Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a new rule aimed at improving air travel for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. This rule strengthens regulations to prevent mishandling of wheelchairs and improper transfers, thus ensuring safety and dignity for wheelchair users. Airlines are now required to provide better assistance, offer loaner wheelchairs with customizations, and communicate effectively with passengers if their wheelchairs are mishandled. Additionally, the rule mandates annual hands-on training for airline staff and requires airlines to publish information about cargo hold dimensions to better inform passengers about their travel options.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive for Boeing 737 models, prompted by incidents where engine components detached and caused aircraft damage. This rule requires replacing or inspecting specific parts, updating maintenance programs, and addressing potential engine nacelle maintenance errors by using redesigned components and high-visibility paints. The changes aim to prevent conditions that could lead to an aircraft losing control or excessive drag during flight. Compliance is required by April 8, 2025, with the costs estimated at $7,650 per operator for updating programs.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on its Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning railroad accident and incident reports. These reports are crucial for understanding collisions, derailments, and injuries involving railroads, which are submitted monthly by 765 railroads. The FRA aims to ensure the collection process is necessary, practical, and efficient, and is also seeking ways to reduce the burden on businesses. The public can submit their feedback by April 19, 2021, as part of the approval process with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive for certain models of Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc. helicopters. This proposal is due to reports of cracks in the main rotor transmission drive shaft that could result in dangerous conditions. The directive requires inspecting specific drive shafts for cracks, prohibits installing uninspected drive shafts, and restricts the use of certain paint removers. The FAA has invited public comments on this proposal, highlighting the importance of addressing these safety concerns.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 to enhance seat belt warning systems. The rule requires new warnings for rear seats and updates existing ones for the driver and front passenger seats in vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. It mandates that these warnings be visible and audible to encourage seat belt use, aiming to address safety concerns and reduce injuries and fatalities. These changes must be implemented by September 1, 2027, for rear seat warnings and by September 1, 2026, for front seat warnings, with manufacturers given two years to comply.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, is requesting public comments on its proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This ICR is about Railroad Workplace Safety, which involves collecting data to ensure railroads have proper safety programs for roadway workers. The FRA seeks comments specifically on the necessity and accuracy of these information collection activities and ways to reduce the burden on the public. The estimated paperwork burden has increased due to new recordkeeping requirements, and the FRA invites feedback by May 27, 2025.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to update more than 20 incorporated consensus standards in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. This proposed rulemaking involves incorporating newer versions of technical standards, clarifying regulatory language, and making minor corrections to improve clarity without imposing new initiatives on pipeline operators. The changes will allow operators to use the latest technologies and practices in pipeline safety, while also aligning with federal policies to incorporate voluntary consensus standards. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 16, 2021.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a waiver of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act's requirements for certain natural gas products like gas service risers, meters, and regulators because these are not available in large enough quantities domestically. This waiver, which applies to projects funded by the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program, aims to ensure timely project completion while maintaining safety. It is based on public feedback indicating supply issues and will last for three years starting January 22, 2025. PHMSA has emphasized the importance of having enough compliant products to avoid delaying critical safety construction projects.