RR Comm (Radio) 0524A

SUPPORTING JUSTIFICATION

RAILROAD COMMUNICATIONS

49 CFR 220; OMB No. 2130-0524

Summary of Submission

• This renewal submission is a request for a revision of the last approval granted by OMB on February 6, 2014, and which expires February 28, 2017.

• FRA published the required 60-day Federal Register Notice on. See 81 FR 74496. FRA received no comments pertaining to this information collection in response.

• The total burden requested for this information collection submission is 293,521 hours.

• The total burden previously approved for this collection of information amounted to 337,711 hours.

• The total burden for this information collection decreased by 44,190 hours.

• Adjustments decreased the burden by 44,190 hours.

• There are no program changes at this time.

• Total number of responses previously approved for this information collection amounted to 14,277,561.

• Total number of responses requested for this submission amount to 12,433,554.

• Total adjustments decreased the number of responses by 1,844,007.

• **The answer to question number 12 itemizes the hourly burden associated with each requirement of this rule (See pp. 12-25).

• ** The answer to question number 15 itemizes all adjustments (See pp. 27-28).

1. Circumstances that make collection of the information necessary.

Background

The increasing number of distractions for drivers has led to increasing safety risks. The distractions caused by cell phones (mobile phones/cellular phones) have been a concern for years. In addition, each day, drivers are distracted by eating, conversations with passengers, using portable electronic devices, or some other type of multitasking. This type of behavior results in vehicle accidents and significant costs to our nation’s economy. Parallels are easily drawn between distracted driving and the operation of trains while using distracting electronic devices, as evidenced by the examples discussed below.

In response to this growing problem, DOT hosted a Distracted Driving Summit in Washington D.C. (http://www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit/). At the Summit, DOT brought together safety and law enforcement experts as well as young adults whose distracted driving had tragic consequences. Attendees heard the testimony of families who lost loved ones because someone else had chosen to send a text, dial a phone or become occupied with another activity while driving. In addition to hosting the Summit, DOT has reviewed recent research and has decided to take a more systematic look at the issue and its many dimensions.

FRA has discovered numerous examples proving the danger of distracting electronic devices. These examples indicate the necessity of restrictions on the use of such electronic devices. Five of these accidents are described below, though all of these and more can be found in the full text of FRA Emergency Order 26.

1. On June 8, 2008, a UP brakeman was struck and killed by the train to which he was assigned. FRA’s investigation indicated that the brakeman instructed the locomotive engineer via radio to back the train up and subsequently walked across the track, into the path of the moving train. The brakeman was talking on his cell phone at the time of the accident.

2. On July 1, 2006, a northward BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) freight train collided with the rear of a standing BNSF freight train at Marshall, Texas. Although there were no injuries, damages were estimated at $413,194. Both trains had two-person crews. The striking train had passed a “Stop and Proceed at Restricted Speed” signal indication and was moving at 20 mph. FRA determined that the collision was caused by the failure by the locomotive engineer on the striking train to comply with restricted speed and that he was engaged in cell phone conversations immediately prior to the accident.

3. On December 21, 2005, a contractor working on property of The Kansas City Southern Railway Company at Copeville, Texas, was struck and killed when he stepped into the path of an approaching freight train. FRA’s investigation disclosed that the contractor was talking on a cell phone at the time of the accident.

4. One locomotive engineer died and a train conductor suffered serious burns when two BNSF freight trains collided head on near Gunter, Texas, on May 19, 2004. The collision resulted in the derailment of 5 locomotives and 28 cars, with damages estimated at $2,615,016. Approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel were released from the locomotives, which resulted in a fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators obtained records that showed the number and duration of cell phone calls made by crewmembers on both trains between 1:50 p.m. and the time of the accident, approximately 5:46 p.m. During this time, a total of 22 personal cell phone calls were made and/or received by the five crewmembers on both trains while the trains were in motion.

5. At 8:57 a.m. on May 28, 2002, an eastbound BNSF coal train collided head on with a westbound BNSF intermodal train near Clarendon, Texas. The conductor and engineer of the coal train received critical injuries. The engineer of the intermodal train was killed. The cost of the damages exceeded $8,000,000. The NTSB found that all four crewmembers involved in this accident had personal cell phones. It also found that the use of a cell phone by the engineer of one of the trains may have distracted him to the extent that he was unaware of the dispatcher’s instructions that he stop his train at a designated point.

On October 1, 2008, FRA issued Emergency Order No. 26 (“Order”) restricting the on-duty use of cellular telephones and other electronic devices. (73 FR 58702, October 7, 2008). This FRA action was in part a response to the September 12, 2008, head-on collision between a Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) commuter train and a Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) freight train in Chatsworth, California. This accident resulted in 25 deaths, numerous injuries, and more than $7 million in damages. Information discovered during the NTSB investigation indicates that the locomotive engineer of the Metrolink commuter train passed a stop signal. NTSB stated that a cell phone owned by the commuter train engineer was being used to send a text message within 30 seconds of the time of the accident.

In the period from the effective date of Emergency Order No. 26, October 27, 2008, through December 7, 2009, FRA inspectors discovered approximately 200 instances in which the Order may have been violated. FRA’s Office of Railroad Safety recommended enforcement action against the employee or railroad in 56 of these instances. Forty-nine

of these actions were based on a railroad employee’s using an electronic device, failing to have its earpiece removed from the employee’s ear, or failing to have the device turned off in a potentially unsafe situation. In addition, 48 of the incidents recommended for enforcement action involved personal, as opposed to railroad-supplied, devices. These incidents begin to illustrate the hazards using distracting electronic devices while on duty. For this reason, FRA is compelled to promulgate enforceable regulations to prevent the unsafe use of electronic devices by on-duty railroad employees.

Congress required the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to complete a study on the safety impact of the use of personal electronic devices by safety-related railroad employees by October 16, 2009, and to report to Congress on the results of the study within six months after its completion. See section 405(a) and (c) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), Pub. L. 110-432, Div. A, 122 Stat. 4848, Oct. 16, 2008 (122 Stat. 4885, 49 U.S.C. 20103 note). Section 405(d) of the RSIA authorizes the Secretary to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices that may distract employees from safely performing their duties based on the conclusions of the required study. The Secretary, in turn, has delegated the responsibility to carry out these duties and exercise this authority to the Federal Railroad Administrator. 49 CFR 1.49 (oo).

