Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Railroad Administration

          - [Docket Number FRA-2009-0078]

In accordance with part 211 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document dated December 21, 2011, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), on behalf of its member railroads, has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a 2-year extension of the waivers of the hours of service requirements at 49 U.S.C. 21103(A)(4)(a), which were granted on March 5, 2010 (for 6-day per week regular schedules), and November 22, 2011 (for 5-day per week regular schedules with an occasional sixth work day).

                    In its petition, ASLRRA seeks to extend the waivers that granted relief                           ( print page 2344)                        from 49 U.S.C. 21103(A)(4)(a) allowing covered train employees to initiate an on-duty period for 6 consecutive days followed by 24, rather than 48, hours off duty. Additionally, ASLRRA explains that the waivers have had no negative impact on safety, and have provided benefits for the railroads, shippers, and employees.                

                    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 party desires an opportunity for oral comment, 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:
    -  Web site: 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 Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.                
    -  Hand Delivery:                      1200 New Jersey Avenue 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 2, 2012 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable.

                    Anyone is able to 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 comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union,                     *etc.*). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the                     **Federal Register**                     published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or online at                     *http://www.dot.gov/​privacy.html.*

Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2012.

Ron Hynes,

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations.

[FR Doc. 2012-747 Filed 1-13-12; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE P