SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter received April 28, 2026, EBT petitioned FRA for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 230 (Steam Locomotive Inspection and Maintenance Standards). FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2026-0959.

Specifically, EBT seeks relief from the requirements of § 230.41(a), Flexible staybolts with caps—general, for locomotive EBT 16. In its petition, EBT requests the deadline for the removal of the flexible staybolts with caps to be extended two years, until April 1, 2029. EBT explains that the staybolt caps were installed in April 2022 as part of a locomotive rebuild, and EBT 16 has operated 265 service days since its last fifth annual inspection. The locomotive is expected to accrue 250 additional service days before the extended deadline on April 1, 2029.

In support of its request, EBT states that EBT 16 is a “large, narrow-gauge engine with limited access to the firebox side sheet due to the position of the cab and running boards.” In addition, EBT notes that it has had no broken flexible staybolts, due to its “robust water treatment and maintenance program.”

A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov. ( printed page 34891)

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 August 10, 2026 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.

91 FR 34890