The required study, titled “The Impact of Distracting Electronic Devices on the Safe Performance of Duties by Railroad Operating Employees” was completed and submitted to Congress on May 27, 2010. The study stated that FRA has found that railroad operating employees were increasingly using distracting electronic devices in a manner that created hazards. As such, FRA intervention was warranted. FRA will continue to monitor compliance regarding the use of electronic devices by railroad employees.

FRA is amending its railroad communications regulations by restricting use of cellular telephones and other distracting electronic by railroad operating employees. This rule codifies most of the requirements of FRA Emergency Order No. 26, which is supplanted by this final rule on the date that it becomes effective. FRA has revised some of the substantive requirements of that Emergency Order as well as its scope to accommodate changes that FRA believes are appropriate based upon its experience with the Emergency Order and in response to public comments submitted on the proposed rule.

2. How, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used.

The information is used by FRA to promote safety in rail operations and to ensure compliance by railroads and their employees with all the requirements of this Part. During the course of its routine safety audits, FRA inspectors review the information collected under § 220.302 to ensure that railroads amend their code of operating rules so that they comply with all the requirements of Subpart C of Part 220. Railroads are required to amend their operating rules so that they minimally meet the requirements of this rule, and have the option to impose more stringent requirements on the use of cell phones by their employees, if they elect to do so. FRA inspectors verify that they do so.

For cause stated, FRA may disapprove of a railroad’s operating rules implementing the requirements of this subpart. If the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer disapproves the operating rules, a railroad must respond within 35 days (unless granted an extension), by either providing submissions in support of its operating rules or by amending its operating rules and submitting those proposed amendments. Failure to submit operating rules with the necessary revisions to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer will be considered by FRA to be a failure to implement a program under this Part. Upon receipt of either the supportive or revised document, FRA’s Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer will render a final decision in writing informing the railroad of FRA’s decision.  By amending their operating rules to meet this rule’s minimum requirements and then receiving FRA approval, railroad employees -- railroad officers, supervisors, and every day operating employees –have to meet both Federal standards and its employer’s standards regarding cell phone use and will be subject to penalties for any violations of the requirements of this subpart and of its employer’s operating rules. This serves to greatly enhance safety by reducing distractions caused by improper cell phone use when railroad employees are performing their important and safety-critical duties.

In § 220.307(a), FRA addresses the use of electronic devices that are supplied by the railroad to employees and are currently being used for business purposes. Railroads must provide written instructions for their employees (most likely in their operating rules) that clearly define the authorized business purposes for using a railroad-supplied electronic device. This information is used by FRA to ascertain compliance and is used by railroad employees to gain a clear understanding of what is permissible and what is not regarding such devices and aid them in being fully attentive to their job duties. It is crucial that railroad employees be completely focused on performing their assigned duties and that they understand all restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices – both the requirements of this Part and any more stringent railroad operating rule requirements.

The safety briefings mandated by § 220.307(c) and (d) that involve locomotive train crewmembers on freight/passenger trains and railroad operating employees (not in deadhead status) who are outside the cab of a controlling locomotive relating to the use of railroad-supplied electronic devices are used by these employees to clearly communicate to one another the circumstances where all agree that it is safe to the use these devices without endangering cargo, passengers, or themselves. The experience and wisdom of the group through complete unanimity on use of mobile telephone or other electronic device helps to ensure the safety of all.

FRA reviews railroad required written programs of instruction, training, and examination of their operating employees/supervisors of operating employees on the application of the railroad’s operating rules implementing this subpart under § 220.313 to ensure that railroads develop and implement a program addressing the requirements of this Part. The written program may be consolidated with the program of instruction required under 49 CFR 217.11. The program must include instruction on both the requirements of this subpart as well as consequences of non-compliance, must include instructions on specific provisions of this rule, and must include instruction on the distinction between the requirements of this regulation and more stringent railroad operating rules. FRA inspectors review the required records to verify that operating employees are actually trained to understand the proper and improper use of mobile telephones and other electronic devices and have been qualified on the requirements of this subpart.

Under § 220.315, each railroad’s program of operational tests and inspection under Part 217 must be revised, as necessary, to include this subpart and must specifically include a minimum number of operational tests and inspections (subject to adjustments as appropriate). FRA reviews these amendments to the code of operating rules, new timetables, and new timetable special instructions by Class I, Class II, and Class III railroads to ensure that railroads fully comply with the requirements of Subpart C of Part 220 and to ensure that that they have developed safe operating rules and practices that conform to applicable Federal laws and regulations.

FRA reviews waiver petitions to determine whether it is appropriate, safe, and in the public interest to grant exceptions to any of the requirements of this regulation.

The instruction, re-instruction, and operational testing of railroad employees is used by FRA and railroads to ensure that employees are thoroughly familiar with the proper use of radio communication/electronic devices and the railroad’s operating rules governing the use of radio communication/electronic devices in daily railroad operations and to ensure that these employees are not needlessly distracted and can quickly and effectively respond to any situation, particularly emergencies that might arise, which would jeopardize the health and safety of train crews, roadway workers, passengers, and others working/traveling in the rail environment.

FRA's Office of Safety personnel have reviewed and continue to review railroads operating rules records concerning radio communications to determine that the minimum standards established by the regulation are being met. The information collected enables both the railroads and FRA to focus attention on and improve those procedures which are unique to radio-train operations. FRA's analysis of the information collected is used to identify unsafe operating practices in the use of radio communications in railroad operations and to ensure that railroads take corrective measures concerning any unsafe operating practices. If the information were not collected, accidents would then be the primary method of identifying unsafe practices, and prevention efforts would be severely hampered.

Radio and all primary and redundant wireless communication equipment are required to be tested by railroad employees to ensure that they are functioning properly. The information is used by railroads to repair or replace malfunctioning equipment and to ensure that railroad employees – train crews, dispatchers, roadway workers, signalmen, flagmen, etc. – can communicate with one another and railroad management regarding daily railroad operations, work assignments, and other issues that may impact train movements.

