83 FR 2323 - Removing Barriers to Transit Bus Automation
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 10 (January 16, 2018)
Federal Transit Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 10 (January 16, 2018)
| Page Range | 2323-2324 | |
| FR Document | 2018-00617 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 2323-2324] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-00617] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket No. FTA-2017-0025] Removing Barriers to Transit Bus Automation AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) seeks public comment regarding current or potential regulatory or other policy barriers to the development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation of automated transit buses and related technologies for Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) automation levels 3 through 5. For purposes of this notice, ``bus'' is defined broadly to consider a range of sizes, vehicle platforms and configurations, and passenger capacities, and could include both traditional and novel vehicle designs (e.g., full- size city buses, articulated buses, small shuttles, etc.). ``Bus'' includes bus rapid transit. DATES: Comments must be submitted by March 2, 2018. FTA will consider late-filed comments to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Please submit your comments by only one of the following methods, identifying your submission by docket number FTA-2017-0025. All electronic submissions must be made to the U.S. Government electronic site at http://www.regulations.gov. (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. (2) Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001. (3) Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12- 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. (4) Fax: 202-493-2251. Instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and Docket number (FTA-2017-0025) 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 received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided and will be available to internet users. You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents and comments received, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions, contact Steve Mortensen, Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room E43-422, Washington, DC 20590, phone: (202) 493-0459, fax: (202) 366-3765, or email, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Overview Transportation currently is undergoing a transformation. As traveler preferences and needs recently have evolved and continue to change, so have the capabilities of emerging transportation technologies and, more importantly, the operational concepts defining how those technologies will be deployed in our communities. Motor vehicle automation (both as a technology platform and service model) has become the most talked about development for surface transportation in recent times. Many industry stakeholders and observers anticipate and expect that public transportation will have a significant role in this new space, as garnered from transit stakeholders during FTA preliminary research on the subject. Certain operational applications such as circulator or first mile/last mile service are clear instances where the use of automated motor vehicles could play a very effective role, based on transit stakeholder input and preliminary benefit-cost information on these service types. Circulator service is regular service within a closed loop, typically on a fixed route, and may be found in business parks, retirement communities, college campuses, downtowns, etc. First mile/last mile service provides service between high-capacity fixed-route service, such as rail transit and bus rapid transit, and a traveler's origin and/or destination, usually within a radius of three miles and often in an area of low-density development. Preliminary findings from FTA research are supported by a National Highway Cooperative Research Program study on automated transit (Gettman, Douglas, et al. 2017. NCHRP Project 20-102 (02), Project Report Document 239, Impacts of Laws and Regulations on CV and AV Technology Introduction in Transit Operations.) (see also https://www.nap.edu/download/24922#) which suggest that non-technical issues may present challenges or barriers to the development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation of automation technologies in transit bus applications. For example, existing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Federal safety requirements and vehicle test procedures generally do not anticipate a fully driverless vehicle, and FTA procurement and other requirements could limit product availability for automated transit buses, particularly for automation levels 3 through 5. FTA seeks comments from stakeholders, including the disability community, to better understand regulatory and policy barriers and challenges to development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation of automation systems in the transit industry. Information from this RFC will help inform FTA's approach to automated transit buses, including determining whether to pursue potential modifications of FTA regulations, guidance, and internal practices, and may also help inform any future legislation. This notice is a request for comments and information only. It is not a solicitation for project proposals. Submission of any information in response to this notice is voluntary. The [[Page 2324]] Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice. II. Scope and Submission of Comments The goal of this notice is to better inform FTA regarding current or potential regulatory and other policy areas, and procedures or actions that may slow or prevent the development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation of automated transit buses and related technologies. For purposes of this notice, ``bus'' is defined broadly to consider a range of sizes, vehicle platforms and configurations, and passenger capacities, and could include both traditional and novel vehicle designs (e.g., full-size city buses, articulated buses, small shuttles, etc.). ``Bus'' also includes bus rapid transit. FTA requests comments from stakeholders, including the disability community, concerning technologies spanning automation levels 3 through 5 as defined in the SAE standard J3016_201609 (see http://standards.sae.org/j3016_201609/) and as used in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0 guidance. In particular, FTA seeks comments with respect to the following areas of interest: A. Are there existing FTA statutes, regulations, or policies that may present a challenge or barrier to the development, demonstration, deployment, or evaluation of automated transit buses? If so, please specify or describe these challenges, and provide proposed resolution, if