ON APRIL 29 the US Federal Railroad Administration released an Emergency Preparedness Final Rule, requiring all passenger operators to develop emergency response plans to minimise risks following an accident.
Employees must receive special training including use of onboard emergency equipment and instruction on liaising with police and fire departments along their routes.
Passengers will be made aware of emergency procedures through clearly printed signs in each coach. All emergency exits must be clearly marked and tested regularly. Amtrak and all larger commuter railways will be required to conduct a simulation of an emergency at least once each year. o
