Federal Railroad Admin Seeks Comments on Boring Paperwork Plan
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan before they ask for official approval. This affects anyone who deals with railroad paperwork and aims to make the process clearer and less time-consuming. You’ve got until February 2, 2026, to share your ideas—no money changes yet, just a chance to help shape the rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork burden estimates sharply cut
The Federal Railroad Administration says the estimated paperwork burden for its Certification of Glazing Materials collection falls from 262 hours to 105 hours and estimated responses drop from 25,426 to 210. The OMB control number is 2130-0525, the respondent universe is 25 railroads and 3 manufacturers, and the total annual burden cost equivalent is $7,405.65.
Marked-tool requirement estimate reduced
FRA adjusted the estimate for Sec. 223.3(c) about marked tools and instructions for emergency windows, showing 200 marked tools across 25 railroads with a 30-minute average per response and a total annual burden of 100 hours. The table lists a wage rate equivalent cost of $6,960 for this item.
Manufacturer marking excluded from PRA burden
FRA determined that the Appendix A requirement to identify and mark each unit of glazing material is part of normal manufacturing practice, so marking is excluded from coverage under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This exclusion reduces the estimated burden by 52 hours and the table shows 3 manufacturers with a total cost equivalent of $445.65.
Waiver filings removed after 2022 rule
Because a November 17, 2022 final rule excluded certain locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars (built or rebuilt before July 1, 1980, and operated at speeds not exceeding 30 miles per hour in low-risk settings) from part 223, FRA removed previously reported waiver requests under Sec. 223.11, 223.13, and 223.15, reducing the estimated burden by 5 hours.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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