Is responsible for:
- (a) Regulating safety functions pertaining to railroads;
- (b) Conducting research and development activity in support of safer and more efficient rail transportation;
- (c) Investigating and issuing reports concerning collisions, derailments, and other railroad accidents resulting in serious injury to persons or to the property of a railroad;
- (d) Developing safety strategies to combat the causes of collisions, derailments, and other railroad accidents, as well as to reduce overall risk in the Nation's rail systems;
- (e) Promoting and strengthening the national rail system, including freight rail and high speed and higher performing intercity passenger rail.
- (f) Providing financial assistance, including grants, loans and loan guarantees, for rail freight and intermodal development, as well as high-speed and intercity passenger rail development;
- (g) Maximizing the positive impacts on the U.S. economy by encouraging domestic manufacturing on rail projects through the enforcement of Buy America provisions; and
- (h) Strengthening local communities by supporting station-area development and strong connections among rail passenger service, intercity bus, local transit, bicycle/pedestrian, and airport facilities.