[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 97 (Thursday, May 18, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31624-31628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12568]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its 
implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 
hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently 
approved information collection activities. Before submitting these 
information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on 
specific aspects of the activities identified below.

DATES: Comments must be received no later than July 17, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following 
proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of 
Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., NW, Mail Stop 17, Washington, DC 
20590, or Ms. Dian Deal, Office of Information Technology and 
Productivity Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW, Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters 
requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must 
include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ``Comments on OMB 
control number ____.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via 
facsimile to (202) 493-6265 or (202) 493-6170, or E-mail to Mr. Brogan 
at [email protected], or to Ms. Deal at [email protected]. 
Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence 
submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this 
notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information 
collection submission to OMB for approval.

[[Page 31625]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning 
and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW, Mail Stop 17, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6292) or Dian Deal, Office of Information Technology and 
Productivity Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW, Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6133). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Pub. L. 104-13, Sec. 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR Part 1320, 
require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for 
comment on information collection activities before seeking approval 
for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites 
interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed 
information collection activities regarding: (i) Whether the 
information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly 
execute its functions, including whether the activities will have 
practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden 
of the information collection activities, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways 
for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of 
information collection activities on the public by automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1)(i)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will 
promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens 
associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal 
regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will 
advance three objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure 
that it organizes information collection requirements in a ``user 
friendly'' format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) 
accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce the 
information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
    Below is a brief summary of currently approved information 
collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as 
required under the PRA:
    Title: Hours of Service Regulations.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0005.
    Abstract: The collection of information is due to the railroad 
hours of service regulations set forth in 49 CFR Part 228 which require 
railroads to collect the hours of duty for covered employees, and 
records of train movements. Railroads whose employees have exceeded 
maximum duty limitations must report the circumstances. Also, a 
railroad that has developed plans for construction or reconstruction of 
sleeping quarters (Subpart C of 49 CFR part 228) must obtain approval 
of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) by filing a petition 
conforming to the requirements of Sections 228.101, 228.103, and 
228.105.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.3.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 685 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                                                                                           Total annual    Total annual
              CFR section                   Respondent universe       Total annual responses   Average time per response   burden hours     burden cost
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228.11--Hours of Duty Records.........  632 railroads.............  27,375,000 records.......  10 min./2 min............       3,735,166    $130,730,810
228.17--Dispatchers of Train Movements  150 Dispatch Offices......  54,750 records...........  6 hours..................         328,500      11,497,500
228.19--Monthly Reports of Excess       300 railroads.............  1,800 reports............  2 hours..................           3,600          63,000
 Service.
228.103--Construction of Employee       632 railroads.............  1 petition...............  16 hours.................              16             560
 Sleeping Quarters.
45 U.S.C. 61-641--Hours of Service Act  15 railroads..............  15 petitions.............  10 hours.................             150           5,250
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[[Page 31626]]

    Total Responses: 27,431,566.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 4,067,432 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Title: Railroad Operating Rules.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0035.
    Abstract: The collection of information is due to the railroad 
operating rules set forth in 49 CFR part 217 which require Class I and 
Class II railroads to file with FRA copies of their operating rules, 
timetables, and timetable special instructions, and subsequent 
amendments thereto. Class III railroads are required to retain copies 
of these documents at their system headquarters. Also, the collection 
of information is due to 49 CFR 220.21 (b) which requires railroads to 
retain one copy of their current operating rules with respect to radio 
communications and one copy of each subsequent amendment thereto. These 
documents must be available to FRA upon request.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 633 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                                                     Average time per     Total annual burden      Total annual burden
          CFR section              Respondent  universe   Total annual  responses        response                hours                     cost
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217.7--Copy-FRA-operating        1 new railroad.........  2 submission...........  1 hour.............  1 hour.................  $35
 rules, timetables-ClassI/II.
    --Amendments...............  32 railroads...........  96 amendments..........  20 minutes.........  32 hours...............  $1,120
    --Copy of operating rules,   20 new railroads.......  20 submissions.........  .92 hour...........  18 hours...............  $630
     etc.--ClassIII.
    --Amendments...............  632 railroads..........  1,896 amendment........  .25 hour...........  474 hours..............  $16,590
217.9--Copy--prog. for perf. of  20 new railroads.......  20 programs............  9.92 hours.........  198 hours..............  $6,930
 Operational tests.
    --Amendments...............  633 railroads..........  3,165 amendments.......  1.92 hours.........  6,077 hours............  $212,695
    --Op. Test Records.........  633 railroads..........  495,000 test records...  .25 hour...........  123,750 hours..........  $4,331,250
    --Summary-Tests, etc.......  55 railroads...........  55 summaries...........  7 hours............  385 hours..............  $13.475
217.11-Copy--Inst Prog.--        20 new railroads.......  20 programs............  9.92 hours.........  198 hours..............  $6,930
 Employees.
    --Amendments...............  633 railroads..........  75 amendments..........  .92 hour...........  69 hours...............  $2,380
220.21(b)-Copy-Op. Rules--Radio  Incl. under 217.7......  Incl. under 217.7......  Incl. under 217.7..  Incl. under 217.7......  Incl. under 217.7
    --Amendments...............
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    Total Responses: 500,348
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 131,202 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Title: State Safety Participation Regulations and Remedial Actions.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0509.
    Abstract: The collection of information is set forth under 49 CFR 
Part 212, and requires qualified state inspectors to provide various 
reports concerning state investigative, inspection, and and 
surveillance activities regarding railroad compliance with Federal 
railroad safety laws and regulations to FRA for monitoring and 
enforcement purposes. Additionally, railroads are required to report to 
FRA actions taken to remedy certain alleged violations of law.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180. 10, 6180.29/29A/33, 6180.61/67/68/68A/
69/96/96A/96B
    Affected Public: Businesses
    Respondent Universe: States and Railroads
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion
    Reporting Burden:

