FRA offering $50K grant for train crew study

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) invited qualified researchers to apply for $50,000 in grant funding to initiate a study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Distress Disorder (ASD). These conditions are frequently suffered by train crews after being involved in collisions at highway-rail grade crossings or trespass incidents involving pedestrians, the two leading causes of fatalities in the railroad industry.

Given the size and weight of trains, crews are often unable to stop their trains fast enough to avert these types of incidents, which can lead to psychological trauma for those involved.

The selected individual or entity will be required to develop a baseline intervention plan for reducing the effects of traumatic exposure experienced by train crews, and one or more program designs suitable for implementation by rail carriers in partnership with their respective unions and others.

Additional funding may be available in future years for expansion of the project.

The Notice of Funding Availability is available, here.