Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
FRA is proposing to revise its regulations for passenger train emergency preparedness. These proposed revisions would: ensure that railroad personnel who communicate and coordinate with first responders during emergency situations receive initial and periodic training and are subject to operational (efficiency) tests and inspections; clarify that railroads must develop procedures in their emergency preparedness plans (e-prep plans) addressing the safe evacuation of passengers with disabilities during emergency situations; limit the need for FRA to formally approve purely administrative changes to approved e-prep plans; specify new operational (efficiency) testing and inspection requirements for both operating and non-operating employees; and remove as unnecessary the section on the preemptive effect of the regulations.