Search Results for keywords:"railroad safety"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a notice to extend the comment period for a proposed rule by 15 days, now ending on January 15, 2025. The rule aims to update FRA’s procedures on waivers and safety-related proceedings, focusing on what it means to be "in the public interest" and "consistent with railroad safety." This extension comes after requests from railroad associations, who needed more time to review the changes due to resource constraints and the holiday schedule. Comments can be submitted online through regulations.gov.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is informing the public that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, has asked for a change to a previous agreement. This agreement currently requires Amtrak to limit speeds to 125 mph when passing maintenance areas on certain tracks. Amtrak believes its new safety plans, like better barriers and technology, will allow them to safely increase speeds to 160 mph in designated zones. People can share their opinions or comments about this request until April 16, 2025, on the regulations.gov website.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTY) has requested an extension of a waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations for their Stadler GTW vehicles. This waiver covers emergency brake valves, clearance above the rail, event recorders, and specific safety and maintenance standards. The public can submit comments on this petition until May 5, 2025, via the regulations.gov website. The FRA does not plan to hold a public hearing unless there is significant interest expressed before the comment deadline.

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) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule from October 29, 2024, concerning updates to procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings. These updates aimed to clarify what is meant by "in the public interest" and "consistent with railroad safety" in the waiver standards. The FRA cited resource constraints and existing guidance on the topic as reasons for the withdrawal but emphasized their commitment to engaging with stakeholders on rail safety issues. The FRA may consider similar regulations in the future and appreciates the input received from stakeholders during this process.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed changes to the rules for positive train control (PTC) systems. These changes aim to set strict guidelines for when trains can operate safely without PTC, such as during repairs or upgrades. The FRA found current regulations don't sufficiently cover times when PTC systems aren't in use. The public has until January 11, 2025, to submit comments on these proposed rule changes.

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.

TEXRail has submitted an updated Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for approval. This plan involves changes to their train control system, known as I-ETMS, and seeks reclassification as a "mixed" positive train control system. The FRA is asking the public to review and provide comments on this request by February 10, 2025. The FRA has the authority to approve or reject the plan, and comments can be submitted online.

The Norfolk Southern Corporation has submitted a petition to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue or modify a signal system on specific lines in its Blue Ridge Division. They want to change the operation system on certain tracks and retire some slide fences, as the Traffic Control System (TCS) is no longer needed for operations in those areas. Interested parties can submit comments on the petition by April 5, 2021, using various methods like mail or the regulations.gov website. The FRA does not plan to hold a public hearing unless there is a significant request for one.

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations for its METRO Green Line Light Rail Transit Extension Project. This request aims to maintain their existing safety procedures which already comply with other federal standards, despite being potentially different from standard railroad safety regulations. The FRA is inviting public comments on this request until February 25, 2025, and these comments can be submitted online. The FRA does not expect to hold a public hearing but will consider requests for one if submitted within the comment period.