Railroad Pushes for Approval of One-Person Train Crew Safety Experiment
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Notice
Summary
First Coast Railroad wants to run trains with just one crew member instead of two. The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing their request to make sure it’s just as safe before giving the green light. People have until May 14, 2026, to share their thoughts, and if approved, this could change how some trains operate and possibly save money.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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
2026-09792 — 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 everyone can breathe easy for now!
2026-09791 — Certification of Dispatchers
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel the rule that would have required railroad dispatchers to get certified. This affects dispatchers and the rail companies that employ them, potentially saving time and money by avoiding new certification steps. You’ve got until July 14, 2026, to share your thoughts on this change!
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 their safety-related workers. This means better training, tougher qualifications, and stronger oversight to keep everyone safer on the rails. The new rules affect all safety-related railroad employees and may require companies to spend more time and money improving their training programs.
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.
2026-08310 — Notice of Petition for Amendment to Waiver of Compliance
BNSF Railway wants to extend the time between air brake system tests on certain locomotives from 184 days to even longer. This change affects rail safety rules and could save time and money for BNSF and other railroads using these brake systems. The public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026, before the Federal Railroad Administration makes a decision.
2026-08311 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad wants to keep using some super old rail cars—like cabooses and a camp car—that are over 50 years old without following certain new safety rules about stenciling and glazing. They’ve asked for more time to keep this special permission, and the public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026. This helps DGVR keep their vintage trains running smoothly without extra costs or changes for now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07180 — Notice of Open Public Hearing
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is holding a public hearing on April 30, 2026, to explore how China is aiming to dominate global data and technology. This affects anyone interested in national security and tech competition, with no cost to attend either in person or online. The hearing will dig into China’s strategies in areas like AI, space, and healthcare, helping Congress understand the risks and opportunities ahead.
Next: 2026-07182 — Petitions for Special Approval of One-Person Train Crew Operations
Georgia Central Railway wants to run trains with just one crew member instead of two on two routes in Georgia. The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing their safety petition and asking the public to share thoughts by May 14, 2026. If approved, this could change how trains operate and might save money, but only if it’s as safe or safer than having two crew members.