possible. B. Are there other Federal statutes, regulations, or policies (e.g., Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, etc.) that may present a challenge or barrier to the development, demonstration, deployment, or evaluation of automated transit buses? If so, please specify or describe these challenges, and provide proposed resolution, if possible. C. Are there any specific regulatory barriers related to small business that DOT/FTA should consider, specifically those that may help facilitate small business participation in this emerging technology? D. Are there other regulatory, policy, or legislative challenges or barriers not otherwise specified above, which may impede development, demonstration, deployment, or evaluation of automated transit buses? If so, please specify or describe these challenges, and provide proposed resolution, if possible. Where applicable, indicate the level(s) of automation impacted by the statute, regulation, or policy. Please note FTA is not seeking comments pertaining to systems without an automated driving aspect (e.g., driver warnings and alerts), unless the system is evolving to include automation levels 3 through 5 in the foreseeable future. Please also note that this notice is not seeking comments related to rail fixed guideway systems or personal rapid transit systems. Interested parties are requested to respond to this notice in writing as soon as possible but not later than March 2, 2018. For information about the Federal Transit Administration, please refer to the FTA website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/. Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2018 under authority delegated in 49 CFR part 1.91. K. Jane Williams, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2018-00617 Filed 1-12-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Notices 2323
notice. FTA will not pay for any (2) Mail: Docket Management Facility: will have a significant role in this new
materials provided in response to this U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 space, as garnered from transit
notice and submittals will not be New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, stakeholders during FTA preliminary
returned to the sender. Ground Floor, Room W12–140, research on the subject. Certain
Each response should reference the Washington, DC 20590–0001. operational applications such as
docket number (FTA–2017–0024), and (3) Hand Delivery or Courier: West circulator or first mile/last mile service
provide the name and contact Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, are clear instances where the use of
information (company, company 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 automated motor vehicles could play a
representative’s name, phone, email, a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday very effective role, based on transit
etc.) of the submitter, at a minimum. through Friday, except Federal holidays. stakeholder input and preliminary
For information about the Federal (4) Fax: 202–493–2251. benefit-cost information on these service
Transit Administration, please refer to Instructions: You must include the types. Circulator service is regular
the FTA website at https:// agency name (Federal Transit service within a closed loop, typically
www.transit.dot.gov/. Administration) and Docket number on a fixed route, and may be found in
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, (FTA–2017–0025) for this notice at the business parks, retirement communities,
2018 under authority delegated in 49 CFR beginning of your comments. Submit college campuses, downtowns, etc. First
Part 1.91. two copies of your comments if you mile/last mile service provides service
K. Jane Williams, submit them by mail. For confirmation between high-capacity fixed-route
Deputy Administrator. that FTA received your comments, service, such as rail transit and bus
[FR Doc. 2018–00615 Filed 1–12–18; 8:45 am]
include a self-addressed stamped rapid transit, and a traveler’s origin and/
postcard. Note that all comments or destination, usually within a radius
BILLING CODE P
received will be posted without change of three miles and often in an area of
to www.regulations.gov including any low-density development.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION personal information provided and will Preliminary findings from FTA
be available to internet users. You may research are supported by a National
Federal Transit Administration review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Highway Cooperative Research Program
Statement published in the Federal study on automated transit (Gettman,
[Docket No. FTA–2017–0025]
Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR Douglas, et al. 2017. NCHRP Project 20–
Removing Barriers to Transit Bus 19477). 102 (02), Project Report Document 239,
Automation Docket: For access to the docket to Impacts of Laws and Regulations on CV
read background documents and and AV Technology Introduction in
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration comments received, go to Transit Operations.) (see also https://
(FTA), DOT. www.regulations.gov at any time or to www.nap.edu/download/24922#) which
ACTION: Notice; request for comments. the U.S. Department of Transportation, suggest that non-technical issues may
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Docket present challenges or barriers to the
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Operations, M–30, West Building development, demonstration,
Administration (FTA) seeks public Ground Floor, Room W12–140, deployment, and evaluation of
comment regarding current or potential Washington, DC 20590 between 9:00 automation technologies in transit bus
regulatory or other policy barriers to the a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through applications. For example, existing
development, demonstration, Friday, except Federal holidays. National Highway Traffic Safety
deployment, and evaluation of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Administration Federal safety
automated transit buses and related questions, contact Steve Mortensen, requirements and vehicle test
technologies for Society of Automotive Office of Research, Demonstration and procedures generally do not anticipate a
Engineers (SAE) automation levels 3 Innovation, Federal Transit fully driverless vehicle, and FTA
through 5. For purposes of this notice, Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. procurement and other requirements
‘‘bus’’ is defined broadly to consider a SE, Room E43–422, Washington, DC could limit product availability for
range of sizes, vehicle platforms and 20590, phone: (202) 493–0459, fax: (202) automated transit buses, particularly for
configurations, and passenger 366–3765, or email, Steven.Mortensen@ automation levels 3 through 5.
