82 FR 18964 - Notice of Request for Revisions of an Information Collection
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)
Federal Transit Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)
| Page Range | 18964-18965 | |
| FR Document | 2017-08148 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 77 (Monday, April 24, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 18964-18965] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-08148] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [FTA Docket No. 2017-0009] Notice of Request for Revisions of an Information Collection AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the revisions of the following information collection: Charter Service Operations. DATES: Comments must be submitted before June 23, 2017. ADDRESSES: To ensure that your comments are not entered more than once into the docket, submit comments identified by the docket number by only one of the following methods: 1. Web site: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the U.S. Government electronic docket site. (Note: The U.S. [[Page 18965]] Department of Transportation's (DOT's) electronic docket is no longer accepting electronic comments.) All electronic submissions must be made to the U.S. Government electronic docket site at www.regulations.gov. Commenters should follow the directions below for mailed and hand- delivered comments. 2. Fax: 202-366-7951. 3. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12- 140, Washington, DC 20590-0001. 4. Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket number for this notice at the beginning of your comments. Submit two copies of your comments if you submit them by mail. For confirmation that FTA has received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments received, including any personal information, will be posted and will be available to Internet users, without change, to www.regulations.gov. You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published April 11, 2000, (65 FR 19477), or you may visit www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents and comments received, go to www.regulations.gov at any time. Background documents and comments received may also be viewed at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Walker, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-9109, or email at [email protected] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested parties are invited to send comments regarding any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) The necessity and utility of the information collection for the proper performance of the functions of the FTA; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways to minimize the collection burden without reducing the quality of the collected information. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection. Title: Charter Service Operations. (OMB Number: 2132-0543). Background: FTA recipients may only provide charter bus service with FTA-funded facilities and equipment if the charter service is incidental to the provision of transit service (49 U.S.C. 5323(d). This restriction protects charter service providers from unauthorized competition by FTA recipients. The requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) are implemented in FTA's charter regulation (Charter Service Rule) at 49 CFR part 604. Amended in 2008, the Charter Service Rule now contains five (5) provisions that impose information collection requirements on FTA recipients of financial assistance from FTA under Federal Transit Law. First, 49 CFR 604.4 requires all applicants for Federal financial assistance under Federal Transit Law, unless otherwise exempted under 49 CFR 604.2, to enter into a ``Charter Service Agreement,'' contained in the Certifications and Assurances for FTA Assistance Programs. The Certifications and Assurances become a part of the Grant Agreement or Cooperative Agreement for Federal financial assistance upon receipt of Federal funds. The rule requires each applicant to submit one Charter Service Agreement for each year that the applicant intends to apply for the Federal financial assistance specified above. Second, 49 CFR 604.14(3) requires a recipient of Federal funds under Federal Transit Law, unless otherwise exempt, to provide email notification to all registered charter providers in the recipient's geographic service area each time the recipient receives a request for charter service that the recipient is interested in providing. Third, 49 CFR 604.12(c) requires a recipient, unless otherwise exempt under 49 CFR part 604.2, to submit on a quarterly basis records of all instances that the recipient provided charter service. Fourth, 49 CFR 604.13 requires a private charter provider to register on FTA's Charter Registration Web site at http://ftawebprod.fta.dot.gov/CharterRegistration/ in order to qualify as a registered charter service provider and receive email notifications by recipients that are interested in providing a requested charter service. The rule requires that a registered charter service provider must update its information on the Charter Registration Web site at least once every two years. Currently, there are a total of 192 registered private charter service providers. Registration has consistently decreased over the years. Lastly, 49 CFR 604.7 permits recipients to provide charter service to Qualified Human Service Organizations (QHSO) under limited circumstances. QHSOs that do not receive Federal funding under programs listed in Appendix A to part 604 and seek to receive free or reduced rate services from recipients must register on FTA's Charter Registration Web site (49 CFR 604.15(a)). Respondents: State and local government, business or other for- profit institutions, and non-profit institutions. Estimated Annual Burden on Respondents: 0.05 hours for each of the 955 Recipient respondents under 49 CFR 604.4, 1.25 hours for each of the 114 Recipient respondents under 49 CFR 604.12, 0.50 hours for each of the 114 Recipient respondents under 49 CFR 604.14, 0.50 hours for each of the 53 non-profit respondents, and 0.50 hours for each of the estimated 192 for-profit respondents. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 369.7 hours. Frequency: Annually, bi-annually, quarterly, and as required. William Hyre, Deputy Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. 2017-08148 Filed 4-21-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![18964 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Notices
has changed the infrastructure FTA Response: FTA is aware of the Another commenter stated that the
performance restriction calculation short deadline for setting targets; calculations can cause transit systems to
parameter from ‘directional route miles’ however, FTA does not consider it is seem in a worse state of repair than is
to ‘track miles’ in response to these unreasonable. Throughout the the reality.
