[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65008-65009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-17564]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2006-25040]


Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that by letter received on April 
12, 2024, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTY) 
petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension 
of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal 
railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 222 (Use of 
Locomotive Horns at Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings), part 229 
(Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards), part 231 (Railroad Safety 
Appliance Standards), part 234 (Grade Crossing Safety), and part 238 
(Passenger Equipment Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is 
FRA-2006-25040.
    Specifically, CMTY requested to extend its existing relief for its 
commuter rail system that connects downtown Austin, Texas, with 
Austin's northern suburbs along 32 miles with 9 stations. CMTY seeks to 
continue operating a fleet of 6 Stadler GTW diesel multiple unit (DMU) 
rail vehicles that have operated on the line since 2010. CMTY requests 
extended relief from the following regulations:

 Sec.  222.21(b), (d), When must a locomotive horn be used?
 Sec. Sec.  229.29(c)(3) and (e), Air brake system calibration, 
maintenance, and testing; and 238.309(b), Periodic brake equipment 
maintenance
 Sec. Sec.  229.31, Main reservoir tests; 229.49(b), Main 
reservoir system; and 229.51(a)(3) and (4), Aluminum main reservoirs
 Sec. Sec.  229.47(b), Emergency brake valve; and 
238.305(c)(5), Interior calendar day mechanical inspection of passenger 
cars
 Sec.  229.71, Clearance above top of rail
 Sec.  229.135(b)(4)(xviii) and (xix), Event recorders
 Sec.  231.14(a)-(d), (f), and (g), Passenger-train cars 
without end platforms; Sec.  238.229, Safety appliances--general
 Sec.  238.103, Fire safety
 Sec.  238.121(c)(2), Emergency communication
 Sec.  238.223(a), Locomotive fuel tanks; and part 238, 
appendix D, Requirements for External Fuel Tanks on Tier I Locomotives

    In support of its request, CMTY explained that their vehicles 
demonstrate ``an equivalent level of safety and compliance,'' given the 
Alternative Vehicle Technology final rule amendments in 49 CFR part 
238. CMTY also noted that in this renewal request, they are seeking 
relief from fewer specific regulatory provisions than previously 
granted for this fleet of vehicles.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 65009]]

    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 at www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
    Communications received by October 7, 2024 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 the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's (DOT) 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/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. 2024-17564 Filed 8-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P