BNSF Seeks to Delay Locomotive Safety Checks Until Track Entry
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
BNSF Railway wants to change when they do safety checks on their remote control locomotives, asking to delay a required test until the first time the train moves on a protected track instead of within two hours of a shift starting. This affects BNSF’s train crews and aims to keep safety strong while making operations smoother. The public can share their thoughts by February 11, 2026, before the decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
May Increase Yard Pullback Protection Use
BNSF says the requested relief could promote greater use of remote control pullback protection within rail yards, which the company suggests could lead to better safety outcomes for yard operations. The company argues the change would not eliminate the safety check and could encourage wider adoption of the Pullback System.
Timing of Remote-Control Safety Check Change
BNSF asked FRA to let its remote-control locomotive operators delay a required conditioning run from within 2 hours after the start of each shift to the first time the locomotive moves on the track protected by the Pullback System. The petition (dated August 27, 2025) would keep the conditioning run but let the operator verify the system when they reach the transponder point instead of within the 2-hour window.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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