capacities, and could include both dot.gov. FTA seeks comments from
traditional and novel vehicle designs stakeholders, including the disability
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(e.g., full-size city buses, articulated community, to better understand
buses, small shuttles, etc.). ‘‘Bus’’ I. Overview regulatory and policy barriers and
includes bus rapid transit. challenges to development,
Transportation currently is
DATES: Comments must be submitted by undergoing a transformation. As traveler demonstration, deployment, and
March 2, 2018. FTA will consider late- preferences and needs recently have evaluation of automation systems in the
filed comments to the extent evolved and continue to change, so have transit industry. Information from this
practicable. the capabilities of emerging RFC will help inform FTA’s approach to
ADDRESSES: Please submit your transportation technologies and, more automated transit buses, including
comments by only one of the following importantly, the operational concepts determining whether to pursue potential
methods, identifying your submission defining how those technologies will be modifications of FTA regulations,
by docket number FTA–2017–0025. All deployed in our communities. guidance, and internal practices, and
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
electronic submissions must be made to Motor vehicle automation (both as a may also help inform any future
the U.S. Government electronic site at technology platform and service model) legislation.
http://www.regulations.gov. has become the most talked about This notice is a request for comments
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to development for surface transportation and information only. It is not a
http://www.regulations.gov and follow in recent times. Many industry solicitation for project proposals.
the online instructions for submitting stakeholders and observers anticipate Submission of any information in
comments. and expect that public transportation response to this notice is voluntary. The
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![2324 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / Notices
Government will not pay for any effort systems without an automated driving entered into this docket is available at
expended in responding to this notice. aspect (e.g., driver warnings and alerts), http://www.regulations.gov.
unless the system is evolving to include FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
II. Scope and Submission of Comments
automation levels 3 through 5 in the Bianca Carr, U.S. Department of
The goal of this notice is to better foreseeable future. Please also note that Transportation, Maritime
inform FTA regarding current or this notice is not seeking comments Administration, 1200 New Jersey
potential regulatory and other policy related to rail fixed guideway systems or Avenue SE, Room W23–453,
areas, and procedures or actions that personal rapid transit systems. Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–
may slow or prevent the development, Interested parties are requested to 366–9309, Email Bianca.carr@dot.gov.
demonstration, deployment, and respond to this notice in writing as soon SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
evaluation of automated transit buses as possible but not later than March 2, described by the applicant the intended
and related technologies. For purposes 2018. service of the vessel FAR SEA II is:
of this notice, ‘‘bus’’ is defined broadly For information about the Federal —INTENDED COMMERCIAL USE OF
to consider a range of sizes, vehicle Transit Administration, please refer to VESSEL: ‘‘Intended for use as a small
platforms and configurations, and the FTA website at https:// passenger vessel available for
passenger capacities, and could include www.transit.dot.gov/. skippered and bareboat charters with
both traditional and novel vehicle
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, captains approved by the insurance
designs (e.g., full-size city buses, 2018 under authority delegated in 49 CFR company, the owner, and the county
articulated buses, small shuttles, etc.). part 1.91. of Los Angeles.’’
