Search Results for keywords:"Federal Railroad Administration"

Brightline West has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver to bypass some specific railroad safety regulations pertaining to the new high-speed trainsets they plan to operate between California and Nevada. These electric trainsets, which Siemens Mobility will manufacture, will adhere to certain alternative safety standards instead of the current ones. Brightline claims these trainsets include advanced features that negate the need for traditional safety equipment. The FRA doesn't see the need for a public hearing to decide on this waiver because similar exemptions have been granted before. Interested individuals may submit comments or ask for a public hearing before March 22, 2021.

CSX Transportation, Inc. has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for its Product Safety Plan (PSP) related to the Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control, an energy management system installed on locomotives. This system helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by allowing more miles of automatic operation, though a qualified train crew remains in charge. The FRA is accepting public comments on this proposal until March 17, 2025. Interested parties can submit their feedback through the regulations.gov website, using the docket number FRA-2024-0126.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized a rule to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically its section 22425. This rule amends the Freight Car Safety Standards to enforce restrictions on new freight cars introduced in the U.S. It prohibits using sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises, as well as materials that infringe on U.S. intellectual property rights. From January 21, 2025, freight car manufacturers must certify compliance with these standards to operate their vehicles in the United States.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that on December 11, 2024, Amtrak submitted a request to modify its Positive Train Control (PTC) system, specifically to add new testing instructions related to signal apparatuses and systems. This request may require FRA's approval for changes to an already certified PTC system. FRA is inviting the public to comment on this request by January 13, 2025, and all submissions will be available on the regulations.gov website. Comments received will help FRA make a decision regarding the approval of the proposed modifications.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), has set up an emergency relief docket (ERD) for 2021, identified as docket number FRA-2021-0001. This ERD streamlines the process for handling requests for waivers from safety rules during emergencies. If an emergency event occurs, the FRA Administrator can activate special procedures to provide relief to the railroad industry. Individuals can search for comments related to any docket online, and the FRA has privacy policies in place for these exchanges.

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.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for permission to change a signal system. They want to discontinue an automatic block signal and traffic control system on a section of railway in North Carolina. Norfolk Southern says this change is needed because these systems are no longer necessary for their operations. The public can submit comments or ask for a public hearing about this proposed change before March 11, 2021.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) has submitted a petition to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to waive certain rules related to train control systems on a section of their railway. They want permission to use locomotives equipped with positive train control (PTC) but not cab signal systems in specific areas. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this petition, and the government will consider all communications received by April 8, 2021. Comments will be made available online for public review.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes a rule to update brake system safety standards for trains that use an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system. This new system would allow certain rail cars to travel longer distances between brake tests, specifically up to 2,500 miles rather than the current 1,500 miles, provided the cars meet specific criteria. The proposal includes maintaining extended records of the cars' brake tests and allowing the swapping of blocks of cars in trains without additional tests. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce employee injury risks while still ensuring train safety.

Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) has requested an extension of a waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations. The waiver would allow UP to skip detailed inspections on trains moving from the International Yard in El Paso, Texas, to nearby yards in Dallas Street and Alfalfa, and to Santa Teresa, New Mexico. UP argues that conducting inspections at Dallas and Alfalfa Yards is safer and more efficient. The public can review the petition online and submit comments to the Federal Railroad Administration until February 25, 2025.