Rule/Notice/NOFO: Special Approval Procedure for an Alternative Standard to Periodic Brake Equipment Maintenance for Passenger Vehicles Equipped with Stadler GTW and FLIRT Brake Equipment
Federal Register/Notice: Decision Letter
Description: APTA petitioned the FRA for special approval under 49 CFR § 238.21, Special approval procedure, for an alternative standard to 49 CFR § 238.309, Periodic brake equipment maintenance, for brake equipment found on Stadler GTW and FLIRT vehicles. Specifically, APTA asked FRA to initiate an Age Exploration Program (AgeEx Program) to evaluate extending the air brake maintenance cycle for Stadler GTW and FLIRT brake equipment from 736 days to “a minimum of 1,840 days” (5 years). APTA’s request pertains to TexRail, DCTA, Metrolink, CMTY, and DART’s multiple units (MUs) equipped with electro-pneumatic (EP) brake systems designed by Knorr-Bremse Air Brake Company (Knorr). FRA’s Railroad Safety Board reviewed the petition, the public comment received, and the technical staff findings. The Board decided that allowing testing of up to a 10-year maintenance cycle is justified based on experience with similar brake systems. Accordingly, the Board grants the special approval subject to certain conditions and approves the identified APTA member railroads to evaluate the air brake maintenance cycle for the Stadler GTW and FLIRT brake equipment.
APTA Staff Advisors: Taria Barron, tbarron@apta.com; Bryan Sooter, bsooter@apta.com