‘‘Bus’’ also includes bus rapid transit. K. Jane Williams, —GEOGRAPHIC REGION: ‘‘California’’
FTA requests comments from
stakeholders, including the disability Deputy Administrator. The complete application is given in
community, concerning technologies [FR Doc. 2018–00617 Filed 1–12–18; 8:45 am] DOT docket MARAD–2018–0001 at
spanning automation levels 3 through 5 BILLING CODE P http://www.regulations.gov. Interested
parties may comment on the effect this
as defined in the SAE standard J3016_
action may have on U.S. vessel builders
201609 (see http://standards.sae.org/
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-
j3016_201609/) and as used in the
flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in
National Highway Traffic Safety Maritime Administration accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121 and
Administration Automated Driving
[Docket No. MARAD 2018 2018–0001] MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part
Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0
388, that the issuance of the waiver will
guidance.
In particular, FTA seeks comments Requested Administrative Waiver of have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-
the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel FAR vessel builder or a business that uses
with respect to the following areas of
SEA II; Invitation for Public Comments U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a
interest:
A. Are there existing FTA statutes, waiver will not be granted. Comments
AGENCY: Maritime Administration, should refer to the docket number of
regulations, or policies that may present Department of Transportation.
a challenge or barrier to the this notice and the vessel name in order
development, demonstration, ACTION: Notice. for MARAD to properly consider the
deployment, or evaluation of automated comments. Comments should also state
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the commenter’s interest in the waiver
transit buses? If so, please specify or Transportation, as represented by the application, and address the waiver
describe these challenges, and provide Maritime Administration (MARAD), is criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s
proposed resolution, if possible. authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-
B. Are there other Federal statutes, regulations at 46 CFR part 388.
build requirement of the coastwise laws
regulations, or policies (e.g., Federal under certain circumstances. A request Privacy Act
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, etc.) for such a waiver has been received by In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c),
that may present a challenge or barrier MARAD. The vessel, and a brief DOT/MARAD solicits comments from
to the development, demonstration, description of the proposed service, is the public to better inform its
deployment, or evaluation of automated listed below. rulemaking process. DOT/MARAD posts
transit buses? If so, please specify or these comments, without edit, to
DATES: Submit comments on or before
describe these challenges, and provide www.regulations.gov, as described in
proposed resolution, if possible. February 15, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to
the system of records notice, DOT/ALL–
C. Are there any specific regulatory 14 FDMS, accessible through
barriers related to small business that docket number MARAD–2018–0001.
Written comments may be submitted by www.dot.gov/privacy. In order to
DOT/FTA should consider, specifically facilitate comment tracking and
those that may help facilitate small hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk,
response, we encourage commenters to
business participation in this emerging U.S. Department of Transportation,
provide their name, or the name of their
technology? Docket Operations, M–30, West
organization; however, submission of
D. Are there other regulatory, policy, Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
names is completely optional. Whether
or legislative challenges or barriers not 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
or not commenters identify themselves,
otherwise specified above, which may Washington, DC 20590. You may also
all timely comments will be fully
impede development, demonstration, send comments electronically via the
considered. If you wish to provide
deployment, or evaluation of automated internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
comments containing proprietary or
transit buses? If so, please specify or All comments will become part of this
confidential information, please contact
describe these challenges, and provide docket and will be available for
the agency for alternate submission
proposed resolution, if possible. inspection and copying at the above
instructions.
Where applicable, indicate the level(s) address between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00
of automation impacted by the statute, p.m., Monday through Friday, except (Authority: 49 CFR 1.93(a), 46 U.S.C.
regulation, or policy. Please note FTA is federal holidays. An electronic version 55103, 46 U.S.C. 12121)
not seeking comments pertaining to of this document and all documents * * *
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Document Created: 2018-01-13 02:02:34
Document Modified: 2018-01-13 02:02:34
| 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; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments must be submitted by March 2, 2018. FTA will consider late-filed comments to the extent practicable. | |
| Contact | For questions, contact Steve Mortensen, Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room E43-422, Washington, DC 20590, phone: (202) 493-0459, fax: (202) 366-3765, or email, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 2323 |
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