FY15 Supplemental to Short Line Railroad Safety Institute Assessment Tools and Program Development

Short Line railroads operate more than 50,000 miles of track, which is one-third of the national railroad network. They are an important feeder system for the larger Class I railroads, helping connect local communities to the national railroad network. There are 550 short line railroads operating in the United States, 73 of which currently handle some volume of crude oil. The safety management system of short lines is extremely varied and many companies lack the resources to conduct hazardous materials safety training and other operational safety assessments. FRA’s Office of Research and Development is working with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to coordinate the development of a Safety Institute. The Institute's mission is to build a stronger and sustainable safety culture in the short line industry through non-punitive and voluntary partnerships with member railroads. The Institute will also provide manager and employee education and training programs for short line railroads.