Union Pacific Asks to Bend Rules for New Train Tech
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
Union Pacific Railroad wants to test a new locomotive control system that could make train operations safer by letting operators control trains right where the work happens. To do this, they’re asking the government to temporarily pause some safety rules during the test. If approved, the public can share their thoughts by August 31, 2026, and this test could change how trains run without extra costs for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Railroad seeks temporary suspension of safety rules
Union Pacific asked the Federal Railroad Administration to allow a test program of a new locomotive control system and to temporarily suspend specific FRA safety rules during the test. The petition seeks suspension of 49 CFR part 218, appendix D(ii)(B)(1) and (2); 49 CFR 229.15(b)(1); 49 CFR 229.311(a); and 49 CFR 236.913(b). The public may submit comments on the petition by August 31, 2026 at www.regulations.gov.
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