Railroad Operating Rules

Each railroad is required to maintain a copy of its operating rules, timetables, and timetable special instructions at each division and system headquarters. Through these rules, timetables, and timetable special instructions, as well as other requirements under Part 218, FRA monitors the safety of railroad operations. In particular, FRA reviews railroad operating rules, timetables, timetable special programs, and practices to ensure railroads safely run their trains and provide the necessary instructions to employees so that they can perform their duties in a safe and professional manner. Note: This collection of information is mandatory under 49 CFR part 217 and 49 CFR part 218. Respondents are Class I, Class II, and Class III railroads, and intercity passenger and commuter railroads. This collection of information involves both reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The collection frequency of the required information occurs on an occasional basis as well as annually. Reporting requirements include filing of rules, timetables, timetable special instructions, written programs of operational tests and inspections, written quarterly reviews of the railroad accident/incident data, the results of prior operational tests and inspections, and other pertinent safety data, and operating rule modifications among others. Recordkeeping information includes written documentation of the qualification of each railroad testing officer, a record of the date, time, place, and result of each operational test and inspection performed by railroads in accordance with their programs, a copy of each amendment to the railroad’s program of operational tests and inspections, records of periodic reviews, an annual summary on operational tests and inspections for each railroad, a record of the railroad’s current program for periodic instruction of its employees, and written records documenting employees’ successful completion of instruction, training, and examinations for qualification purposes. The purpose of this information collection is to enhance rail safety and drive down the number and severity of accidents/incidents and corresponding injuries, fatalities, and property damage caused by human factors in the daily operations of the nation’s railroads. As noted above, this information collection request is for an extension with change.

The latest form for Railroad Operating Rules expires 2021-02-28 and can be found here.