Search Results for keywords:"waiver of compliance"

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) has announced that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has requested an extension of relief from certain safety regulations for rail cars with end-of-car cushioning units. The AAR wants to keep using these rail cars even if they show minor leaks, as long as a condition indicator shows the cushioning unit is still working. They argue that this waiver has helped protect workers and avoid unnecessary repairs. The public can submit their comments on this request until April 2, 2025, through the official regulations website.

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.

Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) has requested an extension from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance regarding some railroad safety regulations. Specifically, UPRR is seeking relief from certain requirements related to the reservoir systems and brake systems on locomotives. They have been operating under these waiver conditions for 15 years without any negative impact on safety. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the petition, with a deadline for submission by March 22, 2021.

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.

San Diego Trolley Incorporated (SDTI) has requested a five-year extension of its existing waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations to continue operating safely with shared track arrangements. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reviewing this petition, which is publicly available at regulations.gov, and is seeking comments from interested parties until February 22, 2021. If warranted, a public hearing may be requested in writing. This waiver allows SDTI to maintain its safety standards while operating in conjunction with other rail services in San Diego.

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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that the Alaska Railroad (ARRC) has requested a waiver from certain Federal railroad safety regulations. Specifically, ARRC seeks to join an existing waiver that extends air brake system calibration intervals from 92 days to 184 days for certain locomotives. ARRC argues that aligning calibrations with its maintenance schedule will ensure better accuracy and efficiency. The public is invited to comment on this petition by April 16, 2025, via the regulations.gov website.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Department of Transportation has released a notice regarding a request from the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART). SMART is asking for a waiver from specific safety regulations for their diesel multiple unit vehicles, due to delays from their brake equipment supplier. They want to extend the maintenance interval for their brake systems. Public comments on this request are welcome until April 7, 2025, and feedback will be considered by the FRA in their decision-making process.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received a petition from the Salt Lake City Department of Public Services and the City of North Salt Lake, asking for a temporary waiver from certain safety regulations about railroad crossings. They want a two-year waiver to install new safety devices at two crossings in the Woods Cross Quiet Zone, as these crossings have had no accidents since 1979. Interested parties can send their comments online, which the FRA will consider before making a final decision. Comments should be submitted by March 17, 2025, although later ones might still be reviewed if feasible.