Alaska Trains Beg to Brake Less Often—Every 184 Days?
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Alaska Railroad wants permission to test their air brake systems less often—every 184 days instead of 92—on certain locomotives. This change could save time and money while keeping trains safe. The public can share their thoughts by April 16, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
ARRC seeks to join 92→184‑day AFM test waiver
Alaska Railroad (ARRC) petitioned FRA on February 21, 2025 to join an existing waiver that would let it test certain air flow method (AFM) indicators every 184 days instead of every 92 days. The request applies to locomotives equipped with New York Air Brake (NYAB) CCB‑II and Fastbrake air brake systems, and public comments are due April 16, 2025.
Waiver applies to NYAB CCB‑II and Fastbrake locomotives
The existing relief in Docket FRA-2016-0086 allows participating railroads to extend AFM test intervals from 92 days to 184 days only on locomotives equipped with the New York Air Brake (NYAB) CCB‑II and Fastbrake systems. As of FRA's November 26, 2024 letter, the railroads already participating in the relief are BNSF Railway Company, CSX Transportation, and CPKC; ARRC has petitioned to join.
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