FR 2025-03174

The document is a notice issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which is a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The notice is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and addresses the collection of information regarding hours of service for railroad employees. Specifically, the FRA is seeking the approval of an Information Collection Request (ICR) by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The primary objective is to continue documenting train employee schedules to ensure safety and minimize fatigue-related incidents. The public has been invited to comment on this request until March 31, 2025.

General Overview

This notice is a procedural step under the Paperwork Reduction Act, which requires federal agencies to gather public input on information collection activities. The highlighted ICR pertains to regulations ensuring that railroad employees do not work excessively long hours and that their schedules are designed to mitigate fatigue. This is crucial for preventing accidents attributed to exhausted train staff.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable concern is the lack of detailed explanation regarding the estimated cost of $114,517,098 associated with the burden hours. Without an itemized breakdown, the public might find it challenging to assess whether the proposed figures are justified, potentially raising suspicions about inefficient spending.

Moreover, the phrase "Extension without change (with changes in estimates) of a currently approved collection" could confuse readers, as it contradictorily suggests both a lack of changes and modifications in estimates. Such ambiguities necessitate clarity to assure stakeholders of necessary and justified changes.

Another issue that draws attention is the absence of public commentary during the initial 60-day period. This lack of engagement might indicate inadequate outreach or communication with the public about the significance of this information collection.

Broad Public Impact

The document has a potential future impact on public safety by ensuring that railroad employees adhere to schedules that prevent overwork. However, the administrative burden reflected in the document may ultimately lead to increased operational costs for rail companies. These costs could be transferred to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the railroad industry, complying with these requirements might necessitate hiring additional staff or implementing new technologies to monitor and report hours of service accurately. Although this represents a cost, it prioritizes employee welfare and public safety.

On the regulatory side, the FRA benefits by ensuring compliance, ultimately promoting safer transportation systems. However, if costs are seen as unreasonably high without sufficient justification, it could impact the industry's perception of federal oversight.

In conclusion, while the document outlines important safety measures, it also raises questions about financial transparency and public engagement. Addressing these issues would further validate the necessity and efficiency of the proposed ICR, enhancing trust among stakeholders.

The document from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) includes a financial reference to a Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent amounting to $114,517,098. This figure represents the estimated cost associated with fulfilling the recordkeeping and reporting requirements under the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) collection of information outlined in their hours of service regulations for railroads.

Summary of Financial References

The referenced amount, $114,517,098, reflects the projected financial burden on businesses, specifically railroads and signal contractors, that are required to adhere to FRA's hours of service regulations. These regulations necessitate careful recording and reporting of work hours to ensure compliance with safety measures, such as maximum on-duty periods and minimum off-duty periods. The financial cost signifies the investment required to prepare, submit, and manage these detailed records.

Issues Related to Financial References

One key issue identified with this financial reference is the lack of clarity in how the $114,517,098 was calculated. The document does not break down this enormous sum into understandable components or smaller segments that would allow the public, or the businesses bearing the cost, to understand where the money is going. Without this breakdown, stakeholders may find it challenging to evaluate whether the expenditure is justified or if there are areas where costs might be reduced.

Moreover, the document does not explain why there were no public comments during the initial 60-day period designated for feedback. This absence of public engagement on the proposed information collection might imply a lack of awareness or understanding of the financial implications, including the significant cost burden it represents.

Furthermore, the phrase "Extension without change (with changes in estimates) of a currently approved collection" is somewhat ambiguous and could benefit from clarification in the context of the financial reference. It suggests that there are updated financial estimates that stakeholders need to be aware of, yet this is not clearly elaborated upon in the context of the $114,517,098 cost.

In summary, while the $114,517,098 represents a significant financial commitment to safety and compliance within the rail industry, the lack of detailed financial transparency and explanation of related issues may hinder public understanding and engagement with these regulatory requirements. A detailed accounting of how this cost is derived and further engagement strategies could enhance transparency and foster better-informed stakeholder feedback.