Federal Register #FRA-2022-0020

FRA Proposes Rescinding Signal Employee Certification Rule

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing to rescind its previous rule requiring railroads to certify signal employees. - Government Buyer: - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory action, not a procurement - No products or services are being requested - Key Details: - The original rule required railroads to develop written certification programs for signal employees, including training, certification, and revocation processes - The rescission is based on industry petitions and FRA's analysis that the benefits do not outweigh the costs - FRA is seeking public comment on unquantified safety benefits and other issues - Enforcement discretion will continue during the rulemaking process - No part numbers, quantities, or unique technical requirements are specified, as this is not a purchasing action

Description

This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes to rescind the final rule issued on May 21, 2024, which required railroads to develop written programs for certifying signal employees. The rescission is based on FRA's review of petitions for reconsideration and an analysis that the expected benefits of the rule do not justify the costs. The proposal includes continuing enforcement discretion during the rulemaking process and invites public comment on the unquantified safety benefits and other issues raised in the petitions. The rulemaking addresses certification requirements, compliance deadlines, and definitions related to signal employees and signal systems.

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