Notice2023-09659
Petition for Waiver of Compliance
Primary source
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Published
May 5, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Railroad Administration
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 87 (Friday, May 5, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 87 (Friday, May 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 29176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09659]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket Number FRA-2023-0031]
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 dated April 5, 2023,
Amtrak petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a
waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad
safety regulations contained at 49 CFR parts 215 (Railroad Freight Car
Safety Standards), 229 (Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards), 232
(Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger
Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices), and 238 (Passenger
Equipment Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2023-
0031.
Specifically, Amtrak requests to use virtual reality simulation
assessments to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of periodic refresher
training to remain qualified under Sec. Sec. 215.11(b), 229.5,
232.203(b)(8), and 238.109. Amtrak has partnered with ``a recognized
vendor'' to create virtual simulations for brake system testing, pre-
departure inspections, and locomotive calendar day air brake test and
inspection. Amtrak further states that the simulations will complement
other Amtrak training and testing, ``creating a blended learning
curriculum that presents and reinforces through tactile, auditory, and
visual methods.''
In support of its petition, Amtrak explains that it ``believe[s]
the training curriculum afforded by Amtrak's new virtual simulations
exceed the training objectives specified in each of [the] regulations
noted above and will serve to enhance learner proficiency at performing
the specified tests and inspections.'' It also states that ``when used
as an evaluation tool, the virtual simulation is a better method to
evaluate our students than our current state of training, as it
simulates random complex defects in a virtual environment not impacting
the safety of our employees or trains.''
A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications
concerning the petition, is available for review online at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.
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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
Communications received by July 5, 2023 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 our 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), U.S. Department of Transportation (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 <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/privacy">https://www.transportation.gov/privacy</a>. See also <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice">https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice</a> for the privacy notice of <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>.
Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-09659 Filed 5-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 5, 2023.
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