General Info

The Federal Railroad Administration, also known as FRA, is an agency operated by the Department of Transportation. The agency focuses on the enforcement of rail safety regulations and the administration of railroad assistance programs throughout the United States. It operates financial management and administration, civil rights, public affairs and railroad development divisions. The agency s railroad safety division employs more than 400 federal safety inspectors. It provides investment opportunities for small freight railroad projects through the Registered Retirement Income Fund program. The Federal Railroad Administration oversees and participates in the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. The agency provides several loan programs to encourage the expansion and upgrade of passenger rail systems. It offers the Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP). The agency issues emergency orders for unsafe conditions involving death hazards and personal injuries. It additionally administers grants to Amtrak for operations and capital improvement.