FRA offering $50K grant for train crew study
Study to focus on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Distress Disorder, conditions frequently suffered by train crews after being involved in collisions at highway-rail grade crossings or trespass incidents involving pedestrians.
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.
More Rail

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →
LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth
The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.
Read More →
First Full MetroLink Rail Expansion Completed in 20 Years with $192M Airport Project
The project links two St. Louis-area airports by light rail while adding roadway and bike trail connections to improve regional access and mobility.
Read More →
Utilimarc Launches SmartReplace to Optimize Fleet Replacement Decisions
AI-powered SmartReplace helps fleets prioritize vehicle replacements, model budget scenarios, and build more defensible long-term strategies.
Read More →
Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
Read More →
USDOT Awards $416 Million for Florida Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades, New Brightline Station
The projects aim to reduce risks for motorists and pedestrians at rail crossings while expanding passenger rail access along Florida’s Space Coast.
Read More →
OCTA Declares Emergency to Protect Rail Corridor From Coastal Erosion
The California agency is accelerating shoreline protection and plans to place approximately 690,000 cubic yards of sand along the San Clemente coast to protect a key passenger and freight rail link.
Read More →
More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent
The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.
Read More →