FRA extends deadline for training standards rule

The Federal Railroad Administration last week announced an amendment to a proposed rulemaking regarding training, qualification and oversight for safety-related railroad employees.

The amendment calls for delaying the regulation's implementation dates for all contractors, and those short lines and regionals that are not intercity or commuter passenger railroads that register 400,000 total employee work hours annually or more, according to the agency's published notice in the Federal Register.

Comments on the proposal are due Dec. 23.

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) officials said the amended proposal would align short line and contractor compliance dates, providing the large short lines and contractors 16 additional months for compliance.

"The Part 243 Training Rules are an extensive change to the current process, and we have been working diligently to create new training programs that will meet the needs of our members and the regulations," said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker in a press release. "This additional time will be exceedingly helpful."