German High-Speed Maglev Train Safety Requirements: Potential for Application in the United States

摘要

The report is the second in a series of reports addressing the safety of high-speed maglev trains and presents the results of the review to determine the suitability of German safety requirements for application to maglev systems as proposed for U.S. operations. The intent of the review was to compare the German and U.S. safety requirements in order to assist the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in determining what regulations and guidelines may be necessary to ensure a high level of safety for U.S. passenger service. The German safety requirements were reviewed in terms of safety related functional areas of the following seven maglev system elements: vehicles; guideway; passenger stations; signal, control, and communications (SCC); plans and procedures; personnel; and operating environment. Potential safety concerns for each of the maglev system functional areas were identified. The German safety requirements and the applicable U.S. safety requirements are described and then compared to determine their applicability to proposed U.S. maglev system operations. Recommendations are also included for FRA consideration. In general, the German effort appears to ensure the same high level of safety for maglev trains that is expected in the United States for similar ground transportation technologies. The challenge lies in transferring the experience of Germany to the U.S. regulatory environment.