US FRA Issues Final Rule on ECP Brake Systems

The US Federal Railroad Administration has issued the final rule on an advanced train-braking technology, the electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake system, to facilitate its widespread deployment by railroads and railcar owners.

Designed to simultaneously and gradually apply and release brakes on all railcars within a train, the ECP system lowers the risk of derailments and helps to better control trains.

The final rule permits trains to travel up to 3,500 miles without stopping periodically for certain routine brake inspections. ECP brake systems contain continual electronic self-diagnostic 'health check' capabilities that inform train crews when maintenance is required.

The rule says that ECP brake systems must fully comply with existing industry standards, and that some railroad operating rules and training programmes must be modified to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills required to properly utilise the systems.