Search Results for keywords:"Federal Railroad Administration"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on their Information Collection Request (ICR) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are asking for feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collection activities, the accuracy of their burden estimates, and ways to improve or reduce the burden of these activities. The FRA aims to use this feedback to enhance reporting efficiency, improve information quality, and accurately assess resource expenditures. Public comments must be submitted by May 12, 2025.

In response to a Congressional requirement from the SUPPORT Act, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing a new rule to include mechanical (MECH) employees, who test or inspect railroad equipment, under its alcohol and drug regulations. This proposed rule aims to extend current regulations, initially designed for maintenance-of-way and covered service employees, to MECH employees. FRA believes that enforcing random and pre-employment drug tests could deter substance misuse among MECH employees, thereby enhancing safety. The proposed changes would also include guidelines for small railroads and contractors to ensure compliance and minimize burdens.

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 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) before submitting it for approval. This request is related to the Passenger Equipment Safety Standards, which help ensure the safety of passenger trains. The FRA wants feedback on whether these information collection activities are necessary, if their burden estimates are accurate, and ways to improve or minimize the burden of these activities. Interested parties can submit their comments by May 20, 2025, through the website www.regulations.gov.

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 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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on their Information Collection Request (ICR) before submitting it for approval. This request involves updates to the Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards (LSS) and revisions to an existing form used for locomotive inspections, which are meant to enhance safety and efficiency. These changes include new items to be reported such as different propulsion technologies and brake types. Overall, the updates have caused an increase in the estimated annual burden due to factors like more frequent inspections, an aging fleet, and the adoption of new technologies. The public is encouraged to submit comments by May 9, 2025.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

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 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding the collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice informs the public that the FRA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding hours of service regulations for railroad employees. The public is invited to comment on this request by March 31, 2025. The request seeks to continue collecting data related to train employee work schedules to ensure safe working conditions and reduce fatigue-related accidents.