THE ASME STANDARD FOR RAIL TRANSIT CARS

This paper describes the successful attempt of a group of transit professionals to obtain American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) support to generate mechanical standards for rail transit cars. These standards will be the missing link in a more global effort that includes the IEEE Standards for transit cars covering mostly electrical equipment and interface. The paper includes in summary the basis for this new series of standards, the developing process, the scope and the schedule. New railcar technology and the need to improve passenger safety and better understanding of the dynamic of collisions provide the basis for the new standards.