[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 6, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2333-2334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01223]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2018-0100]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that on November 15, 2018, Norfolk 
Southern Railway Company (NS), petitioned the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions 
of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 
232, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger 
Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices. FRA

[[Page 2334]]

assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2018-0100.
    Specifically, NS proposes to create a 3D simulation using web-based 
software to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of the training required 
by 49 CFR 232.203(e), in connection with periodic refresher training. 
Refresher training is required at intervals not to exceed 3 years, and 
shall consist of classroom and hands-on training, as well as testing. 
NS states that due to the velocity of their operations network, it is 
often difficult to provide a consistent training and testing 
environment regarding car selection, defects, and availability. 
Further, NS contends that this proposal's one-on-one training will be 
more conducive to learning than a group setting.
    The NS proposal will simulate a Class I Brake Test and places the 
user in a virtual 3D scenario requiring concrete responses to an array 
of preprogrammed defects on various types of freight cars and brake 
systems while performing the brake test. To successfully complete the 
scenario, the user must identify key components and identify and 
correct all defects, including but not limited to closed cut-out cocks, 
uncoupled air hoses, closed angle cocks, wrongly positioned retainer 
valves, and fouled brake rigging.
    NS seeks to apply this waiver system wide to all NS craft personnel 
responsible for performing freight air brakes tests, including 
supervisors, freight car repair personnel, and conductors.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations 
Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal Holidays.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since 
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties 
desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, 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 and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Website: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
    Communications received by March 25, 2019 will be considered by FRA 
before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be 
considered if practicable.
    Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications 
and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better 
inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including 
any personal information the commenter provides, to 
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the 
privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Robert C. Lauby,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-01223 Filed 2-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P