Feds Want Thoughts on Railroad Info Sharing Changes
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a new paperwork plan they want to use. They already asked once and got no comments, so now they’re giving everyone 30 more days to speak up before the plan gets a final thumbs-up. This affects anyone who deals with FRA paperwork and won’t cost extra money but might change how info is collected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroads and States must report crossing data
Railroads, the 50 States, and the District of Columbia must submit information to the U.S. DOT National Highway‑Rail Crossing Inventory (OMB Control Number 2130-0017) about highway‑rail and pathway crossings and periodically update existing crossing data. The FRA estimates a respondent universe of 646 railroads, 50 States, and DC, with Total Estimated Annual Responses of 225,145, Total Estimated Annual Burden of 9,857 hours, and a dollar cost equivalent of $878,539.56. FRA is seeking public comment by January 20, 2026, as part of its Paperwork Reduction Act review.
You may refuse collections without valid OMB number
The FRA informs respondents that the agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, any information collection that does not display a currently valid OMB control number. This is a legal protection for entities asked to provide information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice identifies the current OMB Control Number for the Crossing Inventory as 2130-0017.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10308 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
Amtrak asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend a break from some safety rules about train brakes and crew training. This affects passenger trains and gives Amtrak more time to meet certain safety standards without penalties. People have until July 21, 2026, to share their thoughts on this extension, which helps keep trains running smoothly while safety updates continue.
2026-10307 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
The Housatonic Railroad Company asked for more time to keep a special rule that lets their train workers work 6 days in a row before getting 24 hours off, instead of the usual 48 hours. This change helps the railroad run smoother and keeps workers less tired. People can share their thoughts on this by July 21, 2026.
2026-09792 — Certification of Signal Employees
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel the rule that required signal employees to be certified. This affects railroad signal workers and companies, giving them more time to weigh in by July 14, 2026. No new costs or deadlines will kick in until the decision is final, so stay tuned!
2026-09791 — Certification of Dispatchers
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel its 2024 rule that would have required railroad dispatchers to get certified. This change affects dispatchers and the rail companies that employ them, potentially saving time and money by avoiding new certification steps. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 14, 2026!
2026-09790 — Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees
Starting July 14, 2026, railroad companies must follow clearer and updated rules for training and checking safety-related workers. This means better training, tougher qualifications, and stronger oversight to keep everyone safer on the rails. The new rule affects all safety-related railroad employees and aims to improve safety without causing big costs or delays.
2026-09443 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
Northern Central Railway of York wants to keep using special rules for the glass on their old steam locomotive No. 17, which runs tourist trips. They’re asking to expand where it can operate to include new tracks between Gettysburg and Mount Holly Springs, PA. People have until July 13, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this helps keep fun train rides rolling without costly upgrades.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23311 — Response to Comments for the Department of Veterans Affairs to Assess the Current Scientific Literature and Historical Detailed Claims Data Regarding Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Kidney Cancer
The VA heard from veterans and the public about how exposure to PFAS chemicals might be linked to kidney cancer. They’re carefully reviewing all the science and past claims to decide if kidney cancer should be officially recognized as a service-related condition, which could speed up benefits for affected veterans. This process is ongoing, with no changes yet, but it’s a big step toward helping those who served and were exposed.
Next: 2025-23313 — AAVIN Mezzanine Fund, LP; Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company
AAVIN Mezzanine Fund, LP has officially given up its license to operate as a Small Business Investment Company. This means they won’t be making new investments under this program anymore. The change is effective immediately, so small businesses looking for funding from AAVIN under this license will need to look elsewhere.