The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has begun work on the first independent standard for monitoring and diagnostic systems in rail transit vehicles. It also began a work on a new standard to address the content of intra-train communications and on a revision to an existing standard for data communications within and between trains. IEEE P1482™, “Standard for Rail Vehicle Monitoring and Diagnostic Systems,” will be a new standard that defines data collection, processing, operating status and fault information for new and overhauled rail transit vehicles. The standard will identify the parameters, signals, systems and subsystems to monitor and describe diagnostic features. It also will include a simplified process for integrating diagnostic information from subsystem suppliers to aid those who specify, purchase, design and build rail passenger vehicles and their systems. The other new standard project, IEEE P1544™, “Transit Communications Inter-face Profiles for Railcar Basic Operating Unit Interoperability — Data Element Definitions,” will allow seamless intra-train communication among disparate systems and equipment. It will address data element structure, including definitions and message content.