Dated Monday, March 7, 2005, comes the DOT FRA Standards for Development and Use of Processor-Based Signal and Train Control Systems: Final Rule.
From the Federal Register/Vol. 70, No. 43, Page 11052
49 CFR Parts 209, 234, and 236
[Docket No. FRA-2001-10160]
RIN 2130-AA94
AGENC Y: Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: FRA is issuing a performance
standard for the development and use of
processor-based signal and train control
systems. The rule also covers systems
which interact with highway-rail grade-crossing
warning systems. The rule
establishes requirements for notifying
FRA prior to installation and for
training and recordkeeping. FRA is
issuing these standards to promote the
safe operation of trains on railroads
using processor-based signal and train
control equipment.
DATES: This rule is effective June 6,
2005. The incorporation by reference of
a certain publication listed in the rule
is approved by the Director of the
Federal Register as of June 6, 2005.
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The report indicates that
substantial public benefits would likely
flow from the installation of PTC
systems on the railroad system,
although the total amount of these
benefits is subject to debate. The report
reaffirmed the conclusions reached in
the 1994 and 2000 PTC Reports that the
safety benefits of PTC systems are
relatively small in comparison to the
huge costs of installing the PTC systems.
In light of the cost/benefit numbers,
an immediate regulatory mandate for
PTC could not be currently justified
based upon normal cost/benefit
principles relying on direct railroad
safety benefits. FRA has, therefore,
chosen to issue a final rule that
establishes a performance standard for
processor-based train control systems,
but does not require that they be
installed.
**********************************
Section 236.927 Training Specific to
Locomotive Engineers and Other
Operating Personnel
This section specifies minimum
training requirements for locomotive
engineers and other operating personnel
who interact with processor-based train
control systems. "Other operating
personnel" is intended to refer to on-board
train and engine crew members
(i.e., conductors, brakemen, and
assistant engineers). FRA invited
comments addressing the issue of
whether a formal definition is needed
for "other operating personnel." FRA
received no comment on the term and
has decided to leave it undefined.
12:02:56 AM 
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