The information collected is used to ensure new or novel signal and train control technologies meet proposed performance standards and work as intended in the U.S. rail environment. FRA is requesting OMB Emergency approval for proposed new agency PTC Annual Progress Report Form (FRA F 6180.166) to track railroads progress in implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) on their systems by December 31, 2018. Under the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015 (PTCEI Act), each railroad subject to 49 U.S.C. § 20157(a) must submit an annual progress report to FRA by March 31, 2016, and annually thereafter, until PTC implementation is complete. Upon completion of the notice and comment period outlined in FRA's March 7, 2016, Federal Register Notice, see 81 FR 11878, FRA will be seeking regular OMB clearance for proposed new agency PTC Quarterly Progress Report Form (FRA F 6180.166).
FRA is requesting Emergency processing approval five (5) business days after publication of the required Notice in the Federal Register on March 7, 2016, see 81 FR 11878, for new Form FRA F 6180.166 (Annual PTC Progress Report) because FRA cannot reasonably comply with normal clearance procedures since they would be reasonably likely to disrupt the collection of information. Under the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015 (PTCEI Act), each railroad subject to 49 U.S.C. § 20157(a) must submit an annual progress report to FRA by March 31, 2016, and annually thereafter, until PTC implementation is complete. 49 U.S.C. § 20157(c)(1). The amended statute specifically requires each railroad to provide certain information in the annual reports (new Form FRA F 6180.166) regarding its progress toward implementing PTC, and authorizes FRA to request that railroads provide additional information in the annual progress reports. See id. The annual progress report will chronicle all implementation progress for the previous calendar year. Therefore, FRA is seeking OMB approval for new Form FRA F 6180.166 on or before March 14, 2016.
US Code:
49 USC 20157
Name of Law: Implementation of Positive Train Control Systems
PL: Pub.L. 114 - 73 1302 Name of Law: Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015
Total burden for this information collection submission has increased by 1,575 hours from the last approved submission. The change in burden is due solely to a program change resulting from proposed new Form FRA F 6180.166, Annual PTC Progress Report. The table provided in the answer to question number 15 of the attached Supporting Justification depicts the program change.
Program changes shown in the table increased the burden amount by 1,575 hours, and increased the number of responses by 41.
The correct current inventory exhibits a burden total of 3,120,984 hours, while the present submission reflects a burden total of 3,122,559 hours. Hence, there is a total burden increase of 1,575 hours.
There is no change in cost to respondents from the last approved submission.
*** Note: Upon completion of the notice and comment period outlined in FRA's March 7, 2016, .FR Notice, see 81 FR 11878, FRA will submit an updated information collection request under regular Clearance procedures for proposed new Form FRA F 6180.165, PTC Quarterly Progress Report Form. FRA expects that the number of hours that it will request OMB to approved for this proposed new form will be 258 hours and the number of responses will be 164.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form FRA F 6180.166 Postive Train Control
FRA's Response to AAR's Comments on the Annual PTC Progress Report (Redline 3-16-16).doc
Mar. 7, 2016, FR Notice (Joint Notice).pdf
Postive Train Control