PTC Status Questionnaire Part B - 2130-0612

SUPPORTING JUSTIFICATION – Part B

Positive Train Control (PTC) Implementation Status Update; OMB No. 2130-0162

Form Number FRA F 6180.162

1. Description of sampling method to be used.

Sample size considerations are not applicable to this census as the entire population of railroads affected by Positive Train Control (PTC) is being required to complete the questionnaire. It is assumed that one manager and one data analyst will be responsible for responding to the questionnaire per railroad. However, it is possible that a railroad may choose to have more than two or fewer than two people involved in filling out the questionnaire. It is assumed that the railroad personnel tasked with providing data will do so in a neutral manner, and will not attempt to bias the data.

2. Description of procedures for information collection, including statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection.

Census data are and will continue to be collected on a monthly basis via a website. The designated point-of-contact (POC) at each of the 38 railroads required to respond to the questionnaire are being provided with a username and password for the website once they register for an account.

Again, sample size considerations are not applicable to this census as the entire population of railroads affected by PTC is being required to complete the questionnaire. As noted above, it is assumed that one manager and one data analyst will be responsible for responding to the questionnaire per railroad. However, it is possible that a railroad may choose to have more than two or fewer than two people involved in filling out the survey. It is assumed that the railroad personnel tasked with providing data will do so in a neutral manner and will not attempt to bias the data.

3. Description of methods to maximize response rate and to deal with non-response issues.

FRA views this data collection as being essentially a mandatory census for the 38 railroads directly impacted by PTC. FRA is not anticipating any non-response issues. However, non-response issues will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and could involve additional enforcement scrutiny for the respective non-responding railroads in the 2016 calendar year once the PTC implementation deadline has passed. FRA has within its investigative authority pursuant to 49 USC §§ 20103, 20107, and 20902, and 49 CFR § 236.1009(h) to enforce compliance with this data collection.

4. Describe any test procedures for procedures or methods to be undertaken.

Each of the 38 railroads required to respond to the questionnaire have been mailed an official cover letter in writing providing them with information on the data collection procedure, including links to the website and instructions on how to register for a unique user account.

5. Provide name and phone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of study design and other persons who will collect/analyze information for agency.

Kevin Snyder (202) 493-0185 Federal Railroad Administration (Collect and Analyze)

Devin Rouse (202) 493-6185 Federal Railroad Administration (PTC Task Force Lead)

Bor-chung Chen (202) 493-6238 Federal Railroad Administration (Statistical Reviewer)

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