Action
Notice.
Summary
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it intends to modify existing instructions of three currently approved information collection reporting forms. The revised instructions will be added to the next edition of the FRA Guide for Preparing Accident/Incident Reports. For a projected five-year period, FRA seeks to gather additional data that is needed in order to enhance rail safety. However, only the instructions will be revised. FRA contemplates no change to the data elements of any of the three applicable reporting forms, and believes there will be no change in the number of responses. FRA seeks to capture information concerning "remote control devices" that is not presently provided by the railroads in order to further reduce the number and severity of railroad accidents/incidents, and accompanying casualties to railroad workers and members of the public. FRA estimates that there will be no change in the burden time per response for each form; that there will be no change in the total burden hours for the three relevant reporting forms; and that there will be no change in the total burden hours for the entire currently approved information collection. FRA is working with members of the railroad industry and members of railroad labor unions in this partnership effort. FRA has met with representatives of the railroad industry and railroad labor unions to explain the type of data needed and to solicit their views. FRA will continue to consult with them regarding final changes to the instructions to be included in the next Guide. FRA includes a copy of the modified instructions with this notice.