G/TBT/N/USA/480/Add.2  
 
28 July 2021  
(21-5852) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Original: English  
 
 
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The following communication , dated  28 July 2021 , is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of the United States of America . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title: Positive Train Control Systems; Proposed Rule  
 
Reason for Addendum:  
[  ] Comment period changed - date:   
[  ] Notified measure adopted - date:  
[X] Notified measure published - date: 27 July 2021  
[X] Notified measure enters into force - date: 26 August 2021  
[X] Text of final measure available from1:  
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR -2021-07-27/html/2021 -15544.h tm 
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR -2021-07-27/pdf/2021 -15544.pdf  
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2021/TBT/USA/final_measure/21_4860_00_
e.pdf 
[  ] Notified measure withdrawn or revoked - date:  
Relevant symbol if meas ure re -notified:   
[  ] Content or scope of notified measure changed  and text available from1:  
New deadline for comments (if applicable):   
[  ] Interpretive guidance issued and text available from1:  
[  ] Other:  
 
Description:  TITLE: Positive Train Control Systems  
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT)  
ACTION: Final rule  
SUMMARY: FRA is revising its regulations governing changes to positive train control (PTC) systems 
and reporting on PTC system performance. First, recognizing that the railroad industry intends to 
enhance FRA - certified PTC systems to continue improving ra il safety and PTC technology's reliability 
and operability, FRA is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for 
amendment (RFA) to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and FRA -
certified PTC system. Se cond, to enable more effective FRA oversight, this final rule: Expands an 
existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broadens the 
 
1 This information can be provided by including a website address, a pdf attachment, or other 
information on where the text of the final /modified  measure and/or interpretive guidance can be obtained.  G/TBT/N/USA/480/Add.2  
 
- 2 - 
 
  reporting requirement to encompass positive performance -related information, includin g about the 
technology's positive impact on rail safety, not just failure -related information; and requires host 
railroads to utilize a new, standardized report form.  
This final rule is effective 26 August 2021.  
This final rule and the notice of proposed r ulemaking notified as G/TBT/N/U SA/480/Add.1  are 
identified by Docket Number FRA -2019-0075.  The Docket Folder is available on Regulations.gov at 
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FRA -2019-0075/documen t and provides access to primary and 
supporting documents as well as comments received. Documents are also accessible from 
Regulations.gov  by searching the Docket Number.  
The previous notice of proposed rulemakin g notified as G/TBT/N/USA/480  is identified by Docket 
Number FRA -2008-0132. The Docket Folder is available on Regulations.gov at 
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FRA -2008-0132/document  and provides access to primary and 
supporting documents as well as comments received. Documents are also accessible from 
Regulations.gov  by searching the Docket Number.  
__________