Mandatory directives transmitted by radio, which are required to be copied down in writing and then immediately repeated after receipt by the receiving employee, are used by railroads and railroad employees to ensure the safe operation of trains and other on-track equipment, as well to enhance on-track safety for roadway workers and other railroad employees. In particular, before a mandatory directive is acted upon by a train crew, the conductor and locomotive engineer must have a written copy of the mandatory directive and make certain that the mandatory directive is read and understood by all members of the crew who are responsible for the safe operation of the train. Thus, all train crew members will have a clear understanding of the nature of the train movement and will act accordingly. Mandatory directives, which have been fulfilled or cancelled, must be marked with an “X” or in accordance with the railroad’s operating rules, and retained for the duration of the train crew’s work assignment. Train crews execute these markings to ensure that they are not operating with a track warrant or mandatory directive that is no longer in effect. Train crews use this information or follow this operating procedure to ensure that only current mandatory directives are carried out and trains are moved in an authorized, appropriate, accurate, and safe manner. Thus, by reducing the likelihood of movement errors, railroad safety is considerably enhanced.

3. Extent of automated information collection.

Over the years, FRA has strongly encouraged and highly endorsed the use of advanced information technology, wherever possible, to reduce burden. In keeping with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), requirements under § 220.25 and § 220.37 involve or permit electronic responses. Also, requirements under § 220.307 and § 220.313 involve or permit electronic responses. Thus, approximately seven (7) percent of all responses can be kept electronically.

It should be noted that information collection requirements presented by this rule involve the minimal use of paper. Where written paper requirements are specified, such as the manual copying of mandatory directives, FRA has done so to improve safety in the daily railroad environment by reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or mis-communication between dispatchers/operators and train crews, and dispatchers/operators and other railroad employees before a mandatory directive is acted upon. Copying mandatory directives and marking them under § 220.61 account for a total of 7,824,000 responses or 55 percent of the total responses.

Further, it should also be noted that 38 percent of total responses (5,460,000) involve oral safety briefings under § 220.307 and do not lend themselves to advanced information technology techniques.

4. Efforts to identify duplication.

The information collection requirements to our knowledge are not duplicated anywhere.

Similar data are not available from any other source.

5. Efforts to minimize the burden on small businesses.

Background

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) stipulates in its “Size Standards” that the largest a railroad business firm that is “for-profit” may be, and still be classified as a “small entity,” is 1,500 employees for “Line-Haul Operating Railroads,” and 500 employees for “Switching and Terminal Establishments.” “Small entity” is defined in 5 U.S.C. § 601. Section 601(3) defines a “small entity” as having the same meaning as “small business concern” under § 3 of the Small Business Act. This includes any small business concern that is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operation. Section 601(4) likewise includes within the definition of “small entities” not-for-profit enterprises that are independently owned and operated, and are not dominant in their fields of operation. Additionally, § 601(5) defines as “small entities” governments of cities, counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, or special districts with populations less than 50,000.

Federal agencies may adopt their own size standards for small entities in consultation with SBA and in conjunction with public comment. Pursuant to the authority provided to it by SBA, FRA has published a final policy that formally establishes small entities as railroads that meet the line haulage revenue requirements of a Class III railroad. Currently, the revenue requirement is $20 million or less in annual operating revenue, adjusted annually for inflation ($32,113,449 for 2008). This threshold is based on the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) threshold of a Class III railroad carrier, which is adjusted by applying the railroad revenue deflator adjustment. FRA is using the STB’s threshold in its definition of “small entities” for this rule.

Approximately 700 railroads meet the criteria for small entities and report operational data to FRA. FRA is using this as our estimate of the universe of small entities that could be directly impacted by this rule. Many of these railroads rely on cell phones for train operations.

Like EO 26, this rule contains exceptions that would allow railroads that have less than 400,000 annual employee hours and that rely on wireless communication devices for certain train operations to continue to do so, with the same restriction that such usage be limited to performing the employees’ railroad duties. The primary benefactors of this flexibility are small railroads. FRA is clarifying that the exception in the Order for railroad operating employees to use railroad-supplied or railroad-authorized electronic devices to conduct train or switching operations “under conditions authorized under 49 CFR Part 220” was intended to accommodate small railroad operations. The locomotives of the trains exempt from the requirement to have a working radio on the lead locomotive do not operate at high speeds, do not handle regular passenger traffic, are only permitted to operate over joint territory in specific low-speed circumstances, and must have working wireless communications aboard the controlling locomotive of trains containing placarded hazardous material loads.

In general, small railroad costs associated with compliance with EO 26 would continue to accrue under FRA’s rule. Additional burden to such railroads would come from the requirement to provide instruction to its operating employees on the substance of the regulation as well as the need to update their written programs to qualify its operating employees for compliance with operating rules implementing the new requirements. FRA anticipates that this instruction will be achieved through means such as distribution of written materials to employees, job briefings by supervisors or roving instructors, and question-and-answer services. As noted in answer to question 12 of this document, FRA estimates that the time cost of such instruction will come to about 15 minutes per employee in the first year of the rule. Approximately 91,000 train and engine employees will be impacted, and about 20 percent of these will be small railroad employees. Revision of programs is not expected to entail more than one labor hour per railroad. These two costs – that of additional instruction and that of revising programs – will likely not significantly burden any small railroads.

Additional railroad costs transferred from EO 26 include the costs associated with performing operational tests and conducting periodic training. Given that operational tests and training associated with this regulation will be conducted with other required operational testing and training, the additional annual cost will total about as much as the cost in the first year for instruction and program revision. Again, this cost will likely not significantly burden small railroads.

Because this rule will apply to all small railroads, FRA has concluded that a substantial number of small entities will be impacted. However, the overall impact on small railroads is not expected to be significant. FRA believes that the costs to small railroads associated with this rule are not significant and are very similar to those currently incurred under EO 26.

In this rule then, FRA has certified that there will not be a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

6. Impact of less frequent collection of information.

If FRA did not collect this information or collected it less frequently, railroad safety would be directly and adversely impacted. Without the information collected under new § 220.302 and § 220.307, FRA would have no way of knowing whether railroads were complying with Subpart C of Part 220, including whether they revised or modified their operating rules to conform to this rule’s requirements regarding restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices. Without the records required under § 220.313, FRA would have no way of knowing whether railroads actually provided this essential training for their operating employees on this rule’s requirements and their own operating rules regarding use of electronic devices and whether employees successfully completed this training. Without this information, railroad operating employees might engage in unsafe practices by being distracted through the improper or unauthorized use of electronic devices while performing their highly sensitive safety functions. This could lead to increased numbers of accidents/incidents and corresponding injuries, fatalities, and property damage similar to the ones cited above in answer to question one and throughout FRA’s Emergency Order No. 26.

