[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 5537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01671]



[[Page 5537]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2020-0008]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
provides the public notice that on January 10, 2020, CSX 
Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) 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 assigned the petition 
Docket Number FRA-2020-0008.
    Specifically, CSXT proposes to use proprietary software technology 
to implement a virtual three-dimensional simulation as an alternative 
to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of periodic refresher training 
required by 49 CFR 232.203(b)(8). Refresher training is required at 
intervals not to exceed 3 years, and must consist of classroom and 
hands-on training, as well as testing. CSXT states that the simulation 
will improve the employee's knowledge of air brake components and 
functions and increases proficiency when performing the Class I freight 
air brake test.
    The simulation is based on performance of a Class I freight air 
brake test and is designed to place the user in a virtual realistic 
scenario. The user is required to perform a variety of inspection and 
remediation tasks relating to preprogrammed defects including, but not 
limited to, closed cut-out cocks, uncoupled air hoses, closed angle 
cocks, improperly positioned retainer valves, and fouled brake rigging. 
Users are required to successfully complete all tasks in the scenario. 
CSXT proposes to apply this waiver system-wide to all CSXT conductors 
and supervisors responsible for performing Class I freight air brakes 
tests.
    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 Ave. 
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 Ave. SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. 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 16, 2020 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.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-01671 Filed 1-29-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P