[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53581-53584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16890]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2023-0002-N-21]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its 
implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information 
Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR 
to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is 
soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities 
identified in the ICR.

[[Page 53582]]


DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
October 10, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR 
should be submitted on regulations.gov to the docket, Docket No. FRA-
2023-0002. All comments received will be posted without change to the 
docket, including any personal information provided. Please refer to 
the assigned OMB control number for each ICR, 2130-0545 and 2130-0576, 
respectively, in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize 
comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice, 
made available to the public, and include them in its information 
collection submission to OMB for approval.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (757) 897-9908, or Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (571) 609-1285.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 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 to allow comment on information 
collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. 
See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. Specifically, 
FRA invites interested parties to comment on the following ICRs 
regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are 
necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether 
the activities will have practical utility; (2) 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; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways 
for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on 
the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 
CFR 1320.8(d)(1).
    FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the 
administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of 
information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, comments 
received will advance three objectives: (1) reduce reporting burdens; 
(2) organize information collection requirements in a ``user-friendly'' 
format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately 
assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information 
requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
    The summary below describes the ICRs that FRA will submit for OMB 
clearance as the PRA requires:
    Title: Passenger Train Emergency Procedures.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0545.
    Abstract: The railroad passenger train emergency preparedness 
regulations under 49 CFR part 239, set forth FRA's requirements for 
railroads to meet Federal standards for the preparation, adoption, and 
implementation of emergency preparedness plans connected with the 
operation of passenger trains, including freight railroads hosting 
passenger rail service operations. Part 239 also requires each affected 
railroad to instruct its employees on the provisions of its plan. The 
information collected is necessary for compliance with the regulation.
    In this 60-day notice, FRA made adjustments that increased the 
previously approved burden hours from 350 hours to 353 hours. This 
increase, after a thorough review, is the result of a more accurate 
estimate of the annual responses for debrief and critique sessions 
under Sec.  239.105 and emergency preparedness plans under Sec.  
239.101/201/203.
    Type of Request: Extension without change (with changes in 
estimates) of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Form(s): N/A.
    Respondent Universe: 34 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                                                                Average time per     Total annual burden    Total cost
           CFR section                Respondent  universe        Total annual  responses           response                hours           equivalent
                                                              (A)...........................  (B).................  (C = A * B).........        (D = C *
                                                                                                                                             wage rates)
                                                                                                                                                     \1\
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239.13--Penalties................  FRA anticipates that there will be zero falsified records or reports during this 3-year ICR.
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239.13--Waivers..................  34 railroads.............  1 waiver petition.............  10 hours............  10 hours............         $859.30
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
239.101/201/203--Emergency         34 railroads.............  6 amended plans...............  16 hours............  96 hours............       $8,249.28
 preparedness plan: amended plans.
    --Non-substantive changes to   34 railroads.............  6 amended plans...............  1 hour..............  6 hours.............         $515.58
     emergency preparedness plan.
    --Emergency preparedness       34 railroads.............  1 new plan....................  80 hours............  80 hours............       $6,874.40
     plans for new/start-up
     railroads.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
239.101(a)(1)(i)--Communication--  The requirement for initial on-board notification is routine and is covered by the economic cost.
 Initial and on-board
 notification.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(a)(1)(ii) RR designation    34 railroads.............  34 designations...............  5 minutes...........  2.80 hours..........         $240.60
     of employees responsible for
     maintaining emergency phone
     numbers for use in
     contacting outside emergency
     responders and appropriate
     RR officials that a
     passenger emergency has
     occurred.
    --Commuter/intercity           34 railroads.............  34 lists/updated records......  1 hour..............  34 hours............       $2,921.62
     passenger RRs gathering/
     keeping emergency phone
     numbers.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(a)(3) Coordinating          The burden for this requirement is covered under Sec.   239.101/201/203
     applicable portions of        --Emergency preparedness plan: amended plans.
     emergency preparedness plan
     between each railroad
     hosting passenger service
     and each railroad that
     provides or operates such
     service.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(a)(5) Updating emergency    The burden for this requirement is covered under Sec.   239.101/201/203
     responder liaison             --Emergency preparedness plan: amended plans.
     information and conducting
     emergency simulation.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 53583]]

