National rail network
Encyclopedia
In United States
railroading, the term national rail network refers to the entire network of interconnected standard gauge
rail lines in North America. It does not include most subway or light rail lines. Federal Railroad Administration
regulations require passenger cars used on the national rail network to be heavy and strong enough to protect riders in case of collision with freight trains. Most mass transit vehicles do not meet this requirement. Commuter rail equipment generally does, as do all Amtrak
cars. Mass transit systems that do not meet FRA requirements cannot even be connected to the national rail network, unless the connection layout only permits the transfer of one or two cars at a time, for example via a Y stub siding.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
railroading, the term national rail network refers to the entire network of interconnected standard gauge
Standard gauge
The standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
rail lines in North America. It does not include most subway or light rail lines. Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation. The agency was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966...
regulations require passenger cars used on the national rail network to be heavy and strong enough to protect riders in case of collision with freight trains. Most mass transit vehicles do not meet this requirement. Commuter rail equipment generally does, as do all Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
cars. Mass transit systems that do not meet FRA requirements cannot even be connected to the national rail network, unless the connection layout only permits the transfer of one or two cars at a time, for example via a Y stub siding.