FRA begs for feedback on their info-grabbing plans
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect info from the public to help them do their job better. They’re asking for comments by October 13, 2026, to make sure the process is clear, useful, and not too much work. This affects anyone who might provide info to the FRA and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork burden hours reduced overall
FRA revised its estimate of paperwork burden for the RRP information collection from 60,860 hours to 31,192 total annual hours. FRA also reports the Total Estimated Annual Responses are 426 and the Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent is $2,812,135.77.
Safety outreach burden drastically cut
FRA reduced the estimated burden for the safety outreach program under Sec. 271.107 from 44,333 hours to 50 hours to reflect only the time spent managing and developing outreach materials (e.g., emails, pamphlets, videos).
Risk Reduction Program required for railroads
If you operate a Class I freight railroad or a freight railroad identified with inadequate safety performance (ISP), you must develop and implement a written Risk Reduction Program (RRP) that includes a Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP). The RRP must be FRA-approved, include an annual internal assessment, and FRA will audit railroad RRPs; Class II and III freight railroads may voluntarily comply but must remain in the program for a minimum period of 5 years if they opt in.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-19031, Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only With Flashing Lights or Passive Warning Devices (Supplement)
The Federal Railroad Administration is stepping up safety for railroad crews pushing or shoving trains across crossings with just flashing lights or passive warnings. After more accidents, including one death, they’re adding new rules: railroads must hold in-person safety briefings and review training programs. These changes aim to keep workers safer without extra costs or delays.
2026-18981, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect information from the public and railroad companies. They’re checking if the questions they ask are useful, clear, and not too much work. You’ve got until November 16, 2026, to share your ideas before they ask for official approval, and this won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time!
2026-18982, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan that helps them do their job better. If you’re involved with railroads or just curious, you can comment by November 16, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might ask for some time to share your input online.
2026-18986, Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now in charge of handling environmental reviews for railroad projects instead of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This change means ODOT must follow strict rules and is responsible for making sure projects meet environmental laws. The FRA is checking ODOT’s work with yearly audits for the next four years, and everyone can comment on the first audit report by October 16, 2026.
2026-17996, Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reminding railroads and their workers to stick to 'restricted speed' rules to keep trains safe. This comes after seven recent accidents where trains didn’t slow down enough, especially in areas with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. Railroads need to double-check their training and testing to make sure everyone can stop trains safely, or else risk more accidents and possible fines.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16592, 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.
Next: 2026-16594, Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of its continuing efforts to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on a continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on a proposed information collection project titled Data Collection for the Residential Care Community and Adult Day Services Center Components of the National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study. The purpose is to collect data for the residential care community and adult day services center components for the 2027 wave of the National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study.