Amtrak Tunes Up Train Safety Net Without Derailing Schedules

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.

2026-04449 — Northeast Illinois Regional Corporation's Request To Amend Its Positive Train Control System

The Northeast Illinois Regional Corporation wants to update its Positive Train Control (PTC) system by scheduling two planned outages for important maintenance and firewall upgrades. This affects train safety tech and requires public feedback by March 26, 2026. These upgrades aim to keep trains running safely without costing extra money or causing long delays.

Previous: 2026-04700 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a public meeting on March 31, 2026, to gather ideas from commercial fishers about Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs). They want to explore changes to these fishing zones to better handle climate change effects, using science and industry feedback. This could impact how and where fishers work, helping protect fish stocks while supporting the fishing community.

Next: 2026-04705 — Sunshine Act Meetings

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is holding a closed meeting on March 26, 2026, to discuss a specific mine safety case involving GMS Mine Repair & Maintenance, Inc. This meeting affects the Commission and related staff, with no public access or direct cost impact. The focus is on legal questions about enforcing safety rules and past judge decisions.