Federal Register #FRA-2026-0562

Regulatory Petition for One-Person Train Crew Operations by First Coast Railroad

This notice concerns a regulatory petition submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, regarding train crew operations: - The FRA has received a petition from First Coast Railroad (FCRD) seeking special approval to operate trains with a one-person crew on the Fernandina Subdivision and Kingsland Subdivision. - The petition is submitted under 49 CFR 218.135, which allows for exceptions to the standard two-person minimum crew requirement if safety can be demonstrated. - The FRA is not procuring or awarding any products or services; instead, it is soliciting public comments on the safety and merits of the proposed operational change. - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory matter, not a procurement. - The only vendor mentioned is First Coast Railroad (FCRD), acting as the petitioner. - The outcome will affect operational practices but does not involve acquisition of goods or services.

Description

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has received a petition from First Coast Railroad (FCRD) seeking special approval to operate trains with a one-person crew on specific subdivisions. This notice invites public comments on the petition, which FRA will consider before making a final decision. The petition includes information required by federal regulations and aims to demonstrate that the one-person crew operation is as safe or safer than the current two-person minimum crew requirement. Comments are due by May 14, 2026.

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