More FRA paperwork approval begging for public input.
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Notice
Summary
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork burden on passenger rail operators
If you operate a passenger rail service, FRA estimates the information-collection burden is 233 total annual responses, totaling 1,781 hours and a dollar-equivalent cost of $164,516.50. The respondent universe is 32 passenger rail operations plus 1 new passenger rail operation and responses are submitted on occasion under OMB Control Number 2130-0599.
Must adopt System Safety Program and FRMP
If you run a passenger rail operation, you must develop and implement a System Safety Program (SSP) that includes a Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP). Each SSP must be fully implemented within 36 months of FRA approval, and FRA will audit compliance and use collected information to confirm adherence to the rule.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16593, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.
2026-15724, High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards
This NPRM seeks to amend the noise emission regulations to address the unique noise emission characteristics of trains operating at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour (mph). Specifically, the proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph, and also provide a special approval process for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 220 mph. This alternative noise emission standard and compliance process would effectively remove an existing regulatory barrier to the railroad industry for high-speed rail operations, while continuing to protect public health and welfare. Existing noise emission limits for all train operations at speeds up to 160 mph would continue to apply, and these existing limits would remain available for demonstrating compliance at higher speeds as well.
2026-15605, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors; English Language Proficiency and Other Requirements
FRA proposes to amend its regulations governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors to establish English language proficiency as a requirement for a railroad carrier to certify and recertify locomotive engineers and conductors. FRA also proposes that each railroad carrier conducting a triennial examination of skill performance, and an annual operational monitoring observation for locomotive engineers, which are current requirements, conduct those examinations and observations without engaging energy management systems that limit the need for a locomotive engineer to operate the throttle or braking systems. Further, FRA proposes to codify limitations on operations at the southern border, including a 10 route-mile geographic limitation, to ensure domestic training, testing, and certification requirements for Mexican crew members are adequate. In addition, FRA proposes changes to clarify that a locomotive engineer or conductor's territorial qualification is limited to the specific direction of travel traversed during the qualification process.
2026-14328, Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
CSX Transportation asked the Federal Railroad Administration to let some of their long-haul trains run up to 1,785 miles before needing certain brake tests and inspections. This change affects trains on approved routes with special safety detectors and aims to keep safety strong while making operations smoother. People can share their thoughts on this by September 14, 2026.
2026-14324, Notice of Petition for Amendment of Waiver of Compliance
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.
2026-14161, Certification of Signal Employees; Extension of Comment Period
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is giving signal employees and their representatives more time to share their thoughts on a proposed rule change. This rule would cancel the current requirement for signal employees to be certified, which could affect how these workers are trained and checked. The comment period is now extended until August 13, 2026, so everyone can weigh in before any final decisions are made.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16589, Paperwork Reduction Act; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Revisions of Currently Approved Collection: Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants To Address Local Drug Crisis (CARA) Local Drug Crisis Program National Evaluation
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announces it will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) an information collection request.
Next: 2026-16593, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.