Feds Want Thoughts on Railroad Info Sharing Changes
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a new paperwork plan they want to use. They already asked once and got no comments, so now they’re giving everyone 30 more days to speak up before the plan gets a final thumbs-up. This affects anyone who deals with FRA paperwork and won’t cost extra money but might change how info is collected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroads and States must report crossing data
Railroads, the 50 States, and the District of Columbia must submit information to the U.S. DOT National Highway‑Rail Crossing Inventory (OMB Control Number 2130-0017) about highway‑rail and pathway crossings and periodically update existing crossing data. The FRA estimates a respondent universe of 646 railroads, 50 States, and DC, with Total Estimated Annual Responses of 225,145, Total Estimated Annual Burden of 9,857 hours, and a dollar cost equivalent of $878,539.56. FRA is seeking public comment by January 20, 2026, as part of its Paperwork Reduction Act review.
You may refuse collections without valid OMB number
The FRA informs respondents that the agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, any information collection that does not display a currently valid OMB control number. This is a legal protection for entities asked to provide information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice identifies the current OMB Control Number for the Crossing Inventory as 2130-0017.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06198 — Notice of Petition for Special Approval of Alternative Standard
IS Technology Solutions asked the Federal Railroad Administration to approve a new way to test single railcar air brakes using an automatic device instead of the old manual method. This change could speed up testing and reduce how often the device needs calibration, saving time and effort. People involved in railroad safety and equipment testing should share their thoughts by April 30, 2026.
2026-04272 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, Lackawanna County, and Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad Company want to keep their special permission to skip some railroad safety rules for their shared tracks. They asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend this waiver, and the public can share their thoughts by April 3, 2026. This helps these groups keep things running smoothly without extra costs or delays while staying safe.
2026-04117 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation wants to keep using three super old cabooses without following some usual safety rules about painting and reflectors. These cabooses won’t carry freight but will be used for photos and movies. People have until April 1, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
2025-12124 — Amendments to the Federal Railroad Administration's Procedures for Service of Documents in Railroad Safety Enforcement Proceedings
The Federal Railroad Administration is updating its rules to require sending safety enforcement documents electronically, making things faster and easier. This change affects railroad companies and anyone involved in safety cases, with new steps for handling fines too. These updates kick in soon and aim to keep everything clear and up-to-date without extra costs.
2025-12364 — Revision of National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
The FHWA, FRA, and FTA are updating their rules to make environmental reviews faster and simpler, following new laws and removed regulations. This change affects anyone involved in big infrastructure projects and starts right away, aiming to cut delays and save money. The agencies will keep listening for ideas to improve these rules even more.
2026-04701 — The National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request To Amend Its Positive Train Control System
Amtrak wants to update its safety system that helps prevent train crashes, called Positive Train Control (PTC). This change affects Amtrak trains and aims to keep passengers safer without causing delays or extra costs. The public can share their thoughts by March 30, 2026, before the update moves forward.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23311 — Response to Comments for the Department of Veterans Affairs to Assess the Current Scientific Literature and Historical Detailed Claims Data Regarding Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Kidney Cancer
The VA heard from veterans and the public about how exposure to PFAS chemicals might be linked to kidney cancer. They’re carefully reviewing all the science and past claims to decide if kidney cancer should be officially recognized as a service-related condition, which could speed up benefits for affected veterans. This process is ongoing, with no changes yet, but it’s a big step toward helping those who served and were exposed.
Next: 2025-23313 — AAVIN Mezzanine Fund, LP; Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company
AAVIN Mezzanine Fund, LP has officially given up its license to operate as a Small Business Investment Company. This means they won’t be making new investments under this program anymore. The change is effective immediately, so small businesses looking for funding from AAVIN under this license will need to look elsewhere.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in