[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 116 (Friday, June 14, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 30280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15116]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket Number H-95-1]


Addendum to a Test Program for a Conditional Waiver; National 
Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)

    In accordance with 49 CFR Part 211, notice is hereby given that 
Amtrak has requested an addendum to the previously granted temporary 
waiver of compliance with specific requirements of certain parts of 
Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations in order to conduct a 
limited demonstration of a passenger trainset, the IC3 ``Flexiliner''.
    Amtrak was granted conditional waivers from sections of Railroad 
Safety Appliance Standards (49 CFR Part 231), Railroad Safety Glazing 
Standards (49 CFR Part 223) and Railroad Track Safety Standards (49 CFR 
Part 213) (see FR 28011, May 26, 1995, for complete description). The 
waivers permit Amtrak, and a number of potential sponsors, including 
state departments of transportation and commuter agencies, to 
demonstrate and operate in revenue service the Flexiliner trainset, a 
three-car, articulated, diesel hydraulic, multiple unit trainset built 
by ABA Scandia A/S for the Danish State Railway (DSB).
    The conditional waiver pertained to one 3-unit IC3 Flexiliner 
trainset, and since that time a second trainset has been added. Amtrak 
says this is necessary because of the limited amount of seating 
available on one trainset, and the expected passenger loads on the 
proposed routes require more seating.
    Amtrak requested relief from the Railroad Locomotive Safety 
Standard, 49 CFR 229.131, Sanders, which requires that each locomotive 
shall be equipped with operable sanders that deposit sand on each rail 
in front of the first powered operated wheel set in the direction of 
movement. The IC3 Flexiliner trainsets are not equipped with sanders. 
They are equipped with magnetic track brakes which are activated when 
the train brakes are applied in emergency. Air pressure forces the 
brakes to the rail and battery voltage causes a strong magnetic field 
to develop a significant retardation force. Magnetic track brakes are 
common in Europe and were used in this country on the X2000 and ICE 
trainsets during their recent demonstration trials.
    Due to the impending arrival of the IC3 Flexiliner trainsets at the 
Port of Baltimore, Maryland, FRA has, on a temporary basis, 
conditionally waived compliance with the relevant portions of the rail 
safety regulations. FRA has, however, reserved the right to withdraw 
such approval upon receipt by FRA of public comment raising substantial 
issues of safety.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proceeding by 
submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in connection with this proceeding since 
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party 
desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in 
writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for 
their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number H-95-1) 
and must be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, Nassif Building, 400 
Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590. Communications received 
within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice will be 
considered before final action is taken. Comments received after that 
date will be considered as far as practicable. All written 
communications concerning these proceedings are available for 
examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in Room 8201, 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on June 10, 1996.
Phil Olekszyk,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Compliance and Program 
Implementation.
[FR Doc. 96-15116 Filed 6-13-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P