Rail Client Challenges


  • Some of our U.S. clients are faced with the challenge of meeting EN 50126/50128/50129 requirements for their existing systems.
  • Others must meet the requirements of NFPA 130 or IEEE 1483.
    • NFPA 130, from the National Fire Protection Association, is "Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems".
    • IEEE 1483 is the "Standard For Verification Of Vital Functions In Processor-Based Systems Used In Rail Transit Control".
  • Some must comply with "49CFR Part 209, 234 and 236 Subpart H - Standards for Development and Use of Processor-Based Signal and Train Control Systems".
    • And ..... Subpart I, covering Positive Train Control (PTC).
    • By the way, HCRQ has a system safety course which focuses on Subpart H safety requirements!
  • Many are perplexed by the term "vital" and what it really means.
  • Some require an expert review of their light rail or commuter system safety program plans.
  • Others are faced with the challenges of designing security into driverless light rail systems which service international airports.
  • Some have no Corporate Safety Policy.
  • System integrators have called us in to assist their subcontractors with safety analyses.
  • Some spent 3 to 5 times their safety budget before they conceded that they needed expert guidance.
    • The general manager of a division of a well-known company came to us for help since, to quote him, their division was burning money on safety faster than if he had set fire to their bank.
  • Others spent a chunk of their safety budget before realizing that their current safety consultants were lacking.
    • A few made the mistake of focusing on the lowest bid.
  • Some discovered that their current safety consultants were inadequate when preparing for and representing them at meetings with their client.
    • Remember, each safety action item has an associated cost, and everyone has an opinion about safety!
  • Still others require the services of a system safety and security manager, acting as a single point of contact with their customer on all safety and security issues through the phases of:
    • Design,
    • Construction,
    • Installation,
    • T&C, and
    • O&M.

We are here to help.