Short-Line Railroads Seek Extended Work-Hour Flexibility
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association wants to add 8 more railroads to a special rule that changes work-hour limits for train workers. This affects those railroads and their employees by allowing some flexibility in hours, with safety training included. The public can share their thoughts by September 14, 2026, before any decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Eight Railroads Seek HOS Waiver
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association asked the Federal Railroad Administration to amend an existing hours-of-service waiver to add eight named railroads: Northeast Atlanta Railroad; Columbia Basin Railroad; Central Washington Railroad; Waterloo Railroad; Cimmaron Valley Railroad; Kansas City West Bottom Railroad; Oregon Eastern Railroad; and Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railroad. If you work for one of these railroads, your employer is asking that the railroad be covered by the waiver of certain Federal hours-of-service rules in 49 U.S.C. 21103(a)(4). Comments on the petition are due by September 14, 2026 (Docket FRA-2009-0078).
Annual Waiver Training for Participants
ASLRRA states it conducts training multiple times each year for participants covered by the waiver to clarify waiver requirements. If you work for a railroad that participates in the waiver, you may receive that recurring training on the waiver's rules.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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