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 technology’s
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)—49 CFR
236.1021(m) —to FRA before making certain changes to its PTC Safety
Plan (PTCSP) and FRA-certified PTC system. Second, FRA is also
expanding an existing reporting requirement—49 CFR 236.1029(h)—by
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.
Form FRA F 6180.152 Biannual Report of PTC System Performance (Form 6180.152)
PTC 2130-0553_Supporting Justification_Final Rule.docx
FAST Act.pdf
Section 1302 of Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015.doc
Expedited application for approval (§ 235.6)