Positive Train Control and Other Signal Systems (Formerly titled Positive Train Control)
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
07/29/2021
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2023
4,567,897
4,568,393
50,969
68,373
0
0
FRA is revising its regulations governing changes to positive train control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system performance. First, FRA is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment (RFA) to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and FRA-certified PTC system. Second, to enable more effective FRA oversight, this final rule: expands an existing reporting requirement by increasing the frequency from annual to biannual; broadens the reporting requirement to encompass positive performance-related information, including about the technologyâs positive impact on rail safety, not just failure-related information; and requires host railroads to utilize a new, standardized report form.
This information collection is mandatory, and is a revision to the last approval. Additionally, to provide clarity and precision regarding the reporting requirement under 49 CFR § 236.1029(h), FRA developed an Excel-based Biannual Report of PTC System Performance (Form FRA F 6180.152) that railroads would utilize to satisfy the reporting requirements.
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
The change in burden from the last approved submission is due to both program changes (an increase) and adjustments (a decrease). The program changes shown in the first table under question 15 of the attached Supporting Justification increased the burden by 4,416 hours and the number of responses by 52. First, FRA is modifying the process by which a host railroad must submit a request for amendment (RFA)â49 CFR 236.1021(m) âto FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and FRA-certified PTC system. Second, FRA is also expanding an existing reporting requirementâ49 CFR 236.1029(h)âby increasing the frequency of the reporting requirement from annual to biannual (new Form FRA F 6180.152). Additionally, the adjustments in the second table under question 15 of the attached Supporting Justification decreased the burden by 21,820 hours and the number of responses by 548 from the last approved submission. First, the estimated changes in the number of responses mainly contributed to the decrease in burden hours. Second, the burden associated with forms 6180.165 and 6180.166 have been completed, thus further reducing the burden hours. Lastly, there is no change in cost to respondents from the previous submission.
$2,803,297
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Gabe Neal 816 516-7168
No
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.