Action
Proposed policy statement.
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have been working together to develop a policy concerning safety issues related to light rail transit operations that take place, or are planned to take place, on the general railroad system. This policy explains how the two agencies intend to coordinate use of their respective safety authorities with regard to such shared use operations. The policy also summarizes how the process of obtaining waivers of FRA's safety regulations may work, especially where the light rail and conventional rail operations occur at different times of day. FRA will soon issue a separate proposed statement of policy providing more details on its jurisdiction and a more detailed explanation of issues that will be addressed in the waiver process related to shared use of the general system. The agencies are not required by law to provide notice and opportunity for comment on a statement of policy. However, given the number of shared use operations being planned around the nation and the level of interest in how the safety of those operations will be assured, the agencies concluded that they could benefit from receiving comments before drafting their policy in final. The agencies do not plan to hold a hearing, but will discuss the proposed statement with interested groups.