FRA Drops $2B Rail Safety Grant Bomb: Apply Before June Deadline!

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: 2026-07822 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Concerning New Transaction Reporting Capability for Members That Maintain Clearing Relationships With Another Member

The National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) is rolling out a new feature that lets members share transaction info with other members they work with, but only if they say it’s okay. This change helps members who clear trades together get better info faster, with no extra fees or delays announced. The Securities and Exchange Commission gave the green light in April 2026, so members can start using this soon.

Next: 2026-07824 — Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Years 2025-2026 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for Projects Located on the Northeast Corridor (Partnership-NEC)

The Federal Railroad Administration is offering nearly $4.75 billion in grants for 2025-2026 to improve passenger rail projects on the Northeast Corridor. States and partners can apply for this funding to upgrade trains, tracks, and stations, but they must submit their applications by May 5, 2026. This is a big chance to boost faster, safer, and better train travel in the Northeast!