Clear and accurate communication -- without needless distractions of cell phones and other unnecessary electronic devices -- is critical for the safe movement of trains in this country. Based on recent railroad accident history, it is imperative that railroads conform to the requirements of this Part and include in their operating rules restrictions on the use of mobile telephones and other electronic devices. It is essential that railroad employees be instructed and understand the basic restrictions imposed on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by this Part and restrictions imposed by their railroad employers (which may be more stringent).

Without this collection of information, FRA would be significantly hindered in detecting unsafe or undesirable trends in railroad operations and in taking necessary timely action to correct/eliminate actual or potential problems. Such hindrance could lead to increased numbers of accidents/incidents with corresponding casualties – injuries and deaths – to train crews, railroad passengers, roadway workers, and others operating on or near the rail environment.

Without this collection of information, FRA would have no way of determining whether it is safe, appropriate, and in the public interest to grant exceptions to railroads concerning any of the requirements of this Part. By having the ability to review and evaluate waiver petitions, FRA can make informed decisions and thus ensure that railroads adhere to and maintain high levels of safety.

Without this collection of information, safe train movements might be jeopardized if mandatory directives were not copied down in writing, repeated in their entirety to train dispatchers or operators, and then marked off when executed. Without this method of verifying the accuracy and completeness of a mandatory directive, train crews might engage in improper, unauthorized, inaccurate or unsafe train movements leading to increased numbers of accidents/incidents and corresponding casualties and property damage.

Clear communication will not occur if the equipment is not working properly. Without this collection of information and the requirement that each radio, and all primary and redundant wireless communication used under § 220.9 and § 220.11 be tested prior to the commencement of the work assignment to ensure proper functioning, FRA would have no way to verify that these tests were completed and no way to know that the equipment works as intended. Malfunctioning radios could lead to improper, unsafe, or unauthorized train movements, which could result in increased numbers of accidents/incidents and greater numbers of train crew and roadway worker injuries and fatalities.

Without this collection of information, FRA would have no means of assuring that railroad employees were properly trained in the use of radios and wireless communications. Such initial training and periodic re-training serve to enhance rail safety by fostering more knowledgeable and better trained railroad employees on their railroads’ current operating practices. More knowledgeable and better trained railroad employees will promote reliable, high quality radio communications. These improved communications will help ensure that movement authorities are clearly understood and implemented, and will also facilitate the transmission of emergency and security warnings, thereby helping to expedite emergency assistance in the event of a serious accident/incident. The overall net result is likely to be the authorized, appropriate, and safe movement of trains as well as a reduction in the number and severity of rail accidents/incidents and corresponding casualties experienced by train crews, railroad workers, motor vehicle operators, and the traveling public.

In sum, this collection of information assists FRA in fulfilling its primary mission, which is to promote and enhance national rail safety throughout the United States. It also further the Department’s top goal (safety), and fulfills one of the Secretary’s prime priorities related to distracted drivers/operators in all public modes of transportation.

7. Special circumstances.

All information collection requirements are in compliance with this section.

8. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.8.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FRA published a notice in the Federal Register on October 26, 2016, soliciting comment on this particular information collection. 81 FR 74496. FRA received no comments pertaining to this collection of information in response to this notice.

9. Payments or gifts to respondents.

There are no monetary payments or gifts made to respondents associated with the information collection requirements contained in this regulation.

10. Assurance of confidentiality.

Information collected is not of a confidential nature, and FRA pledges no confidentiality.

In the NPRM, FRA requested comment on whether railroads should require access to personal cell phone records if the employee was involved in an accident. FRA has decided that a provision mandating that railroads require operating employees to provide access to personal cell phone records in the event of an accident is unnecessary for FRA purposes. As noted in the NPRM, FRA currently uses its investigative authority under 49 U.S.C. 20902 to obtain personal cell phone records, when appropriate. FRA recognizes that there are constitutional concerns regarding the privacy of personal cell phones and thus will avail itself of this investigative tool only when FRA has information that improper use of electronic devices may have contributed to or caused an accident.

11. Justification for any questions of a sensitive nature.

There are no questions of a sensitive or private nature involving this regulation.

12. Estimate of burden hours for information collected.

Note: Based on the latest FRA data, there are approximately 744 railroads currently operating in the United States on the rail general system of transportation.

§ 220.8 Waivers

Any person subject to a requirement of this part may petition the Administrator for a waiver of compliance with such requirement. The filing of such a petition does not affect that person’s responsibility for compliance with that requirement while the petition is being considered. Each petition for waiver must b e filed in the manner and contain the information required by Part 211 of this chapter.

FRA estimates that approximately four (4) waiver petitions will be filed each year due to this requirement. It is estimated that it will take approximately one (1) hour to complete and mail each petition. Total annual burden for this requirement is four (4) hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 1 hour

Frequency of Response: annually

Annual number of Responses: 4 petition letters

Annual Burden: 4 hours

Calculation: 4 petition letters x 1 hr. = 4 hours

§ 220.13 Reporting emergencies.

Employees must immediately report by the quickest means available derailments, collisions, storms, wash-outs, fires, obstructions to tracks, and other hazardous conditions which could result in death or injury, damage to property or serious disruption of railroad operations.

In reporting emergencies, employees must follow:

(1) the procedures of § 220.47 of this part when using a radio; or

(2) the procedures specified for reporting emergencies in the railroad’s timetables or timetable special instructions, when using another means of wireless communications.

(c) Employees must describe as completely as possible the nature, degree, and location of the hazard.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provisions of this section are the usual and customary practice as well as the railroad’s legal obligation under “common law.” Consequently, there is no burden associated with these requirements.

§ 220.21 Railroad operating rules; radio communications; recordkeeping.

The operating rules of each railroad with respect to radio communications must conform with the requirements of this part.

Thirty days before commencing to use radio communications in connection with railroad operations, each railroad must retain one copy of its current operating rules with respect to radio communications at the locations prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) below.

Each amendment to these operating rules must be filed at such locations within 30 days after it is issued. These records must be made available to representatives of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for inspection and copying during normal business hours.

(1) Each Class I railroad, each Class II railroad, each railroad providing intercity rail passenger service, and each railroad providing commuter service in a metropolitan or suburban area must retain such rules at each of its division headquarters and at its system headquarters; and

(2) Each Class III railroad and any other railroad subject to this part but not subject to paragraph (1) above must retain such rules at the system headquarters of the railroad.

