Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
09/27/2021
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2021
18,660,400
27,796,044
1,283,507
3,421,290
247,500
588,500
The collection of information is mandatory, and is associated with FRA's rule 49 CFR part 228. Entities required to respond include Class I, Class II, and Class III railroads as well as 40 signal employee contractors. The collection of information includes occasional reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Covered employers are required to keep Hours of Duty records of their employees, and must produce them upon request to FRA representatives. The Hours of Service Act specifies the maximum hours and conditions of proper rest for employees engaged in one or more critical categories of work. FRA uses the information collected to both monitor compliance with and to enforce these safety regulations. Reporting and recordkeeping Information is collected on occasion, monthly, and annually. Besides Hours of Duty data, railroads must also provide reports of excess service to FRA and employee training information.
Overall, the burden for this submission has decreased by 2,137,783 hours and decreased by 9,135,644 responses. There is no change in the method of the collection. The decrease in burden is solely the result of adjustments.
FRA determined some of the prior estimates were fulfilled, outdated, or were not derived from PRA requirements, thus leading to the increased figures in the current inventory, which were decreased accordingly. Additionally, the number of responses (number of employees) declined by a third while the number of railroads using electronic records increased from 80 percent to 95 percent thus substantially reducing the average time per record under section 228.11 from 2.7 million hours to about 1 million hours.
Additionally, the cost to respondents decreased by $341,000 from the previously approved submission of $588,500. For instance, the initial cost to automation ($430,000) was removed because the larger commuter railroads have implemented their automated systems.
Question 15 of the supporting justification provides specific information on any burden estimates that have changed from the previous submission.
$77,636
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
William Smith 202 385-2228
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.
Form FRA F 6180.3 Hours of Service Regulations
Sept 27 2021 (30 Day) FR on HOS.pdf
2130-0005_HOS_Supporting Justification.docx
49 U.S.C. 21301-21304.doc
Hours of Service Regulations