comments. FTA appreciates the rulemaking development process, the FTA Response: FTA does not agree
commenter’s statement of support of the statutory requirement of a three-month that the performance restriction
information contained in Table 5. The deadline after the effective date of final definition or the calculation is flawed.
tables and templates provided in the rule to set performance measure targets However, FTA has clarified and refined
guidebook can be used and modified/ was published and open for comment. several parameters in the calculation for
customized by an agency in the purpose Additionally, FTA has clarified that the clarity, 1—design speed is now full
of following the requirements. An January 1, 2017, deadline for setting service speed, 2—directional route
agency must be sure that if they modify initial targets does not include miles is now track miles and 3—a
or customize a template that it does not mandatory reporting to the NTD.4 FTA segment is defined to one hundredth
conflict with the process outlined in the recognizes that not all capital items are (0.01) of a mile in length. FTA believes
guidebook for calculation of the included in a performance measure these clarifications, formatting changes
performance measure. requirement for TAM. However, the and additional description of the roles
Comments: Several commenters TAM final rule allows agencies the in both TAM metrics and NTD reporting
requested clarification of the proposed flexibility to add additional have resolved the issues these
audience and intent of the guidebook performance measures in their TAM commenters raised.
specifically as it relates to NTD plans as they deem appropriate and FTA has revised each of the
reporting. Suggested actions include useful in the operation, however only guidebooks to incorporate
adding an ‘‘intended audience’’ the standardized national TAM recommendations and edits as noted
statement and assumed background performance measures will be reported above. The revised guidebooks are
information, changing title to reflect to the NTD. located at the following Web site:
more NTD focus, and clarify which are Comments: One commenter stated www.transit.dot.gov/TAM. FTA
TAM requirements or NTD concerns about freight considerations encourages interested stakeholders to
requirements. In addition, one such as proprietary condition review the revised guidebooks in their
commenter requested guidebook should assessments of freight owned track entirety. Further assistance and
clarify that agencies must incorporate assets and the non-dedicated nature of guidance can be found at this Web site.
more than just NTD reporting into their freight shared track and how TAM is
applicable, lastly that their performance Issued in Washington, DC, pursuant to
TAM plans. authority under 49 CFR 1.91.
measures be compared to peer agencies
FTA Response: FTA agrees that the Matthew J. Welbes,
due to their being subject to FRA
relationship of TAM and NTD Executive Director.
regulations as a Class 4 railroad.
requirements should be clarified in the FTA Response: The TAM final rule [FR Doc. 2017–08143 Filed 4–21–17; 8:45 am]
guidebook. The TAM final rule only applies to assets used in the BILLING CODE P
establishes the performance measures provision of public transportation.
that are reported to the NTD. This Freight assets are not considered public
guidebook describes the standardized transportation; however, if an agency DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
methodology requirements to calculate uses freight asset to provide public
and report to the NTD. FTA has transportation they must include it in Federal Transit Administration
addressed these comments with a brief their TAM plan and NTD inventory. If [FTA Docket No. 2017–0009]
introduction section describing the they have direct capital responsibility
relationship of TAM requirements and (or shared capital responsibility) they Notice of Request for Revisions of an
NTD reporting. The guidebook has also must report performance restrictions to Information Collection
been renamed to ‘‘TAM Infrastructure the NTD. The proprietary nature of a
Performance Measure Reporting freight asset may require the agency to AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration,
Guidebook: Performance Restriction innovate solutions to determine DOT.
