Vegas-to-LA Bullet Trains Seek Looser Rules on Metal and Roofs
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Brightline West wants to change some safety rules for their new high-speed trains running between Las Vegas and Southern California. They’re asking for permission to tweak rules about metal parts, emergency communication, and roof safety. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until December 19, 2025, to speak up—this could speed up their service without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Brightline West seeks safety-rule relief
Brightline West filed a petition (docket FRA-2020-0096, letter dated July 24, 2025) asking the Federal Railroad Administration to modify a waiver for Tier III passenger rolling stock that would relieve compliance with parts of 49 CFR parts 229 and 238. The petition specifically requests relief from 49 CFR 229.83, 238.121, and 238.123 about insulation/ground of metal parts, emergency communication, and emergency roof access for trains on the Las Vegas, Nevada to Southern California route.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16593, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect info from the public to help them do their job better. They’re asking for comments by October 13, 2026, to make sure the process is clear, useful, and not too much work. This affects anyone who might provide info to the FRA and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or hassle.
2026-16592, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.
2026-15724, High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards
This NPRM seeks to amend the noise emission regulations to address the unique noise emission characteristics of trains operating at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour (mph). Specifically, the proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph, and also provide a special approval process for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 220 mph. This alternative noise emission standard and compliance process would effectively remove an existing regulatory barrier to the railroad industry for high-speed rail operations, while continuing to protect public health and welfare. Existing noise emission limits for all train operations at speeds up to 160 mph would continue to apply, and these existing limits would remain available for demonstrating compliance at higher speeds as well.
2026-15605, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors; English Language Proficiency and Other Requirements
FRA proposes to amend its regulations governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors to establish English language proficiency as a requirement for a railroad carrier to certify and recertify locomotive engineers and conductors. FRA also proposes that each railroad carrier conducting a triennial examination of skill performance, and an annual operational monitoring observation for locomotive engineers, which are current requirements, conduct those examinations and observations without engaging energy management systems that limit the need for a locomotive engineer to operate the throttle or braking systems. Further, FRA proposes to codify limitations on operations at the southern border, including a 10 route-mile geographic limitation, to ensure domestic training, testing, and certification requirements for Mexican crew members are adequate. In addition, FRA proposes changes to clarify that a locomotive engineer or conductor's territorial qualification is limited to the specific direction of travel traversed during the qualification process.
2026-14324, Notice of Petition for Amendment of Waiver of Compliance
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association wants to add 8 more railroads to a special rule that changes work-hour limits for train workers. This affects those railroads and their employees by allowing some flexibility in hours, with safety training included. The public can share their thoughts by September 14, 2026, before any decision is made.
2026-14328, Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
CSX Transportation asked the Federal Railroad Administration to let some of their long-haul trains run up to 1,785 miles before needing certain brake tests and inspections. This change affects trains on approved routes with special safety detectors and aims to keep safety strong while making operations smoother. People can share their thoughts on this by September 14, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20285, Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
BNSF Railway asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend a special permission that lets them use high-tech tools alongside regular track checks instead of just old-school visual inspections. This extension would cover three big rail areas and last six more months past January 19, 2026. If approved, it means safer tracks with fewer defects, and the public can share their thoughts by December 19, 2025.
Next: 2025-20287, Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) asked for extra time to meet new rules about cameras and audio recorders on their trains. They want to delay installing certain high-tech recording features that track time, use special lighting, and aim precisely. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 19, 2025, so don’t miss out!