1 Jul 2025
🚂Proposed Rule on Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variations
Expanding Certain Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variations
Summary
FRA proposes to amend its locomotive safety regulations to expand the maximum permitted variation in diameter for locomotive wheel sets using alternating current technology, in response to a Class I railroad's May 2019 petition for rulemaking and innovations in traction motor control.
Agencies
- Transportation Department
- Federal Railroad Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed rule expands locomotive wheel set diameter variations, which could lead to substantial cost savings for railroad operators by decreasing out-of-service time and boosting wheel life. This change indicates compliance requirements that directly affect operational costs and efficiencies in the rail industry.