Signal Workers Dodge Certification Bullet in Latest FRA Reversal Proposal
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rescind Signal Employee Certification
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes to remove 49 CFR part 246 in its entirety, which would eliminate the 2024 rule requiring railroads to develop written programs to certify signal employees. The 2024 rule had required Class I and commuter railroads to submit programs by March 17, 2025, and Class II and Class III railroads by November 12, 2025; rescission would remove those submission and certification obligations.
Estimated $9.4M Ten-Year Savings
FRA estimates that rescinding the 2024 certification rule would result in a 10-year cost savings of $9.4 million (present value, 7 percent) and would eliminate estimated 10-year benefits of $2.9 million (present value, 7 percent). The 2024 final rule had estimated net costs of $6.5 million (PV, 7%) and annualized net costs of $0.9 million (PV, 7%).
No Enforcement During Review
FRA states it will exercise enforcement discretion and will not take enforcement action based on the current deadlines in 49 CFR 246.103(a)-(b) and 246.105(c)-(e) while this rescission rulemaking is pending. In practice, FRA is not enforcing the March 17, 2025 and November 12, 2025 submission deadlines for certification programs during the pendency of this NPRM.
Possible 6–12 Month Compliance Extension
If FRA decides not to rescind the rule, it proposes to extend the compliance dates by approximately six to twelve months from the effective date of a new final rule to give railroads extra time to comply. That proposed extension would delay liability for noncompliance during the extended period.
End Information-Collection Burden
FRA intends to discontinue the information collection associated with the 2024 certification rule (OMB Control No. 2130-0638) when a final rule is published, removing the related recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The recordkeeping and reporting requirements were previously approved by OMB on June 6, 2024.
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
2026-09791 — 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.
2026-08738 — Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Request for Approval To Begin Field Testing on Its Positive Train Control Network
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wants to let CSX Transportation test its Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system on two MBTA train lines. This testing will help make sure trains run safer and smoother using new tech. The public can share their thoughts by June 4, 2026, before the tests kick off, with no big costs or delays expected.
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.
2026-08253 — Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors: Incorporation of Longstanding C3RS Waivers
Starting May 28, 2026, train engineers and conductors working for railroads in the FRA’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) get official relief from some certification rules they've followed under special waivers. This change makes those waivers permanent, cutting red tape without risking safety. Railroads and their crews save time and hassle while keeping trains running safely and smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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!
Next: 2026-09801 — Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders
If you own a Stemme S 12 glider, heads up! The FAA wants you to regularly check your fuel system for leaks caused by certain copper rings and replace any faulty ones. This keeps your glider safe and stops risky fuel leaks, with comments on the plan due by June 29, 2026.