Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to extend a waiver for some safety regulations, specifically regarding brake tests and car inspections. UP wants to move freight cars from Mexico to the U.S. without immediate inspections at the border, choosing instead to inspect them at Olmito, Texas, a few miles away. According to UP, this change would make the process quicker, safer, and less disruptive to Brownsville, Texas. The FRA is accepting public comments about this request until February 28, 2025.
Simple Explanation
Union Pacific wants to skip checking train cars for safety right at the U.S.-Mexico border and instead check them a little later in Texas to save time and make things easier. People can share their thoughts about this idea until the end of February 2025.