Rule to measure Amtrak performance and service quality proposed by FRA
Posted: 24 March 2020 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
A new rule has been proposed by the FRA to measure the performance and service quality of Amtrak’s intercity passenger train operations.
Credit: Amtrak/Siemens Mobility
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed a rule that will allow for the measuring of the performance and service quality of Amtrak’s intercity passenger train operations.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would seek to define Amtrak’s intercity passenger train punctuality performance, as well as setting a minimum on-time performance average standard of 80 per cent.
The rule proposes additional measurements for evaluating how well Amtrak serves the public, including financial performance and customer service metrics.
Ronald L. Batory, FRA Administrator, said: “Eighty percent is a minimum standard. We expect many routes will be much more reliable. Clarity should help all parties ensure compliance.”
FRA’s proposed performance and service quality metrics would give travellers, Amtrak, its service providers and the FRA, amongst others, a common tool to help objectively gauge intercity passenger train travel.
Ronald continued: “After extensive stakeholder consultation, FRA is proposing new metrics to promote transparency for railroads and travellers alike. We expect that all parties are interested in achieving higher performance.”
As part of its efforts, FRA and Amtrak consulted with many stakeholders – these included each of the Class I railroads that host Amtrak trains, states, Amtrak employee labor organisations, an advocacy group representing Amtrak passengers, and the Surface Transportation Board.