 
    --(a)(6)(iii)-(iv) On-board    The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0576, Sec.   238.113 (d)(1-3) and Sec.
     emergency lighting,            238.112(d)(1-2).
     Maintenance and marking of
     emergency exits.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(a)(7) RR dissemination of   1 new railroad...........  350 cards + 1 safety messages.  5 minutes...........  29.30 hours.........       $2,517.75
     information regarding
     emergency procedures/
     instructions.
                                   34 railroads.............  1000 cards +100 safety          5 minutes...........  91.70 hours.........       $7,879.78
                                                               messages.
239.105--Debrief and critique      34 railroads.............  39 debrief/critique sessions..  5 minutes...........  3.30 hours..........         $283.57
 sessions.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
239.301(b)(c)--Maintenance and     This burden is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0035 under Sec.   217.9(d)(1).
 retention of operational tests/
 inspection records.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d) RR retention of 1 copy of    This burden is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0035 under Sec.   217.9(d)(2).
 operational testing & inspection
 program.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(e) RR six-month review of       This burden is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0035 under Sec.   217.9(e).
 tests/inspections and
 adjustments to program of
 operational tests/inspections.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(f) RR annual summary of tests/  This burden is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0035 under Sec.   217.9(f).
 inspections & record of each
 summary.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total....................  34 railroads.............  1,572.........................  ....................  353 hours...........     \2\ $30,342
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    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 1,572.
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    \1\ The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the 2022 Surface 
Transportation Board Full Year Wage A&B data series using the 
employee group 200 (Professional & Administrative) hourly wage rate 
of $49.10. The total burden wage rate (Straight time plus 75%) used 
in the table is $85.93 ($49.10 x 1.75 = $85.93).
    \2\ Totals may not add up due to rounding.
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    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 353 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $30,342.
    Title: Passenger Train Emergency Systems.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0576.
    Abstract: This information collection is due to passenger train 
emergency systems regulations under 49 CFR part 238. The purpose of 
this part is to prevent collisions, derailments, and other occurrences 
involving railroad passenger equipment that cause injury or death to 
railroad employees, railroad passengers, or the general public, and to 
mitigate the consequences of such occurrences to the extent they cannot 
be prevented. FRA further added requirements for emergency passage 
through vestibule and other interior passageway doors and enhanced 
emergency egress and rescue signage requirements.\3\
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    \3\ 78 FR 71785 (Nov. 29, 2013).
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    FRA also established requirements for low-location emergency exit 
path markings to assist occupants in reaching and operating emergency 
exits, particularly under conditions of limited visibility. Moreover, 
FRA added standards to ensure emergency lighting systems are provided 
in all passenger cars and enhanced requirements for the survivability 
of emergency lighting systems in new passenger cars.
    In this 60-day notice, FRA has made adjustments that decreased the 
burden hours from 859 hours in the current inventory to 755 hours in 
the requested inventory. This decrease is more in line with the 
anticipated annual reporting of legible markings and instruction in 
passenger cars under Sec.  238.123(e).
    Type of Request: Extension without change (with changes in 
estimates) of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses (railroads).
    Form(s): N/A.
    Respondent Universe: 34 railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:
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    \4\ Totals may not add due to rounding. The dollar equivalent 
cost is derived from the 2022 Surface Transportation Board Full Year 
Wage A&B data series using the employee group 200 (Professional & 
Administrative) hourly wage rate of $49.10. The total burden wage 
rate (Straight time plus 75%) used in the table is $85.93 ($49.10 x 
1.75 = $85.93).