(Slow Zone) Calculation’’ to better condition assessments. ACTION: Notice of request for comments.
describe the document. Comments: Three commenters felt
Comments: Two commenters that the performance restriction SUMMARY: In accordance with the
provided responses of a general nature definition and or calculation were not Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
not related to other topical areas. One appropriate, adequate or effective. One notice announces the intention of the
commenter stated they feel the January commenter stated that the performance Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to
31, 2017, deadline for setting targets is restriction does not necessarily indicate request the Office of Management and
too soon, due to having to work with poor infrastructure condition (could Budget (OMB) to approve the revisions
multiple freight partners. Another also mean maintenance, inspection, of the following information collection:
commenter stated FTA did a very good etc.). Another commenter did not feel Charter Service Operations.
job with the guidebooks; they support the speed restrictions accurately reflect DATES: Comments must be submitted
NTD and MAP–21 requirements very condition of the infrastructure, and thus before June 23, 2017.
well. One commenter stated a concern disagrees with the performance ADDRESSES: To ensure that your
about the performance measure not restriction definition. Additionally, they comments are not entered more than
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
reflecting some of the assets that an were concerned that data based on the once into the docket, submit comments
agency invests in heavily, such as proposed performance restriction identified by the docket number by only
Positive Train Control (PTC) and definition will misconstrue the reality one of the following methods:
bridges, since those assets do not and lead to irrational requests and 1. Web site: www.regulations.gov.
directly impact the performance unreasonable funding conditions. Follow the instructions for submitting
restriction which is FTA’s performance comments on the U.S. Government
measure for infrastructure. 4 https://www.transit.dot.gov/TAM/rulemaking. electronic docket site. (Note: The U.S.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Notices 18965
Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) collected information. Comments Web site at least once every two years.
electronic docket is no longer accepting submitted in response to this notice will Currently, there are a total of 192
electronic comments.) All electronic be summarized and/or included in the registered private charter service
submissions must be made to the U.S. request for OMB approval of this providers. Registration has consistently
Government electronic docket site at information collection. decreased over the years.
www.regulations.gov. Commenters Title: Charter Service Operations. Lastly, 49 CFR 604.7 permits
should follow the directions below for (OMB Number: 2132–0543). recipients to provide charter service to
mailed and hand-delivered comments. Background: FTA recipients may only Qualified Human Service Organizations
2. Fax: 202–366–7951. provide charter bus service with FTA- (QHSO) under limited circumstances.
3. Mail: U.S. Department of funded facilities and equipment if the QHSOs that do not receive Federal
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey charter service is incidental to the funding under programs listed in
Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M–30, provision of transit service (49 U.S.C. Appendix A to part 604 and seek to
West Building, Ground Floor, Room 5323(d). This restriction protects charter receive free or reduced rate services
W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. service providers from unauthorized from recipients must register on FTA’s
4. Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of competition by FTA recipients. Charter Registration Web site (49 CFR
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey The requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) 604.15(a)).
Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M–30, are implemented in FTA’s charter Respondents: State and local
West Building, Ground Floor, Room regulation (Charter Service Rule) at 49 government, business or other for-profit
W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001 CFR part 604. Amended in 2008, the
institutions, and non-profit institutions.
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Charter Service Rule now contains five
Estimated Annual Burden on
Monday through Friday, except federal (5) provisions that impose information
Respondents: 0.05 hours for each of the
holidays. collection requirements on FTA
955 Recipient respondents under 49
Instructions: You must include the recipients of financial assistance from
CFR 604.4, 1.25 hours for each of the
agency name and docket number for this FTA under Federal Transit Law.
