FRA's Routine Call for Comments on Unchanged Railroad Data Collection
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants to keep collecting some info from railroad folks and is asking the public to share thoughts by May 14, 2026. No one commented during the first 60-day review, so now it’s the last call before the paperwork gets a final thumbs-up or thumbs-down. This process helps make sure the info collected isn’t too much work or cost for those involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Records to Protect Railroad Workers
Railroad operators of remotely controlled switches must keep a record of each protection request for 15 days so workers inspecting or servicing rolling equipment or occupied camp cars are protected. FRA and State inspectors, as well as railroad supervisors, use these records to document and monitor worker protection under 49 CFR 218.30 and 218.77.
Paperwork Burden on Railroads
The information collection (OMB Control No. 2130-0516) affects 53 railroads and is estimated to produce 1,837,850 annual responses, totaling 22,973 hours of burden and an annual dollar cost equivalent of $1,656,812.76. FRA is seeking OMB approval as an extension without change and is accepting public comments until May 14, 2026.
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