The APTA Construction and Structural Committee develops and maintains standards and recommended practices covering the required strength, construction materials and construction quality for passenger railroad equipment. The Committee works closely with the Federal Railroad Administration to address vehicle crashworthiness safety concerns and to harmonize industry standards and Federal regulations. The Committee also works closely with the Volpe Center to plan the Federal rail vehicle crashworthiness research program. The Committee played a leading role in the development of a Crash Energy Management specification for commuter rail coaches. The Committee’s current tasks include development of standards for passenger work tables and for push-back couplers as well as developing further guidance for the procurement of vehicles with crash energy management features.