Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Ronald L. Batory deemed the COVID-19 outbreak as an “emergency situation” under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §211.45 and, as of March 13, 2020, activated the FRA Emergency Relief Docket (FRA-2020-0002). Under an emergency situation the FRA can expedite its granting of regulatory waivers tied to the emergency. The Association of American Railroads (AAR), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) were signatory to a petition dated March 21, 2020, seeking relief from a broad range of regulations, including extension to timelines for signal equipment testing under 49 CFR parts 234 and 236, see attached. The FRA responded by letter dated March 25, 2020, partially granting the AAR’s request, see attached. The BRS will continue to monitor the regulatory activity and file comments as necessary to ensure that the safety of our members and the public in not put in jeopardy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Request for Relief in FRA Emergency Docket FRA-2020-0002 related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
FRA Emergency Relief Docket No. FRA-2020-0002
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