Federal Railroad Administration
Federal agency responsible for regulations under Federal Railroad Administration.
62 regulationsReflectorization of Rail Freight Rolling Stock: Codifying Existing Waivers
The Federal Railroad Administration is making official a long-standing practice that allows freight train operators to use reflective tape on their rail cars instead of following stricter reflectorization standards. This rule simplifies requirements for railroads while maintaining safety visibility standards for trains operating at night or in low-light conditions.
Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus Standards
This regulation sets safety standards for emergency breathing devices that railroad workers and passengers must use in case of smoke, fire, or hazardous air situations on trains. The rule ensures these life-saving devices work properly and are available when needed to protect people from dangerous air conditions during rail emergencies.
Accident/Incident Investigation Policy for Gathering Information and Consulting With Stakeholders; Withdrawal
The Federal Railroad Administration is withdrawing a policy that required it to consult with stakeholders and gather information during train accident investigations. This means the FRA is no longer bound by those consultation requirements when investigating railroad accidents and safety incidents.
Revision of National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) updated how railroad projects are reviewed for environmental impacts, making the process potentially faster and more flexible. This matters to everyday people because it could affect how quickly new rail projects get built, what environmental protections are put in place, and how communities are notified about railroad development near their homes.
Track Safety Standards
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has established new safety standards for railroad tracks to prevent accidents and derailments. These rules set requirements for track maintenance, inspection, and repair to protect passengers and freight from dangerous conditions on America's rail system.
Critical Incident Stress Plans
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has created new rules requiring railroad companies to develop plans for helping employees and first responders cope with traumatic incidents like train accidents or deaths. These plans aim to provide mental health support and counseling to people who experience or witness serious railroad emergencies.
Railroad Safety Appliance Standards Regulations
This regulation updates safety standards for equipment on railroad cars and locomotives to ensure trains operate safely and protect workers and passengers. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is setting new or updated requirements for safety devices like brakes, couplers, and handholds that railroads must install and maintain on their equipment.
State Safety Participation
This Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule allows states to take on greater responsibility for overseeing railroad safety in their own regions, rather than having the federal government handle all safety inspections and enforcement. By participating in this program, states can work more closely with local railroads to improve safety standards and respond faster to problems.
Removing Stenciling Requirement for Freight Cars Used for Tourist, Historic, Excursion, Educational, Recreational, or Private Purposes and Not Interchanged
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to remove a requirement that old freight cars used for tourist trains, historical tours, and educational trips must have certain identification markings painted on them. This change would make it easier for smaller railroad operators and heritage railroads to use vintage freight cars without having to paint official markings on every car.
Removal of Unnecessary and Outdated Paperwork Reduction Act References
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to remove outdated references to paperwork requirements that are no longer necessary. This cleanup effort will simplify railroad regulations by deleting old rules that have expired or been replaced, making the rulebook clearer and easier to follow.
Regulatory Relief from Locomotive Horn Sounding Pattern at Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to allow trains to use different horn sounding patterns at railroad crossings where roads meet tracks. This change could reduce noise in nearby communities while still maintaining safety at these crossings.
Expanding Certain Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variations
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to allow locomotive wheels to vary more in size than currently permitted. This change could help railroads maintain equipment more flexibly and potentially reduce costs, though it needs public feedback before becoming final.