Trains Get Brake Check Break: Safety Record Pays Off

2026-13785 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a paperwork plan they want to keep using. This plan affects people and businesses involved with railroads and won’t cost extra money or add new forms. You’ve got until August 7, 2026, to share your ideas before the government makes a final call.

2026-13787 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a new paperwork plan they want to send to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. This affects anyone who deals with FRA’s info requests, but so far, no one has shared any comments. You’ve got until August 7, 2026, to speak up before the paperwork gets the green light, and there’s no expected cost change for those involved.

2026-13296 — Petition for Approval of Test Program

Union Pacific Railroad wants to test a new locomotive control system that could make train operations safer by letting operators control trains right where the work happens. To do this, they’re asking the government to temporarily pause some safety rules during the test. If approved, the public can share their thoughts by August 31, 2026, and this test could change how trains run without extra costs for now.

2026-12849 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

The Virginia Museum of Transportation asked for a special pass to skip removing a fragile brick inside their steam locomotive during yearly inspections. They say taking the brick out usually breaks it, but they can still check it well enough with less damage. People have until August 24, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could save time and money while keeping the train safe.

2026-11515 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) wants to renew a special permission to skip some brake tests on their transfer trains because their blast furnace is firing back up in 2026. This means trains will start running again, and they need the waiver to keep things moving smoothly without extra brake checks. The public can share their thoughts by August 10, 2026, before the decision is made.

2026-11516 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance

St. Mary's Railway West wants to keep its special safety break that lets train workers report close calls without fear of punishment. This helps everyone stay safer by encouraging honest sharing of near-misses. The public can share their thoughts on this by August 10, 2026, but no money changes are involved.

Previous: 2026-02968 — Determination of Regulatory Review Period for Purposes of Patent Extension; ALYFTREK

The FDA has set the official review period for ALYFTREK, a new drug, so its patent holder can apply for extra patent time. This helps the company protect their invention longer, potentially delaying generic competition and affecting drug prices. If anyone thinks the dates are wrong or wants to challenge the company’s review speed, they have until April or August 2026 to speak up.

Next: 2026-02970 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park wants to keep using an old railcar without following some modern safety rules about painting and reflectors. They’re asking for more time to keep this special waiver because the car is used mainly for fun rides and special events. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until March 16, 2026, to speak up!