Railroads Keep Leaky Cars If Indicators Work
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) wants to keep using rail cars with special cushioning units even if they leak a bit, as long as a safety indicator shows they still work. This extension helps railroad workers avoid risky and heavy repairs. People can share their thoughts on this by April 2, 2025, and no extra costs are expected right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver lets leaking cushion units stay in service
The Association of American Railroads asked FRA on December 26, 2024 for more time to keep using rail cars whose end-of-car cushioning units leak small droplets, even though 49 CFR 215.127(c)(1) normally forbids that. AAR would allow a car to remain in service if the cushioning unit has a unit condition indicator that shows it is functioning; AAR says this has protected railroad employees from exposure to switching hazards and avoided unnecessary heavy repairs.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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