Amtrak Tinkers with Train Safety Controls for Smoother Rides
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
Amtrak wants to update its Positive Train Control (PTC) safety plan and system to keep trains running safely and smoothly. This affects Amtrak and anyone who rides or works on their trains. The Federal Railroad Administration is asking for public comments by February 2, 2026, before deciding on these important safety changes—no big cost changes were mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Amtrak Seeks PTC Hardware/Software Changes
Amtrak submitted a Request for Amendment on November 14, 2025 (supplemented January 5, 2026) to change its FRA‑approved Positive Train Control safety plan and Type Approval for its ACSES II system. Amtrak asked to deploy new PTC system hardware and software to support system reliability improvements; the FRA is inviting public comments by February 2, 2026.
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
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-19031, Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only With Flashing Lights or Passive Warning Devices (Supplement)
The Federal Railroad Administration is stepping up safety for railroad crews pushing or shoving trains across crossings with just flashing lights or passive warnings. After more accidents, including one death, they’re adding new rules: railroads must hold in-person safety briefings and review training programs. These changes aim to keep workers safer without extra costs or delays.
2026-18981, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect information from the public and railroad companies. They’re checking if the questions they ask are useful, clear, and not too much work. You’ve got until November 16, 2026, to share your ideas before they ask for official approval, and this won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time!
2026-18982, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 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 November 16, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might ask for some time to share your input online.
2026-18986, Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now in charge of handling environmental reviews for railroad projects instead of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This change means ODOT must follow strict rules and is responsible for making sure projects meet environmental laws. The FRA is checking ODOT’s work with yearly audits for the next four years, and everyone can comment on the first audit report by October 16, 2026.
2026-17996, Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reminding railroads and their workers to stick to 'restricted speed' rules to keep trains safe. This comes after seven recent accidents where trains didn’t slow down enough, especially in areas with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. Railroads need to double-check their training and testing to make sure everyone can stop trains safely, or else risk more accidents and possible fines.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00412, Sunshine Act Meeting; Cancellation
The Securities and Exchange Commission canceled its closed meeting that was set for January 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. This change affects anyone expecting updates or decisions from that meeting, but it won’t impact any money or deadlines. If you need more info, you can contact the SEC’s Office of the Secretary.
Next: 2026-00397, Arms Sales Notification
The U.S. Department of Defense is notifying Congress about a new $46 million arms sale to Ireland, including 44 Javelin missiles and 36 launch units. This sale pushes the deal over the notification limit, so the full package must be reported. The sale includes missiles, launch gear, training, and support, with no sales commissions involved.