Railroads Get Another Chance to Comment on Federal Forms
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for public feedback on its plan to collect information from railroads, aiming to reduce paperwork and improve safety tracking. This affects railroad companies who’ll see fewer forms to fill out, with comments due by November 30, 2026. FRA is making sure the new rules fit better with how railroads actually work, saving time and hassle without cutting corners.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork estimates reduced for railroads
FRA revised downward its estimates of paperwork for safety outreach and other administrative tasks tied to the Risk Reduction Program (RRP). The ICR lists a total estimated annual burden of 31,192 hours and a dollar cost equivalent of $2,812,135.77 across 426 annual responses.
RRP and FRMP remain required for certain railroads
Class I freight railroads and freight railroads with inadequate safety performance (ISP) must develop and implement a Risk Reduction Program (RRP) that includes a Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP). A railroad that volunteers for RRP must continue to comply with the rule's requirements for a minimum period of five years.
FRMP reporting consolidated under one ICR
FRA consolidated the FRMP administrative burden hours that were previously reported under OMB Control Number 2130-0633 into the central RRP ICR (OMB Control Number 2130-0610). The consolidated table in the ICR explicitly accounts for recurring FRMP administrative workflows such as plan development, risk analysis, employee consultation, FRA review meetings, and plan amendments.
Estimated ISP and voluntary compliance counts updated
FRA updated its estimates for operations with inadequate safety performance (ISP) from 15 down to 2, and simultaneously estimated an increase in voluntarily compliant railroads from 0 to 10. FRA says this revised estimate reflects implementation experience and will be reevaluated in the next ICR renewal cycle.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-22068, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on their plan to collect some info from passenger rail operators. They want to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much and are inviting comments until November 30, 2026. This affects rail companies who’ll spend about 2 hours on safety assessments, helping keep trains safe without breaking the bank or wasting time.
Next: 2026-22070, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
If you want to buy shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They’re checking to make sure everything’s fair and safe before you take control. If you’re interested, you have until November 13, 2026, to share your thoughts—so don’t wait!