Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2024
Unlocking Rail Safety: Aii Policy Brief Highlights Technology-Driven Solutions
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) today released a targeted policy brief, Unlocking Rail Safety Through Technology: A Simple, High-Impact Opportunity for FRA Action on Pending Waivers to Advance Safety. This timely brief sheds light on the urgent need to act on regulatory waivers and the need for regulatory reform to accelerate the adoption of life-saving rail technologies in the United States.
With the U.S. boasting the world’s largest freight rail network, the stakes are high for maintaining and enhancing safety while supporting economic and environmental goals. The report highlights how advanced technologies such as Automated Track Inspection (ATI) systems can significantly reduce derailments and accidents by detecting track deficiencies beyond the capacity of manual inspections. Despite these proven benefits, outdated regulatory frameworks and delays in waiver approvals by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have hindered broader implementation of these innovations.
“Safety and innovation go hand-in-hand,” said Benjamin Dierker, Executive Director of Aii. “Our brief spotlights the need for action in the short term, and in the longer term, calls for a shift from prescriptive regulations to performance-based approaches that enable industry leaders and regulators to work collaboratively toward safer, more efficient rail operations.”
The brief outlines clear recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the need for swift decision-making on numerous pending waivers and a long-term commitment to pro-innovation, performance-oriented regulation. By embracing these measures, the FRA can foster a safer, more resilient rail network while enhancing the U.S.’s competitive edge in transportation and reducing environmental impacts.
Read the brief here:
Unlocking Rail Safety Through Technology:
A Simple, High-Impact Opportunity for FRA Action on Pending Waivers to Advance Safety
https://www.aii.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Unlocking-Rail-Safety-Through-Technology-Brief.pdf
The brief is a call to action for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and regulators to unite around the shared goal of advancing rail safety through technology and collaboration. In particular, it draws attention to a backlog of pending waivers at FRA that provide a simple, high-impact opportunity for the current or next administration to swiftly resolve.
For media inquiries or to access the full report, please contact:
Aii Media Coordinator, Andrew Jefferis
Email: ajefferis@aii.org
Website: www.Aii.org
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About Aii
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is a national research and educational organization focused on exploring the intersection of economics, law, and public policy in infrastructure, energy, technology, and transportation. The only nationwide public policy think tank dedicated to infrastructure, Aii advances innovation in industry and public policy to improve the safety, efficiency, and resilience of our nation’s infrastructure.