NOTE: The burden hours associated with these requirements are currently approved under paperwork package OMB No. 2130-0035. Consequently, there is no additional or other burden associated with these requirements.

§ 220.23 Publication of radio information.

Each railroad must designate where radio base stations are installed, where wayside stations may be contacted, and the appropriate radio channels used by these stations in connection with railroad operations by publishing them in a timetable or special instruction. The publication must indicate the periods during which base and wayside radio stations are operational.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provision of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden associated with these requirements.

§ 220.25 Instruction and operational testing of employees.

Each employee who a railroad authorizes to use a radio in connection with a railroad operation must be:

(a) Provided with a copy of the railroad's operating rules governing the use of radio communication in a railroad operation;

(b) Instructed in the proper use of radio communication as part of the program of instruction prescribed in § 217.11 of this chapter; and

(c) Periodically tested under the operational testing requirements in § 217.9 of this chapter.

(A) NOTE: The burden hours associated with provision (a) of this section are currently approved under OMB No. 2130-0035. Consequently, there is no additional or other burden associated with this requirement.

(B) FRA estimates that approximately 91,000 railroad employees will be re-instructed annually as a result of the requirement of provision (b) of this section. It is estimated that it will take approximately 30 minutes to instruct each employee. Total annual burden for this requirement is 45,500 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 30 minutes

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 91,000 instructed employees

Annual Burden: 45,500 hours

Calculation: 91,000 instructed employees x 30 min. = 45,500 hours

Subsequent Years

In subsequent years, FRA estimates that there will be approximately an additional 12,540 roadway workers trained as a result of the requirement of provision (b) of this section. It is estimated that each instruction session will take approximately 10 minutes. Total annual burden for this requirement is 2,090 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 10 minutes

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 12,540 instructed roadway- workers/instruction sessions

Annual Burden: 2,090 hours

Calculation: 12,540 instructed roadway workers x 10 min. = 2,090 hours

(c) FRA estimates that periodic operational tests will affect approximately 100,000 railroad employees every year. It is estimated that each test will take approximately five (5) minutes. Total annual burden for this requirement is 8,333 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 5 minutes

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 100,000 tests/records

Annual Burden: 8,333 hours

Calculation: 100,000 tests/records x 5 min. = 8,333 hours

Total annual burden for this entire requirement is 55,923 hours (45,500 + 2,090 + 8,333)

§ 220.27 Identification.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section (below), the identification of each wayside, base or yard station must include at least the following minimum elements, stated in the order listed:

(1) Name of railroad. An abbreviated name or initial letters of the railroad may be used where the name or initials are in general usage and are understood in the railroad industry; and

(2) Name and location of office or other unique designation.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section (below), the identification of each mobile station must consist of the following elements, stated in the order listed:

(1) Name of railroad. An abbreviated name or initial letters of the railroad may be used where the name or initial letters are in general usage and are understood in the railroad industry;

(2) Train name (number), if one has been assigned, or other appropriate unit designation; and

(3) When necessary, the word “locomotive”, "motorcar", or other unique identifier which indicates to the listener the precise mobile transmitting station.

(c) If positive identification is achieved in connection with switching, classification, and similar operations wholly within a yard, fixed and mobile units may use short identification after the initial transmission and acknowledgment consistent with applicable Federal Communications Commission regulations governing "Station Identification".

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provisions of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden connected with these requirements.

§ 220.31 Initiating a radio transmission.

Before transmitting by radio, an employee must: (a) Listen to ensure that the channel on which the employee intends to transmit is not already in use; (b) Identify the employee’s station in accordance with the requirements of § 220.27; and (c) Verify that the employee has made radio contact with the person or station with whom the employee intends to communicate by listening for an acknowledgment. If the station acknowledging the employee’s transmission fails to identify itself properly, the employee shall require a proper identification before proceeding with the transmission.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provisions of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden associated with these requirements.

§ 220.33 Receiving a radio transmission.

Upon receiving a radio call, an employee must promptly acknowledge the call, identifying the employee’s station in accordance with the requirements of § 220.27, and stand by to receive. An employee need not attend the radio during the time that this would interfere with other immediate duties relating to the safety of railroad operations.

An employee who receives a transmission must repeat it to the transmitting party unless the communication: (1) relates to yard switching operations; (2) is a recorded message from an automatic alarm device; or (3) is general in nature and does not contain any information, instruction or advice which could affect the safety of a railroad operation.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provisions of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden affiliated with these requirements.

§ 220.35 Ending a radio transmission.

(a) Except for transmissions relating to yard switching operations, at the close of each transmission to which a response is expected, the transmitting employee must say “over” to indicate to the receiving employee that the transmission is ended.

(b) Except for transmissions relating to yard switching operations, at the close of each transmission to which no response is expected, the transmitting employee must state the employee’s identification followed by the word “out” to indicate to the receiving employee that the exchange of transmissions is complete.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provisions of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden connected with these requirements.

§ 220.37 Testing radio and wireless communication equipment.

Each radio, and all primary and redundant wireless communication equipment used under §§ 220.9 and 220.11, must be tested as soon as practicable to ensure that the equipment functions as intended prior to the commencement of the work assignment.

The test of a radio must consist of an exchange of voice transmissions with another radio. The employee receiving the transmission shall advise the employee conducting the test of the clarity of the transmission.

.

FRA estimates that approximately 3,000 devices will be tested an average of five times per week as a result of this requirement. As a result, approximately 780,000 tests (15,000 tests p/week x 52 weeks) will be conducted annually. It is estimated that each test will take approximately 15 seconds. Total annual burden for this requirement is 3,250 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 15 seconds

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 780,000 tests

Annual Burden: 3,250 hours

Calculation: 780,000 tests x 15 sec. = 3,250 hours

§ 220.38 Communication equipment failure.

Any radio or wireless communication device found not to be functioning as intended when tested pursuant to § 220.37 must be removed from service and the dispatcher or other employee designated by the railroad must be so notified as soon as practicable.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provision of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden linked to these requirements.

§ 220.47 Emergency radio transmissions.

An initial emergency radio transmission must be preceded by the word “emergency,” repeated three times. An emergency transmission shall have priority over all other transmissions and the frequency or channel shall be kept clear of non-emergency traffic for the duration of the emergency communication.

