🚆Proposed Information Collection Activities by Federal Railroad Administration
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the information collection and its expected burden. On June 20, 2025, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public comment on the ICR. FRA received no comments in response to the notice.
Learn More🚂Railroads Submit Joint Request to Amend Positive Train Control Plans
This document provides the public with notice that, on July 25, 2025, 21 host railroads submitted a joint request for amendment (RFA) to their FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plans (PTCSP) to implement onboard software Version 6.5.5.0, which would require modifications to the Interoperable Train Control (ITC) Positive Train Control (PTC) Concept of Operations and to the human-machine interface (HMI). As this joint RFA may involve requests for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to FRA-certified PTC systems, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on the railroads' joint RFA to their PTCSPs.
Learn More🚧NEPA Regulation Revisions and Their Impact on Infrastructure Projects
FHWA, FRA, and FTA are publishing this interim final rule (IFR) to modify the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that apply to all three agencies to be consistent with the removal of regulations previously issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, and amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This rule will become effective immediately while the agencies seek comment on what further changes may be appropriate.
Learn More🚂Proposed Rule for Certification of Railroad Engineers and Conductors
FRA proposes to amend its regulations governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors, to codify longstanding waivers that have granted relief from certain certification requirements for railroads that participate in the FRA- sponsored Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C\3\RS). FRA does not intend this NPRM to be a disincentive to railroads implementing alternative close call reporting programs outside C\3\RS, which the agency believes can still positively impact safety culture. FRA would still entertain waiver requests to implement alternative close call reporting programs, as necessary.
Learn More🚆Updates to Critical Incident Stress Plans Regulations for Railroads
This rule makes administrative updates to FRA's critical incident stress plans regulations, including updating addresses in those regulations.
Learn More🚆FRA Repeals Redundant Reporting Requirement for Railroads
FRA is removing one requirement from its regulations governing positive train control (PTC) systems. This rule repeals a redundant regulatory requirement for railroads to file a Report of PTC System Performance (Form FRA F 6180.152) biannually, as the Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 2021 requires railroads to submit that exact report to FRA quarterly.
Learn More🚄Annual Revenue Thresholds for Railroads Effective January 2024
The Surface Transportation Board has released the annual deflator factor and inflation-adjusted revenue thresholds for railroads for 2024, ensuring classification based on actual business growth rather than inflation effects. This update is crucial for compliance with reporting requirements and reflects changes based on current economic data.
Learn More🚂CPKC Seeks Extension of Waiver for Rail Dispatch Compliance
This document provides the public notice that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) petitioned FRA for relief from certain regulations concerning extraterritorial dispatching.
Learn More🚂Proposed Agency Information Collection by the Federal Railroad Administration
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.
Learn More🚆PNWR Railroad Lease Exemption
The Surface Transportation Board has approved Portland & Western Railroad's exemption to lease and operate several rail lines in Oregon from Union Pacific Railroad. This includes details on interchange commitments and lease amendments, highlighting regulatory compliance and operational projections essential for stakeholders in the transportation sector.
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