FR 2021-03203

Overview

The document from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, invites public comments on a proposed Information Collection Request (ICR). This request is part of the agency's compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aiming to gather information necessary to develop new metrics and minimum standards for intercity passenger rail services, particularly those operated by Amtrak. The FRA seeks feedback from the public on several aspects of the ICR to ensure effective oversight and enhancement of railway service performance.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A few notable issues arise from the document:

1. OMB Control Number Discrepancy: There was an error in previous Federal Register publications concerning the correct OMB control number for this information collection, which might cause confusion among stakeholders trying to refer to past documentation.

2. Cost Calculation Transparency: The document lists a "Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent" of $66,365.00. However, it does not provide detailed calculations or an explanation of how this figure was determined, potentially leading to questions about transparency.

3. Ambiguity in Submission Frequency: The document mentions that the "Frequency of Submission" is "Varied," which offers little clarity on the specific reporting requirements. This lack of precision may leave some respondents uncertain about compliance.

4. Complex Bureaucratic Language: The document heavily references specific U.S. codes and federal regulations, which could be difficult for the average citizen to understand without further context or explanation.

5. Emergency Processing Justification: There is a reference to an "emergency processing" for certain aspects of the information collection, but the document does not elaborate on the nature of the emergency. This information could be critical for informed public feedback.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document might seem technical and somewhat inaccessible, mainly due to the use of legal jargon and references to regulatory codes. Nevertheless, it concerns the rail service standards, which indirectly impacts passengers by potentially enhancing the experience and reliability of train services across the country.

Stakeholder Impacts

For specific stakeholders such as Amtrak and other rail carriers, these proposed metrics and standards could significantly affect operations:

• Positive Impacts: Improved metrics could lead to enhanced service quality, potentially boosting ridership satisfaction and operational efficiency. It also provides a clear framework for evaluating and improving performance, which could contribute to broader public transportation goals.

• Negative Impacts: Compliance with new standards may impose additional reporting and operational burdens on Amtrak and related entities. These organizations might need to allocate more resources to meet the new requirements, which could shift focus from other operational areas or increase operational costs.

Overall, while the FRA seeks to adhere to legislative mandates and improve service quality through this process, the clarity and accessibility of communication to both the public and industry stakeholders could be improved. This would ensure that all affected parties can meaningfully contribute to the development and refinement of these new standards.

The document involves a request for public comment on a proposal by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The proposal covers the Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning intercity passenger rail service metrics and standards.

Financial Overview

A central financial reference in the document is the Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent, which is $66,365.00. This figure represents the estimated monetary cost associated with the labor required to meet the information collection obligations described.

Contextual Financial Considerations

The financial allocation mentioned, $66,365.00, is indicative of the anticipated costs incurred by Amtrak, the sole respondent in this case, to comply with the information collection requirements stipulated in the FRA's Metrics and Minimum Standards for Intercity Passenger Rail Service. However, the document lacks a detailed explanation or breakdown of how this monetary figure is derived. This omission can lead to a perception of non-transparency or ambiguity regarding the financial implications of this compliance.

Relation to Identified Issues

1. Lack of Explanation for Cost Calculation: The document provides the total estimated annual cost but does not explain the methodology or assumptions used to arrive at the figure of $66,365.00. This lack of transparency may hinder the public's ability to provide informed comments or feedback on the proposed information collection activities, as they cannot assess whether the cost is justified or appropriate.

2. Frequency of Submission and Financial Uncertainty: While the frequency of submission is noted as "Varied," this vagueness may contribute to uncertainty about ongoing financial obligations. Without a clear schedule or frequency, estimating future costs or planning budgets may be challenging for Amtrak.

3. Potential Oversights in Documentation: The document's mention of the “correct OMB control number” discrepancy hints at prior administrative oversight, which could also lead to uncertainties or discrepancies in financial reporting or budgeting for compliance with the information collection requirements.

In conclusion, while the document states a clear financial figure, the lack of an explicit breakdown or justification of this number may impact transparency and understanding, critically affecting respondents' ability to evaluate the proposal's financial and operational feasibility comprehensively.