Federal rail regulators are backing a technological change that will enable trains to stop more quickly while permitting them to travel longer distances between required brake tests, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
The technology — which could cost the industry about $1.5 billion — is designed to improve engineers’ ability to control trains by applying uniform pressure on all wheels simultaneously, instead of from one car to the next, as is done with conventional air brake systems, AP said.
Electronically controlled pneumatic brakes also are designed to reduce train derailments, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through better handling, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Boardman said, AP reported.
Railroad operators Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. in March received waivers to start outfitting trains with the new brakes, and the first one equipped with them is scheduled to make its initial run later this month, AP reported.
Wabtec Corp. and New York Air Brake, which is owned by Germany’s Knorr-Bremse Group, currently make the new brakes and other manufacturers have plans in development, AP said.
