed there. The check had to be finished by March 3, 2016. Within 120 days after finishing the check, each railroad must send the Secretary of Transportation a plan that names those spots, says how the railroad will warn crews and enforce the speed limit (for example by changing automatic train control or signals, adding crew, putting up signs, installing alerters, improving crew communications, or other steps), gives target dates for each step, and shows how the railroad will make sure the speed limit is followed. The Secretary has 90 days to approve, approve with conditions, or reject the plan. Every railroad must review the plan no later than 1 year after the Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 2021 became law and then every year after that, and must send an updated plan at least 90 days before any big operational or territory change (like starting a new route), after talking with any host railroad. Railroads that started after the FAST Act was passed must do the same checks and plans on a faster schedule: survey within 90 days after the Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 2021 took effect and file an action plan within 120 days after that survey. The Secretary can exempt track segments that already use a certified positive train control system (see section 20157) or other technology or practices that give equal or better safety. No new intercity or commuter passenger service may begin unless the carrier meets these rules. The Secretary may also apply these requirements to other high-risk track segments.