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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91882-91883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-26993]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2024-0102]

Petition for Special Approval

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that by letter dated August 23, 
2024, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) 
petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a special 
approval pursuant to 49 CFR part 238 (Passenger Equipment Safety 
Standards). FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2024-0102.
    Specifically, Metrolink requested a special approval of alternative 
standard per Sec.  238.21, Special approval procedure, regarding Sec.  
238.309(b), Periodic brake equipment maintenance--DMU and MU 
locomotives, for three Stadler FLIRT diesel multiple units (DMUs). 
Metrolink sought to extend the clean, oil, test, and stencil (COT&S) 
intervals from 736 days, as stated in Sec.  238.309(b)(4) for ``all 
other DMU or MU locomotives,'' to 1,840 days, as permitted by Sec.  
238.309(b)(3) for DMUs ``part of a fleet that is 100 percent equipped 
with air dryers and is equipped with KB-HL1, KB-HS1, or KBCT1.''
    In support of the request, Metrolink explained that the 
manufacturer of the braking systems, Knorr, is experiencing delays in 
lead time for materials required to complete the brake overhaul. 
Metrolink noted that only after a quote and scope of work is received 
from Knorr will it be possible for Metrolink to establish a schedule 
for completing the COT&S.
    Metrolink asserted that ``[t]o ensure an equivalent level of safety 
for extending the COT&S intervals to an 1[,]840 day'' interval, 
Metrolink will: (1) perform ``detailed periodic maintenance inspections 
of the air brake system,'' and perform ``all tasks outlined in Sec.  
238.309(b)(4)'' (minus the replacement of actual brake components 
needing to be overhauled) on an annual basis; (2) perform ``a Class I 
brake test'' on all DMUs before daily service; (3) review the fault log 
daily; (4) review ``Teloc downloads'' weekly; and (5) provide FRA with 
a ``quarterly report detailing any air brake component defects or 
faults that relate to going beyond the overhaul intervals along with 
the corrective actions/repairs.''
    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 party 
desires 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 January 21, 2025 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

[[Page 91883]]

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. 2024-26993 Filed 11-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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