Notice2024-26993
Petition for Special Approval
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 20, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Railroad Administration
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)</title>
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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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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
<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">www.regulations.gov</a>.
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 <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. 2024-26993 Filed 11-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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