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                                                                                                                                            Total cost
           CFR Section                Respondent universe         Total annual responses        Average time per     Total annual burden   equivalent in
                                                                                                    responses               hours           U.S. dollar
                                   .........................  (A)...........................  (B).................  (C = A * B).........        (D = C *
                                                                                                                                             wage rates)
                                                                                                                                                     \4\
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238.112--Door emergency egress     34 railroads.............  2,250 markings/signs/           5 minutes...........  187.50 hours........      $16,111.88
 and rescue access systems:                                    instructions.
 Markings, signage, instructions.
    --(e) Passenger car exterior   34 railroads.............  2,250 exterior door markings..  5 minutes...........  187.50 hours........      $16,111.88
     doors intended for emergency
     access by responders marked
     with retro-reflective
     material and instructions
     provided for their use.
    --(f)(5) Markings and          34 railroads.............  1,500 marked panels/windows...  5 minutes...........  125.00 hours........      $10,741.25
     instructions--interior doors/
     removable panels or windows.
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    --(f)(6) Testing of car door           The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.307(e)(1).
     removable panels, removable
     windows, manual override
     devices, & door retention
     mechanisms as part of
     periodic mechanical
     inspection. The sampling
     method must conform with a
     formalized statistical test
     method..
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[[Page 53584]]

 
238.113(d)--Emergency window       34 railroads.............  60 window markings............  15 minutes..........  15.00 hours.........       $1,288.95
 exits--Markings/and instructions.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(e) Periodic Testing of         The paperwork burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.307(e)(1).
     representative sample of car
     emergency exit windows as
     part of periodic mechanical
     inspection. The sampling
     method must conform with a
     formalized statistical test
     method..
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238.114(d)--Rescue access          34 railroads.............  1,500 access window markings..  5 minutes...........  125.00 hours........      $10,741.25
 windows--Markings with retro-
 reflective material on each
 exterior car.
238.121(b)--Emergency              34 railroads.............  375 marked intercom locations.  5 minutes...........  31.25 hours.........       $2,685.31
 communications--Marking of each
 intercom intended for passenger
 use on new Tier I & Tier II
 passenger cars.
238.123(e)--Marked emergency roof  34 railroads.............  150 marked emergency roof       30 minutes..........  75.00 hours.........       $6,444.75
 access locations.                                             access locations.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238.303--Exterior calendar day            The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.303(e)(15).
 mechanical inspection of
 passenger equipment: Replacement
 of missing, illegible, or
 inconspicuous markings, signage,
 & instructions.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --Record of Non-complying               The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.303(g).
     marking, signage, or
     instruction.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238.305--Interior calendar day                The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.305.
 mechanical inspection of
 passenger cars:.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(c)(10), (12), and (13)      34 railroads.............  250 notices...................  2 minutes...........  8.33 hours..........         $715.80
     Written notification to
     train crew of non-complying
     condition.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --(c)(13)(i) Written                      The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0599 under Sec.   270.103.
     procedures for mitigating
     hazards of non-complying
     condition..
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238.307--Records of inspection,            The burden for this requirement is covered under OMB Control No. 2130-0544 under Sec.   238.307(e)(1).
 testing, and maintenance of
 passenger car emergency window
 exits.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
238.311--Single Car Test: RR Copy             All the members have the option to obtain a copy of APTA's Standard on APTA's website for free.
 of American Public
 Transportation Association
 (APTA) Standard (SS-M-005-98)
 for RR Head Trainer.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --Other RR copies of APTA                 All the members have the option to obtain a copy of APTA's Standard on APTA's website for free.
     Standard.
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total....................  34 railroads.............  8,335 responses...............  NA..................  755 hours...........         $64,841
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    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 8,335.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 755.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $64,841.
    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 that does not display a currently valid OMB control 
number.

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

Christopher S. Van Nostrand,
Acting Deputy Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2023-16890 Filed 8-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P