Document
Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
This document provides the public notice that New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (NHRR) petitioned FRA for an extension of relief from certain regulations concerning stenciling and ref...
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter received March 27, 2025, NHRR petitioned FRA for an extension of a special approval pursuant to 49 CFR part 215 (Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards), and a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained in parts 215, 223 (Safety Glazing Standards—Locomotives, Passenger Cars and Cabooses), and 224 (Reflectorization of Rail Freight Rolling Stock).[]
The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2020-0066.
Specifically, NHRR requests to extend the previous special approval pursuant to § 215.203,
Restricted cars,
in this docket for one caboose, NHRR C127, that is more than 50 years from the date of original construction. NHRR also seeks new relief from § 215.303,
Stenciling of restricted cars,
the safety glazing requirements of part 223, and the reflectorization requirements of part 224. In support of its request, NHRR explains that the caboose will be used in heritage excursion service between New Hope and Warminster, Pennsylvania, at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. NHRR states that the waiver relief will allow the caboose to keep its historical appearance, which is “integral to its purposes in heritage passenger service.” NHRR adds that it “commits to ensuring adequate lighting and operational oversight during any dusk or nighttime use” to mitigate risks related to the lack of reflectorization.
A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at
www.regulations.gov.
Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.
Communications received by July 17, 2025 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov,
as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.
See also
https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice
for the privacy notice of
regulations.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.