NOTE: The requirements resulting from the provision of this section are the usual and customary procedure. Consequently, there is no burden associated with these requirements.

§ 220.61 Transmission of mandatory directives.

(a) Each mandatory directive may be transmitted by radio only when authorized by the railroad's operating rules. The directive must be transmitted in accordance with the railroad's operating rules and the requirements of this part.

(b) The procedure for transmission of a mandatory directive by radio is as follows:

(1) The train dispatcher or operator must call the addressees of the mandatory directive and state the intention to transmit the mandatory directive.

(2) Before the mandatory directive is transmitted, the employee to receive and copy must state the employee’s name, identification, location, and readiness to receive and copy. An employee operating the controls of moving equipment must not receive and copy mandatory directives. A mandatory directive must not be transmitted to employees on moving equipment, if such directive cannot be received and copied without impairing safe operation of the equipment.

(3) A mandatory directive must be copied in writing by the receiving employee in the format prescribed in the railroad's operating rules.

(4) After the mandatory directive has been received and copied, it must be immediately repeated in its entirety. After verifying the accuracy of the repeated mandatory directive, the train dispatcher or operator must then state the time and name of the employee designated by the railroad who is authorized to issue mandatory directives. An employee copying a mandatory directive must then acknowledge by repeating the time and name of the employee so designated by the railroad.

(5) (i) For train crews, before a mandatory directive is acted upon, the conductor and engineer must each have a written copy of the mandatory directive and make certain that the mandatory directive is read and understood by all members of the crew who are responsible for the operation of the train. Mandatory directives which have been fulfilled or canceled must be marked with an “X”, or in accordance with the railroad’s operating rules, and retained for the duration of the train crew’s work assignment.

(ii) For on-track equipment, before a mandatory directive is acted upon, the employee responsible for on-track safety must have a written copy of the mandatory directive and make certain that the mandatory directive is acknowledged by all employees who are responsible for executing that mandatory directive. The employee responsible for on-track safety must retain a copy of the mandatory directive while it is in effect.

(6) A mandatory directive, which has not been completed or which does not comply with the requirements of the railroad's operating rules and this Part, may not be acted upon and must be treated as though not sent. Information contained in a mandatory directive may not be acted upon by persons other than those to whom the mandatory directive is addressed.

(A) In order to comply with Part 220.61 requiring the manual copying of mandatory directives, FRA estimates that, approximately 480,000 mandatory directives will be copied each month by the Nation's railroads for a total of 5,760,000 mandatory directives per year (600,000 mandatory directives x 12 months). It is estimated that it will take an average of 1.5 minutes to copy each directive. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 144,000 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 1.5 minutes

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 5,760,000 copied directives

Annual Burden: 144,000 hours

Calculation: 5,760,000 copied directives x 1.5 min. = 144,000 hours

(B) FRA estimates that approximately 480,000 fulfilled or canceled mandatory directives will be marked annually with an “X” by train crews. This is because railroad operating rules specify a great number of directives only have to be retained until the end of the trip, permitting directives pertaining to parts or “legs” of the trip to be discarded. Also, many railroads have unique forms that account for multiple directives with one mark. It is estimated that it will take an average of 15 seconds to mark each directive. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 2,000 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 15 seconds

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 480,000 marks

Annual Burden: 2,000 hours

Calculation: 480,000 marks x 15 sec. = 2,000 hours

Total annual burden for this entire requirement is 146,000 hours (144,000 + 2,000).

Subpart C

§ 220.302 Operating rules implementing the requirements of this subpart.

Each railroad shall adopt and comply with operating rules which comply with the requirements of this subpart, and have them approved by FRA. When any person including, but not limited to, each railroad, railroad officer, supervisor, and employee violates any requirement of an operating rule which complies with the requirements of this subpart, that person shall be considered to have violated the requirements of this subpart.

Currently, the burden for this requirement is included under that for Part 217(OMB No. 2130-0035; see section 217.7). However, the burden will need to be updated once this final rule becomes effective (180 days after publication in the Federal Register). FRA will be submitting a revised submission for Part 217 early next year after publishing the required 60-day and 30-day Notices that will account for the additional burden resulting from this provision.

§ 220.307 Use of railroad-supplied electronic devices.

(A) General restriction. A railroad operating employee may use a railroad-supplied electronic device only for an authorized business purpose as specified by the railroad in writing.

The burden for this requirement has already been fulfilled by all covered railroads on the general system of transportation. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

An authorized business purpose involving the taking of a photograph or video must be approved by FRA. A railroad subject to this subpart must submit to FRA’s Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer a document specifying in writing the authorized business purpose(s) involving the taking of a photograph or video for which a railroad-supplied electronic device may be used by the carrier’s railroad operating employees.

FRA estimates that approximately five (5) written documents will be submitted to FRA each year under the above requirement. It is estimated that it will each railroad approximately 60 minutes to complete each written document and send it to FRA. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 10 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 60 minutes

Frequency of Response: On occasion

Annual number of Responses: 5 written documents

Annual Burden: 5 hours

Calculation: 5 written documents x 60 min. = 5 hours

(B) Use in freight and passenger locomotive cabs generally. In addition to the restrictions on locomotive engineers described in paragraph (b) of this section, a railroad operating employee who is not in deadhead status shall not use a railroad-supplied electronic device in the cab of a controlling locomotive unless —

(i) A safety briefing that includes all crewmembers is held; and

(ii) All crewmembers agree that it is safe to use the device.

FRA estimates that approximately 5,200,000 briefings will be held each year at which all crewmembers agree that it is safe to use the under the railroad supplied mobile phone or remote computing device. It is estimated that each briefing will take an average of approximately one (1) minutes to complete. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 86,667 hours.

Respondent Universe: 91,000 railroad employees

Burden time per response: 1 minute

Frequency of Response: Annually

Annual number of Responses: 5,200,000 briefings

Annual Burden: 86,667 hours

Calculation: 5,200,000 briefings x 1 min. = 86,667 hours

(C) Use outside freight locomotive cabs. A freight train crewmember who is not in deadhead status may use a railroad-supplied electronic device outside the cab of a controlling freight locomotive only if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The crewmember is not fouling a track; and

(2) All crewmembers agree that is safe to do so.

The burden for this requirement is included under that of B above. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

Total annual burden for this entire requirement is 86,672 hours (5 + 86,667).

