Review of Rail Transport Research Needs

TRB Special Report 188: Review of Rail Transport Research Needs is a follow-up of a TRB 1975 study on rail transport research needs. The review was to determine whether research was still needed, whether priorities had changed and whether any new research needs had arisen.

The report includes summary statements on the recommended research agenda by AAR, FRA Office of Research and Development, and FRA Office of Policy and Program Development. A restructured agenda shows most priorities unchanged except that energy systems, service quality, accounting methods, terminal management and railroad costs have all been advanced to higher status. New priorities reflect a greater appreciation of increased track deterioration caused by heavier wheel loads, the impact of the energy crisis, the need for improved costing to increase profitability, and recognition that opportunities for increased traffic depend largely on better service for shippers. The bibliography, from Railroad Research Information Service, covers AAR, FRA and ICC reports and ongoing projects arranged according to the research matrix developed by the review group.