SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter dated August 11, 2026, DCTA petitioned FRA for an extension of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 229 (Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards), part 231 (Railroad Safety Appliance Standards), part 238 (Passenger Equipment Safety Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2010-0180.

Specifically, DCTA seeks an extension of relief from the following regulations:

• 49 CFR 229.31(d), Main reservoir tests; 229.47(b), Emergency brake valve; 229.51(a)(3-4), Aluminum main reservoirs; 229.71, Clearance above top of rail; 229.135(b)(4)(xviii and xix), Event recorders; and Appendix D, Criteria for Certification of Crashworthy Event Recorder Memory Module;
• 49 CFR 231.14(a)(2)(b-d, f-g), Passenger-train cars without end platforms; ( printed page 72614)
• 49 CFR 238.115(b)(4)(ii), Emergency lighting; 238.121(c)(2), Emergency communication; 238.223(a), Locomotive fuel tanks; 238.229, Safety appliances—general; 238.230(d), Safety appliances—new equipment, 238.305(c)(5), Interior calendar day mechanical inspection of passenger cars; 238.309, Periodic brake equipment maintenance; and Appendix D, Requirements for External Fuel Tanks on Tier I Locomotives; and
• 49 CFR 239.101, Emergency preparedness plan.

DCTA requests this extension of relief to continue operation of its Stadler diesel multiple-unit vehicles, which were constructed to meet European safety standards for crashworthiness and related safety measures. In its petition, DCTA states that it has “complied with all facets” of FRA's conditions and findings from its investigative research for the past 15 years.

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 January 11, 2027 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 www.transportation.gov/​privacy. See also www.regulations.gov/​privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

91 FR 72613