Train Crew Size Safety Requirements - American Public Transportation Association

Cite and link to the new requirement:

FRA, Train Crew Size Safety Requirements

2022-15540.pdf (govinfo.gov)

Type of requirement:

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Summary of requirement in 25 words or less:

FRA proposes regulations establishing safe minimum requirements for the size of train crews depending on the type of operation. A minimum requirement of two crewmembers is proposed for all railroad operations, with exceptions proposed for those operations that do not pose significant safety risks to railroad employees, the public, or the environment. FRA proposes a special approval procedure to allow railroads to petition FRA to continue legacy operations with one-person train crews and allow any railroad to petition FRA for approval to initiate a new train operation with fewer than two crewmembers.

How is it enforced by FTA, DOT, Direct grant requirement, triennial review or other?

FRA has direct enforcement authority of this regulation through its inspection program.

Is there a cost or time impact to grantees (best estimate):

FRA estimates the 10-year costs of the proposed rule to be $2.0 million, discounted at 7 percent. The annualized costs would be $0.3 million discounted at 7 percent. It also estimates the time burden for a railroad to prepare a petition will be 40 hours per petition for legacy train operations and 48 hours per petition for new operations. The proposed special approval procedure is expected to take 120 days once a railroad submits a petition for special approval.