[[Page 31627]]



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                                                   Respondent                                              Average time
                  CFR section                       universe             Total annual  responses           per response    Total annual    Total annual
                                                    (States)                                                  (hours)      burden hours     burden cost
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--Application For Participation................              15  15 Updates.............................             2.5              38          $1,330
--Training Funding Agreement...................              30  30 Agreement...........................               1              30           1,050
--Inspector Training Reimbursement.............              30  300 Vouchers...........................               1             300          10,500
--Annual Work Plan.............................              30  30 reports.............................              15             450          15,750
Inspection Form (FRA F 6180.96)................              30  18,000 forms...........................             .25           4,500         126,000
Motive Power and Equipment Violation Report                  19  150 reports............................               1       150 hours           4,200
 (FRA F 6180.68, 6180.68A/69).
Violation of Oper. Practices Insp. Rpt (Form                 13  40 reports.............................               1              40           1,120
 FRA F 6180.67).
--Application For Participation................              15  15 Updates.............................             2.5              38          $1,330
--Training Funding Agreement...................              30  30 Agreements..........................               1              30           1,050
--Inspector Training Reimbursement.............              30  300 Vouchers...........................               1             300          10,500
Violation of Hazardous Materials Inspection                  14  100 reports............................              13           1,300          36,400
 Rept (Form FRA F 6180.67).
Violation of Locomotive Inspection Act Rept.                 17  50 reports.............................               1              50           1,400
 (Form FRA F 6180.10).
Violation of Safety Appliance Law Rpt. (Form                 19  53 reports.............................               1              53           1,484
 FRA F 6180.29/29A).
Violation of Hours of Service Law Rpt. (Form                 13  21 reports.............................               1      21 reports             588
 FRA F 6180.33).
Violation of Accident/Incident Reporting Rules               13  10 reports.............................               1              10             280
 Rpt (Form FRA F 6180.61).
Remedial Actions Rpt (209.405/407).............              32  5,048 reports..........................             .25           1,262          42,908
    --Violation Rpt Challenge..................         \1\ 685  1,010 challenges.......................               1           1,010          34,340
Delayed Reports (209.407)......................         \1\ 685  505 reports............................             .50             253          8,602
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\1\ Railroads.

    Total Responses: 25,362.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 9,467 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Title: Rear-End Marking Devices.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0523.
    Abstract: The collection of information is set forth under 49 CFR 
part 221 which requires railroads to furnish a detailed description of 
the type of marking device to be used for the trailing end of rear cars 
in order to ensure rear cars meet minimum standards for visibility and 
display. Railroads are required to furnish a certification that the 
device has been tested in accordance with current ``Guidelines for 
Testing of FRA Rear End Marking Devices.'' Additionally, railroads are 
required to furnish detailed test records which include the testing 
organizations, description of tests number of samples tested, and the 
test results in order to demonstrate compliance with the performance 
standard.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe:  685 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

[[Page 31628]]



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                                                                                                           Average time
              CFR section                      Respondent universe            Total annual responses       per response    Total annual    Total annual
                                                                                                              (hours)      burden hours     burden cost
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Requests for Approval of Marking         685 railroads..................  2 requests....................               4               8            $280
 Devices & Signed Certification by
 Chief Operating Officer.
Recordkeeping--Requests for Marking      685 railroads..................  2 records.....................             .10             .20               7
 Devices.
Recordkeeping--Detailed Test Records...  685 railroads..................  1 test record.................              20              20             700
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    Total Responses: 5.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 28.2 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Title: Certification of Glazing Materials.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0525.
    Abstract: The collection of information is set forth under 49 CFR 
part 223 which requires the certification and permanent marking of 
glazing materials by the manufacturer along with the responsibility of 
the manufacturer to make available test verification data to railroads 
and FRA upon request.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 5 manufacturers.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                            Respondent
              CFR section                    universe         Total annual responses         Average time per response     Total annual    Total annual
                                         (manufacturers)                                                                   burden hours     burden cost
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Requests--Glazing Certification Info...                5  75 requests...................  15 minutes....................              19            $475
Preparing/Recording Glazing Marking                    5  25,000 pieces.................  .0021 minutes.................              52           1,300
 Information.
Certification Test.....................                5  1 test........................  14 hours......................              14           1,120
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    Total Responses: 76.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 85 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 
1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on May 12, 2000.
Margaret B. Reid,
Acting Director, Office of Information Technology and Support Systems, 
Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 00-12568 Filed 5-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P