OTRB 30-Day FRN

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[FTA Docket No. FTA 2017-0012]

Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of request for comments.

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),

this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describe the nature of the information collection and their expected burdens. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collections of information was published on March 14, 2017 (81 FR 13726).

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before [30 days from date of publication].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tia Swain, Office of Administration, Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue., SE., Mail Stop TAD-10, Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-0354 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Pub. L. No. 104-13, Section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 C.F.R. Part 1320, require Federal agencies to issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 C.F.R. 1320.5, 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.12. On March 14, 2017, published a 60-day notice (82 FR 13726) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing this 60-day notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection activities have been re-evaluated and certified under 5 C.F.R. 1320.5(a) and forwarded to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 C.F.R. 1320.12(c).

Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of information, it must provide 30 days for public comment. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b); 5 CFR 1320.12(d). Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30 day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507 (b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes that the 30 day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. 5 CFR 1320.12(c); see also 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995.

The summaries below describe the nature of the information collection requirements (ICRs) and the expected burden. The requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA.

Title: Over-the-Road Bus (OTRB) Accessibility Program

OMB Control Number: 2132-0570

Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection

Abstract: The Over-the-Road Bus (OTRB) Accessibility Program was authorized under section 3038 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA–21), Public Law 105–85, as amended by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU), Public Law 109–059, August 10, 2005. OTRBs funding was used in intercity fixed route service as well as other services, such as commuter, charter and tour bus services. These services were an important element of the U.S. transportation system. TEA–21 authorized FTA’s OTRB Accessibility Program to assist OTRB operators in complying with the Department’s OTRB Accessibility regulation, ‘‘Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities’’ (49 CFR part 37, subpart H). The legislative intent of this grant program was to increase the number of wheelchair accessible OTRBs available to persons with disabilities throughout the country. The Over the Road Bus Program was repealed by Congress under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). However, funds previously authorized for programs repealed by MAP–21 remain available for their originally authorized purposes until the period of availability expires, the funds are fully expended, the funds are rescinded by Congress, or the funds are otherwise reallocated. To meet program oversight responsibilities, FTA must continue to collect information until the period of availability expires, the funds are fully expended, the funds are rescinded by Congress, or the funds are otherwise reallocated.

Annual Estimated Total Burden Hours: 144 hours

ADDRESS: All written comments must refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document and be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 – 17^th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: FTA Desk Officer. Alternatively, comments may be sent via e-mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget, at the following address: [email protected]

Comments are Invited On: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the

proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will

have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department’s estimate of the burden of the proposed

information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be

collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register.

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William Hyre, Deputy Associate Administrator for Administration