First, 49 CFR 604.4 requires all 114 Recipient respondents under 49
notice at the beginning of your CFR 604.12, 0.50 hours for each of the
comments. Submit two copies of your applicants for Federal financial
assistance under Federal Transit Law, 114 Recipient respondents under 49
comments if you submit them by mail. CFR 604.14, 0.50 hours for each of the
For confirmation that FTA has received unless otherwise exempted under 49
CFR 604.2, to enter into a ‘‘Charter 53 non-profit respondents, and 0.50
your comments, include a self- hours for each of the estimated 192 for-
addressed stamped postcard. Note that Service Agreement,’’ contained in the
Certifications and Assurances for FTA profit respondents.
all comments received, including any Estimated Total Annual Burden:
personal information, will be posted Assistance Programs. The Certifications
and Assurances become a part of the 369.7 hours.
and will be available to Internet users, Frequency: Annually, bi-annually,
without change, to www.regulations.gov. Grant Agreement or Cooperative
Agreement for Federal financial quarterly, and as required.
You may review DOT’s complete
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal assistance upon receipt of Federal William Hyre,
Register published April 11, 2000, (65 funds. The rule requires each applicant Deputy Associate Administrator for
FR 19477), or you may visit to submit one Charter Service Administration.
www.regulations.gov. Agreement for each year that the [FR Doc. 2017–08148 Filed 4–21–17; 8:45 am]
Docket: For access to the docket to applicant intends to apply for the BILLING CODE P
read background documents and Federal financial assistance specified
comments received, go to above.
Second, 49 CFR 604.14(3) requires a DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
www.regulations.gov at any time.
recipient of Federal funds under Federal
Background documents and comments
Transit Law, unless otherwise exempt, Maritime Administration
received may also be viewed at the U.S.
to provide email notification to all
Department of Transportation, 1200 [Docket No. DOT–MARAD 2017–0076]
registered charter providers in the
New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket
recipient’s geographic service area each Request for Comments of a Previously
Operations, M–30, West Building,
time the recipient receives a request for Approved Information Collection
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
charter service that the recipient is
Washington, DC 20590–0001 between AGENCY: Maritime Administration
interested in providing.
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday Third, 49 CFR 604.12(c) requires a (MARAD), Department of
through Friday, except federal holidays. recipient, unless otherwise exempt Transportation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: under 49 CFR part 604.2, to submit on ACTION: Notice and request for
Bruce Walker, Office of the Chief a quarterly basis records of all instances comments.
Counsel, (202) 366–9109, or email at that the recipient provided charter
Bruce.Walker@dot.gov service. SUMMARY: In compliance with the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested Fourth, 49 CFR 604.13 requires a Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
parties are invited to send comments private charter provider to register on notice announces that the Information
regarding any aspect of this information FTA’s Charter Registration Web site at Collection Request (ICR) abstracted
collection, including: (1) The necessity http://ftawebprod.fta.dot.gov/ below is being forwarded to the Office
and utility of the information collection CharterRegistration/ in order to qualify of Management and Budget (OMB) for
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
for the proper performance of the as a registered charter service provider review and comments. A Federal
functions of the FTA; (2) the accuracy and receive email notifications by Register Notice with a 60-day comment
of the estimated burden; (3) ways to recipients that are interested in period soliciting comments on the
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity providing a requested charter service. following information collection was
of the collected information; and (4) The rule requires that a registered published in the Federal Register on
ways to minimize the collection burden charter service provider must update its January 19, 2017 (Volume 82, Number
without reducing the quality of the information on the Charter Registration 12; Page 6723).
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Document Created: 2017-04-22 00:11:26
Document Modified: 2017-04-22 00:11:26
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments must be submitted before June 23, 2017. | |
| Contact | Bruce Walker, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-9109, or email at [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 18964 |
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