FR 2024-31055

The document under review describes a request made by the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver of compliance. This waiver pertains to the use of locomotive horns at certain public highway-rail grade crossings in Beaverton, Oregon. Instead of the traditional horn signals, which are intended to alert the public of approaching trains, TriMet seeks to continue using quieter locomotive bells at three particular crossings.

General Summary

TriMet has been operating under this waiver, allowing them to use a 60 dB(A) bell instead of the typical "long-long-short-long" horn pattern required by regulations, citing that there have been no safety incidents associated with the waiver. Their petition indicates the crossings are well-equipped with safety devices, including flashing lights and gates, and that train speeds in these areas are strictly controlled. The FRA has invited the public to submit comments on this petition, with a deadline set for February 28, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern is the lack of detailed information on the financial impacts of this waiver. The document does not specify whether the extension involves any fiscal implications for TriMet or potential costs saved by avoiding horn soundings. Additionally, the document focuses solely on TriMet without reference to how similar requests from other entities are handled, raising potential concerns about fairness and conflict of interest.

The technical language concerning horn usage and the permissible bell substitution might be challenging for the general public to grasp. This could limit effective public participation in the commentary process. Furthermore, there is little discussion about the potential risks of extending the waiver, such as community disturbances that could arise if the waiver were not extended, which might concern those living near the railway crossings.

Public Impact and Stakeholder Considerations

From a public perspective, the issue partly revolves around balancing noise pollution against safety measures. Many communities appreciate quieter solutions as they can significantly reduce noise, contributing to a more pleasant living environment. Thus, the continuation of this waiver might be positively received by residents who favor reduced noise from train operations.

Conversely, some might worry that quieter warnings could compromise safety, although the data presented by TriMet suggests no safety issues have arisen under the current waiver. Stakeholders such as local residents, train passengers, and railway administrators could be directly impacted. Additionally, other transit agencies might watch the outcome as a precedent for their own operations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the document outlines a request with significant implications for noise management and public safety. The lack of explicit decision-making criteria and detailed financial considerations stands out as an issue of transparency and comprehensiveness. By opening the floor for public comment, the FRA is balancing these interests, though it remains important for them to articulate clearly how they will weigh this input. The outcome of this petition could shape future policies on urban transit noise control and safety protocols.