McDowell Engineers and Associates oversees NCDOT's railcar refurbishment program. We have created design standards and specifications for railcar shops to follow as guidelines. NCDOT began and sustained its passenger rail program by purchasing heritage railcars (1950's and 1960's) and refurbishing them to like new condition. Rehabilitating equipment has proven to have significant cost advantages over purchasing new cars for smaller agencies and startup operations. Heritage cars are stripped down to structure, receive repairs, and are outfitted with modern interiors. All renovations comply with federal regulations relating to wheelchair compliance, smoke and flame compliance, 8-4-4g loading compliance, and lighting level requirements.