§ 220.313 Instruction.

(a) Program. Beginning December 27, 2010, each railroad must maintain a written program of instruction, and examination of each railroad operating employee and each supervisor of the railroad operating employee on the requirements of this subpart if these requirements are pertinent to the employee's duties. If all requirements of this subpart are satisfied, a railroad may consolidate any portion of the instruction, or examination required by this subpart with the program of instruction required under § 217.11 of this chapter.

(1) The written program of instruction and examination shall address the requirements of this subpart, as well as consequences of noncompliance.

(2) The written program of instruction and examination shall include, but is not limited to, an explanation of the following:

(i) When a railroad operating employee must have personal electronic devices turned off with the earpiece removed from the ear as required by this subpart.

(ii) If a railroad supplies an electronic device to its railroad operating employees, when a railroad operating employee may use such a device. The employee must be instructed on what constitutes an authorized business purpose.

(iii) The potential penalties and other consequences of committing a violation of this subpart, both those imposed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and those imposed by the railroad, as well as any distinction between the requirements of this subpart and any more stringent requirements imposed by the railroad and the related distinction between the two sets of potential consequences.

The burden for this requirement has already been fulfilled by existing railroads on the general system of transportation. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

Further, FRA estimates that approximately five (5) new railroads will come into existence annually and thus five (5) written programs of instruction, training, and examination will be developed, maintained, and consolidated with the railroad’s program of instruction required under § 217.11 of this chapter. It is estimated that it will take approximately one (1) hour to develop each written program to meet the above requirement. Total annual burden due to this requirement is five (5) hours.

Respondent Universe: 5 New Railroads

Burden time per response: 1 hour

Frequency of Response: One-time

Annual number of Responses: 5 amended written instruction programs/codes of rules

Annual Burden: 5 hours

Calculation: 5 written instruction programs x 1 hr. = 5 hours

(b) Implementation schedule. Each employee performing duties subject to the requirements in this subpart must be initially trained prior to March 28, 2011.

(1) Beginning March 28, 2011, no employee shall perform work requiring compliance with the requirements of this subpart unless the employee has been instructed on requirements of this subpart within the previous three years.

(2) The records of successful completion of instruction and examination required by this section must document the instruction of each employee under this subpart.

The burden for this requirement has already been fulfilled by existing railroads employees. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

FRA estimates that approximately 5,000 new employees will receive training on the appropriate operating rules under the above requirement. It is estimated that it will take approximately 15 minutes to train each employee. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 1,250 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 15 minutes

Frequency of Response: One-time

Annual number of Responses: 5,000 instructed employees

Annual Burden: 1,250 hours

Calculation: 5,000 instructed employees x 15 min. = 1,250 hours

(c) Records. Written records documenting successful completion of instruction and examination of each employee and of his or her supervisors shall be made and shall be retained at the railroad’s system headquarters and at the division headquarters for each division where the employee is assigned for three calendar years after the end of the calendar year to which they relate and made available to representatives of FRA for inspection and copying during normal business hours. Each railroad to which this part applies is authorized to retain a program, or any records maintained to prove compliance with such a program, by electronic recordkeeping in accordance with §§ 217.9(g) and 217.11(c) of this chapter.

The burden for this requirement has already been fulfilled by existing railroads. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

FRA estimates that approximately 5,000 new employee records will be kept under the above requirement. It is estimated that it will take approximately five (5) minutes to keep each record. Total annual burden due to this requirement is 417 hours.

Respondent Universe: 744 railroads

Burden time per response: 5 minutes

Frequency of Response: One-time

Annual number of Responses: 5,000 employee records

Annual Burden: 417 hours

Calculation: 5,000 employee records x 5 min. = 417 hours

(d) Approval process. Upon review of the program of instruction and examination required by this section, the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer may, for cause stated, disapprove the program. Notification of such disapproval shall be made in writing and specify the basis for the disapproval.

(1) If the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer disapproves the program, the railroad has 35 days from the date of the written notification of such disapproval to -- (i) Amend its program and submit it to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer for approval; or (ii) Provide a written response in support of the program to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer, who informs the railroad of FRA's final decision in writing.

(2) A failure to submit the program with the necessary revisions to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer in accordance with this paragraph is considered a failure to implement a program under this subpart.

The burden for existing railroads relating to existing railroads has already been fulfilled. Further, for new railroads, FRA estimates that approximately zero (0) programs of instruction, training, and examination required by this section will be disapproved. Consequently, there is no additional burden associated with this requirement.

Total annual burden for this entire requirement is 1,672 hours (5 + 1,250 + 417).

§ 220.315 Operational Tests and Inspections.

(a) The railroad’s program of operational tests and inspections under Part 217 of this chapter shall be revised as necessary to include this subpart and shall specifically include a minimum number of operational tests and inspections, subject to adjustment as appropriate.

Currently, the burden for this requirement is included under that for Part 217(OMB No. 2130-0035; see section 217.11) and OMB No. 2130-0579. However, the burden will need to be updated once this final rule becomes effective (180 days after publication in the Federal Register) and Emergency Order No. 26 and its associated information collection are discontinued. FRA will be submitting a revised submission for Part 217 early next year after publishing the required 60-day and 30-day Notices that will account for the additional burden resulting from this provision.

Total annual burden for this entire information collection is 293,521 hours.

13. Estimate of total annual costs to respondents.

Cameras

As noted in the regulatory impact analysis that accompanied this rule, the rule prohibits the utilization of personal electronic devices whose primary function is not for taking photographs or videos, such as cell phones with camera functions, to document safety hazards or violations of rail safety laws, regulations, orders, or standards. Only electronic devices whose primary function is as a camera for taking still pictures or videos would be allowed to be used to document safety hazards or violations.

FRA has entertained the possibility that railroads or crewmembers would want to be able to supplement their documentation of safety hazards or violations of rail safety laws, regulations, orders, or standards with a photograph or video. For purposes of this analysis, FRA has assumed the cost of providing cameras for 50 percent of the fleet of locomotives. Assuming that no locomotives currently have cameras, the total initial cost of providing a camera for each locomotive in operation would equal the number of locomotives in operation multiplied by the average cost of cameras. Furthermore, there would be some ongoing costs as cameras require replacement.

FRA estimates that the number of cameras purchased would equal half of the existing fleet of approximately 28,500 after this rule goes into effect. Thus, approximately 14,250 cameras would be purchased.

