[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 209 (Tuesday, October 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 86076-86077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25081]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2017-0087]


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 received July 15, 
2024, TEXRail petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for 
a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad 
safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 238 (Passenger Equipment 
Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2017-0087.
    Specifically, TEXRail seeks relief from Sec.  238.309(b)(2), 
Periodic brake equipment maintenance, regarding the required clean, 
oil, test, and stencil (COTS) air brake maintenance, for two years due 
to ``the brake system and parts manufacturer delay in production.'' 
TEXRail further stated that the manufacturer, Knorr Air Brake Berlin, 
``is the only facility qualified to repair our [a]ir [b]rake 
equipment'' and that the relief would allow TEXRail to continue revenue 
service while the equipment is awaiting the required COTS overhaul. 
TEXRail asserts that it will ensure the brake systems will remain in 
proper functioning condition and are safe to operate. Specifically, it 
will ``complete a Tri-annual inspection, minus replacing the actual 
brake components'' and perform a ``daily Class 1 brake test.'' TEXRail 
states it will perform a ``weekly Teloc download to ensure the brake 
system is working as intended during the Class 1 Brake Test.''
    TEXRail's existing grant of relief in this docket provides a waiver 
from certain other regulations pertaining to the design of TEXRail's 
Stadler FLIRT equipment. The equipment was built to current European 
design and regulatory standards, with modifications and updates for use 
in the United States.
    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 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 December 30, 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

[[Page 86077]]

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. 2024-25081 Filed 10-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P