From: ahk@chinet.com   
      
   866013149e <866013149e@interpring.com> wrote:   
   >Stephen Sprunk  writes:   
      
   >>That's one of the many reasons why the FRA needs to start accepting   
   >>standard UIC passenger cars.  Not only would it give our operators   
   >>access to stable suppliers, but it would also reduce the cost of   
   >>equipment due to economy of scale.  And it might even help get some US   
   >>manufacturers back in the business, once they could compete on an even   
   >>playing field with foreign makers.   
      
   >Amen to that. I've always suspected the FRA's requirements are driven by   
   >an anti-passenger rail agenda.   
      
   I don't think that's the whole story. It's more like, If we can prevent   
   one death on board railroad, we will enforce this standard, even if it   
   means lots and lots of deaths on modes of transportation we don't regulate.   
      
   But lack of good sense in regulation has been federal and state policy   
   forever, long predating FRA's existence. Naperville was April 25, 1946,   
   the aftermath of which was severe speed restriction in dark territory   
   regardless of whether safe operating rules are in place.   
      
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