FRAFinal Rule

Passenger Train Employee Hours of Service: Recordkeeping and Reporting; Sleeping Quarters

TransportationLabor & Workplace

Summary

This federal regulation sets new rules for how long passenger train employees can work and requires railroads to keep better records of employee work hours and sleeping arrangements. The rules aim to prevent tired workers from causing accidents by ensuring they get adequate rest.

Key Points

  • 1Railroads must track and report how many hours their train employees work each day to ensure they don't exceed legal limits
  • 2The regulation establishes requirements for sleeping quarters provided to train crew members, including minimum standards for safety and comfort
  • 3Train employees (conductors, engineers, and other crew) are protected from working excessive hours that could cause fatigue-related safety issues
  • 4Railroads must maintain detailed records of employee work schedules and rest periods, which can be inspected by federal regulators
  • 5These rules help prevent train accidents caused by exhausted workers and protect employee health and safety

Impact Assessment

If you are a passenger railroad operator, this means you must implement new systems to track employee work hours and rest periods, and ensure sleeping quarters meet federal standards, increasing administrative and infrastructure costs.

Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope

National

Compliance Cost

Moderate

Who is Affected
Transportation CompaniesWorkers/LaborersState Governments

Key Dates

Published

July 1, 2025

Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
49 CFR Part 228

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.