Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I need to know if there is a US Regulation for the type of windshield and passenger glass used on Light Rail Vehicles.

A. As you may already know, FTA does not yet have the statutory authority to issue light rail equipment regulations. Our counterparts at the Federal Railroad Administration, however, have that statutory authority, and to that point, they have issued 49 CFR Part 223 that addresses both side-facing and rear-facing window locations. You should also pay particular attention to the general railcar equipment regulations at 49 CFR Part 238, specifically, the window requirements addressed in sections 238.113, 238.114, and 238.221. Although these standards apply to railcars used on the general system of railroads, application of these standards to a procurement for light rail vehicles would provide an equivalent level of protection to those passengers. (Posted: May, 2010)