Federal Register #FRA20210079

DOT Regulatory Waivers: Driver Medical Exemptions and Railroad Safety Program Extensions

This notice summarizes recent regulatory actions by the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - FMCSA Actions: - Granted exemptions to 14 commercial motor vehicle drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition - Exemptions valid for 2 years, contingent on medical and reporting requirements - FRA Actions: - St. Marys Railway West (SMW) petitioned to extend its waiver for participation in the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) Program - Seeks continued relief from certain Federal railroad safety regulations to encourage confidential safety reporting - Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) requested renewal of a waiver for transfer train brake tests - Seeks to make the waiver permanent for specific operations near the Blast Furnace - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; actions pertain to regulatory waivers and exemptions, not product or service procurement - Products/Services Requested: - No products or commercial services are being procured - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Exemptions and waivers are subject to strict medical, reporting, and operational conditions - C3RS Program participation is designed to improve safety by protecting employees who report close calls from punitive action - TRRA's waiver renewal aims to address operational safety and efficiency for transfer trains

Description

St. Mary's Railway West (SMW) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to extend relief related to its participation in FRA's Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) Program. The petition requests an extension of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations concerning qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors. The C3RS Program encourages certified operating crew members to report close calls and protects employees and the railroad from discipline or sanctions arising from reported incidents. Comments on the petition must be received by August 10, 2026.

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