[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 87 (Friday, May 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 29176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09659]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2023-0031]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that by letter dated April 5, 2023, 
Amtrak petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a 
waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad 
safety regulations contained at 49 CFR parts 215 (Railroad Freight Car 
Safety Standards), 229 (Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards), 232 
(Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger 
Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices), and 238 (Passenger 
Equipment Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2023-
0031.
    Specifically, Amtrak requests to use virtual reality simulation 
assessments to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of periodic refresher 
training to remain qualified under Sec. Sec.  215.11(b), 229.5, 
232.203(b)(8), and 238.109. Amtrak has partnered with ``a recognized 
vendor'' to create virtual simulations for brake system testing, pre-
departure inspections, and locomotive calendar day air brake test and 
inspection. Amtrak further states that the simulations will complement 
other Amtrak training and testing, ``creating a blended learning 
curriculum that presents and reinforces through tactile, auditory, and 
visual methods.''
    In support of its petition, Amtrak explains that it ``believe[s] 
the training curriculum afforded by Amtrak's new virtual simulations 
exceed the training objectives specified in each of [the] regulations 
noted above and will serve to enhance learner proficiency at performing 
the specified tests and inspections.'' It also states that ``when used 
as an evaluation tool, the virtual simulation is a better method to 
evaluate our students than our current state of training, as it 
simulates random complex defects in a virtual environment not impacting 
the safety of our employees or trains.''
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov.
    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 party 
desires 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 at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Communications received by July 5, 2023 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), U.S. Department of Transportation (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/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-09659 Filed 5-4-23; 8:45 am]
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