Railroads Seek Input on New Paperwork Burdens from FRA
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants to collect some new information and is asking the public to share their thoughts by March 20, 2026. This affects anyone who deals with railroad paperwork, but so far, no one has commented. The agency is making sure the process is clear and fair before moving forward, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Inspectors' Power to Remove Equipment and Slow Tracks
Under 49 CFR part 216, FRA and State inspectors may issue Special Notices for Repairs and use the returned information to remove freight cars, passenger equipment, and locomotives from service until they are restored to serviceable condition. Inspectors may also reduce the maximum authorized speed on a section of track until repairs are made.
Paperwork Duty on Railroads and Burden
Under OMB Control Number 2130-0504, 754 railroads are in the respondent universe for a Special Notice for Repairs information collection. FRA estimates a total of 7 annual responses, 3 total annual burden hours, and a total annual burden-hour dollar equivalent of $222.82 for this collection.
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: 2026-03146 — 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 information requests, and you have until March 20, 2026, to share your comments. No big costs or changes yet—just a chance to weigh in before the paperwork gets the green light!
Next: 2026-03148 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants to collect some info and is asking the public to share their thoughts by March 20, 2026. This affects anyone who deals with railroad paperwork, but so far, no one has commented. The agency is making sure the process is clear and fair before moving forward, with no new costs expected.