FRA Dusts Off Old Paperwork Rules in Boring Cleanup
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FRA is cleaning up its rules by removing 13 outdated mentions of paperwork approvals and control numbers that no longer need to be there. This change affects anyone who reads or follows FRA regulations but won’t cost money or change how things work. It’s just a smart, simple update to keep things clear and current.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13785 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a paperwork plan they want to keep using. This plan affects people and businesses involved with railroads and won’t cost extra money or add new forms. You’ve got until August 7, 2026, to share your ideas before the government makes a final call.
2026-13787 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a new paperwork plan they want to send to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. This affects anyone who deals with FRA’s info requests, but so far, no one has shared any comments. You’ve got until August 7, 2026, to speak up before the paperwork gets the green light, and there’s no expected cost change for those involved.
2026-13296 — Petition for Approval of Test Program
Union Pacific Railroad wants to test a new locomotive control system that could make train operations safer by letting operators control trains right where the work happens. To do this, they’re asking the government to temporarily pause some safety rules during the test. If approved, the public can share their thoughts by August 31, 2026, and this test could change how trains run without extra costs for now.
2026-12849 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
The Virginia Museum of Transportation asked for a special pass to skip removing a fragile brick inside their steam locomotive during yearly inspections. They say taking the brick out usually breaks it, but they can still check it well enough with less damage. People have until August 24, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could save time and money while keeping the train safe.
2026-11515 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) wants to renew a special permission to skip some brake tests on their transfer trains because their blast furnace is firing back up in 2026. This means trains will start running again, and they need the waiver to keep things moving smoothly without extra brake checks. The public can share their thoughts by August 10, 2026, before the decision is made.
2026-11516 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
St. Mary's Railway West wants to keep its special safety break that lets train workers report close calls without fear of punishment. This helps everyone stay safer by encouraging honest sharing of near-misses. The public can share their thoughts on this by August 10, 2026, but no money changes are involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-12179 — Miscellaneous Amendments to FRA's Accident Reporting Regulations
This update makes it easier and faster for railroads to report accidents by letting them send documents online and giving them more time to finish some forms. It also cleans up old, repeated rules to keep things simple. Railroads will save time and avoid confusion, with no extra costs involved.
Next: 2025-12186 — Regulatory Relief To Allow Speeds Up to 45 MPH for Non-Traversable Curbs
This new rule lets trains go up to 45 mph near certain curbs that used to slow them down. It affects train operators and helps keep traffic moving smoothly without extra delays. The change matches past safety approvals and aims to save time without costing more money.