FRA estimates the average cost to purchase cameras at $3 per camera. The film from these cameras documenting safety hazards would also have to be developed. FRA estimates this cost to average $3 per film. Cameras will also have to be replaced periodically, and FRA estimates that approximately 50 cameras per year will need to be purchased for this purposed and the film developed.

Costs are as follows:

INITIAL PURCHASE 14,250 cameras x $3 = $42,750

FILM DEVELOPMENT 14,250 films x $3 = $42,750

REPLACEMENT PURCHASE 50 cameras x $3 = $ 150

FILM DEVELOPMENT 50 films x $3 = $ 150

_______________________________

TOTAL $85,800

Calculators

Similar to the exception for cameras, this rule makes an exception for using an electronic device for an authorized business purpose if the device is a calculator that is not part of another electronic device. In other words, railroad operating employees would be permitted to use calculators and only calculators for performing calculations, if those calculations are required for authorized business purposes.

Assuming that no locomotives currently have calculators, the total initial cost of providing a calculator for each locomotive in operation would equal the number of locomotives in operation (28,500) multiplied by the average cost of a calculator. Also, there would be ongoing costs for replacement calculators.

FRA estimates the average cost of a calculator at $2.50, and estimates that 100 calculators per year will need to be replaced. Costs are as follows:

INITIAL PURCHASE 28,500 calculators x $2.50 = $71,250

REPLACEMENT PURCHASE 100 calculators x $2.50 = $ 250 _______________________________

TOTAL $71,500

Other additional costs to respondents outside besides those included above are as follows:

Supplies (paper, etc.) $2,000

Miscellaneous (batteries, chargers, training $8,000

materials, etc.)

_______

TOTAL $ 10,000

GRAND TOTAL $167,300

14. Estimate of Cost to Federal Government.

There is no cost to the Federal Government in connection with these information collection requirements. The carrier records are examined by FRA inspectors on a routine basis as part of their regular enforcement activities that monitor carrier compliance.

15. Explanation of program changes and adjustments.

This information collection submission reflects a decrease of 44,190 hours from the previously approved submission. The decrease in burden is due solely to adjustments, which are detailed in the table below:

TABLE FOR ADJUSTMENTS

CFR Section	Responses & Avg. Time (Previous Submission)	Responses & Avg. Time (This Submission)	Burden Hours (Previous Submission)	FRA Burden Hours (This Submission)	Difference (plus/minus)
220.8 – Waivers	6 petitions 1 hour	4 petitions 1 hour	6 hours	4 hours	-- 2 hours -- 2 responses
220.37 –Testing radio and wireless communication equipment	780,000 tests 30 seconds	780,000 tests 15 seconds	6,500 hours	3,250 hours	-- 3,250 hours 0 responses
220.61 –Copying of mandatory directives - Marking mandatory directives	7,200,000 copied directives 1.5 minutes 624,000 marked directives 15 seconds	5,760,000 copied directives 1.5 minutes 480,000 marked directives 15 seconds	180,000 hours 2,600 hours	144,000 hours 2,000 hours	--36,000 hours -- 1,440,000 responses -- 600 hours -- 144,000 responses
220.307—RR Written request/document to FRA to use video or taking of photograph for business use -- Briefing of crewmembers agreeing that it is safe to use railroad supplied electronic device in cab of locomotive	10 documents 1 hour 5,460,00 briefings 1 minute	5 documents 1 hour 5,200,00 briefings 1 minute	10 hours 91,000 hours	5 hours 86,667 hours	-- 5 hours -- 5 responses -- 4,333 hours -- 260,000 responses

Adjustments above decreased the burden by amount to 44,190 hours and decreased the number of responses by 1,844,007.

The current OMB agency inventory for this information collection exhibits a total burden of 337,711 hours and 14,277,561 responses, while the present submission reflects a total burden of 293,521 hours and 12,433,554 responses. Hence, there is a total decrease in burden of 44,190 hours and 1,844,007 responses.

There is no change in costs to respondents from the previously approved submission.

16. Publication of results of data collection.

FRA has no plans to publish this information.

17. Approval for not displaying the expiration date for OMB approval.

Once OMB approval is received, FRA will publish the approval number for these information collection requirements in the Federal Register.

18. Exception to certification statement.

No exceptions are taken at this time.

Meeting Department of Transportation (DOT) Strategic Goals

This information collection supports the top DOT strategic goal, namely transportation safety. FRA’s rules and resulting information collections are designed to promote and enhance national rail safety. This collection of information furthers national rail safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents/incidents – and corresponding injuries/deaths – involving train movements due to mis-communication or poor communication between railroad companies and their employees. Specifically, this collection of information enables FRA to monitor the railroad environment to ensure that railroad employees are familiar with their railroad’s operating rules governing radio communication in railroad operations, and that they have been instructed in the proper use of radio communication and restrictions on the use of mobile telephones and other electronic devices. As a result of this collection of information, FRA can confirm that railroad employees authorized to use radios have undergone periodic operational testing, instruction and examination regarding their railroads operating rules and restriction imposed by this Part and by their railroad concerning the use of cell phone and other electronic devices, and can confirm that train crews have read, understood, and marked mandatory directives. By careful and continuing review of the information collected, FRA can take timely corrective action before an accident/incident occurs if it detects an unsafe/undesirable trend developing.

This collection of information also promotes safety by ensuring that railroad employees immediately report to FRA (by the quickest means available) derailments, collisions, storms, wash-outs, fires, obstructions to tracks, and other hazardous conditions which could result in death or injury, damage to property, or serious disruption of railroad operations. Upon receipt of the report, FRA can then coordinate an appropriate response to the emergency so as to mitigate the harm that might come to railroad employees, train crews, passengers, and surrounding communities.

This collection of information also promotes rail safety by providing a record of mandatory directives. In the event of an accident/incident, these records can be used by FRA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and railroads to ascertain whether the directive was properly communicated and received and fully complied with. These records can assist FRA and NTSB investigators in determining the cause(s) of the accident/incident and help prevent similar accidents/incidents from occurring in the future. This collection of information is another tool which helps FRA to fulfill its mission, which is to promote and enhance rail safety throughout the United States.

In this information collection, as in all its information collection activities, FRA seeks to do its utmost to fulfill DOT Strategic Goals and to be an integral part of One DOT.

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