METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FRA study reaffirms safety of push-pull rail service

Difference in the rate of derailment between push and pull modes less than 1%.

June 26, 2006
1 min to read


A federal study of rail accidents found that trains being pushed have virtually no greater likelihood of derailing after a highway-rail grade crossing collision than one with a locomotive in the lead, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman announced Monday. The study reaffirms the conclusions of a previous report issued in July 2005 by the FRA that reviewed the safety of push-pull operations. The new analysis of grade crossing accidents found that from 1996 to 2005, only three push trains derailed out of 218 collisions and two pull trains derailed out of 290 collisions. The difference in the rate of derailment between push and pull modes is statistically insignificant 0.69 percentage points, Boardman noted. The report also determined that 27 fatalities occurred in push trains and 22 happened in pull trains during this same period. "The severity of an accident like Glendale is more likely to be influenced by chance than whether the train is being pushed or pulled," Boardman said of the January 2005 crash involving two Metrolink trains and an SUV. To read the full FRA Push-Pull report, go to www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/062606FRAPushPullLetterandReport.pdf

Topics:Rail

More Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad railcar up close
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars

The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area. 

Read More →
Tri-Rail Train
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

SFRTA Partners on “Are You OK?” Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Supported by a $56,500 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, the program will combine targeted public education campaigns with specialized training for SFRTA employees, contractors, and regional partners.

Read More →
The inside of a rail car with passengers, and a surveillance camera fixed to the ceiling.
RailMay 22, 2026

Major Rail Projects Don’t Have to Mean Major Security Gaps

Crowded platforms. Temporary routes. New risks. Discover why video tech is critical during rail upgrades.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMay 21, 2026

Penn Transformation Partners Named as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation

The team of Halmar and Skanska will build a brand-new station that will provide daily commuters and tourists with a more seamless travel experience through a vibrant gateway into America’s largest city, said Amtrak.

Read More →
A man stands at a podium in front of a large crowd.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 21, 2026

REM West Island Extension Opens, Expanding Montreal Automated Rail Network

The expansion adds four stations and extends Montreal’s automated REM network deeper into the region with a new all-electric transit service.

Read More →
Richard Andreski, Maggie Adams, and Lilia Montoya
Managementby StaffMay 21, 2026

People Movement: Montoya to Lead Delaware, Andreski Extended in Fort Worth, and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Trinity Metro, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffMay 21, 2026

California's OCTA Proposes 2026-27 Balanced Budget to Advance Transportation

The proposed budget, totaling approximately $2 billion, advances key transportation initiatives while ensuring all services, programs, and projects can be delivered to residents not only next year but well into the future.

Read More →
KC Streetcar Riverfront extension with graffiti wall
Railby StaffMay 19, 2026

KC Streetcar Expansion Strengthens Access to City’s Growing Riverfront

The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 19, 2026

First Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Arrives in Pacific Northwest for Final Testing

Take a closer look at the next generation of Amtrak Cascades service as the first Airo trainset prepares for passenger operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA Green Line Construction
Railby StaffMay 18, 2026

Boston's MBTA Completes Latest Green Line Work

The work took place during 12 consecutive days of shuttle bus service replacement between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. 

Read More →