FRA Seeks Input on Train Paperwork: Comment by February Deadline
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan that helps them do their job better. If you’re involved with railroads or just curious, you can comment by February 2, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might ask for some time to share your views and help make things clearer and easier.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroads Must File Special Repair Notices
If you are a railroad, you must use FRA forms (FRA F 6180.8 and FRA F 6180.8a) to notify FRA in writing when a locomotive, car, or track is returned to service or restored. FRA estimates the respondent universe is 754 railroads, with a total of 7 annual responses, 3 total annual burden hours, and a total annual dollar-equivalent cost of $222.82; comments on this information collection are due February 2, 2026.
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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: 2025-21845, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on February 6, 2026, to review grant applications in chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics. These meetings are private to protect sensitive information like trade secrets and personal details. Scientists applying for grants and NIH staff are the main players, with no direct cost or public access changes announced.
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The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 9, 2026, to review grant applications about heart and lung diseases. These meetings are private to protect secret research info and personal details. Scientists applying for grants should note this important review date, but no new changes or costs are involved.