Meeting Notice, 69607-69608 [E6-20311]

Download as PDF rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 231 / Friday, December 1, 2006 / Notices 2006, incident, which occurred in Bradley Beach, New Jersey on the New Jersey Transit (NJT) railroad, is currently under investigation by the FRA, and state and local agencies. The cause and contributing factors, if any, have not been established; nothing in this Safety Advisory should be construed as placing blame or responsibility for the incident on the acts or omissions of any person. FRA notes that managers and employees of NJT have cooperated in FRA’s investigation of the incident and that NJT has responded positively to FRA’s suggested course of action following the incident, including issuing written instructions regarding checking of seals on door bypass switches and the location of train crewmembers when trains are leaving stations. The electrically-operated doors on the passenger car involved in this incident are equipped with flexible edges that are designed to sense an obstruction when closing. If an obstruction is detected, the door reopens. If a door does not close properly, the engineer will not be able to draw power to move the train. This safety feature can be overridden by operating a bypass switch which is located in the locomotive or control car. This switch is normally sealed until used. However, FRA is aware of instances on various railroads when this type of seal has been improperly applied and has therefore been loose enough that the switch could be operated without breaking the seal. This could result in the unintentional use or intentional misuse of the bypass switch, creating a potentially dangerous operating condition where a passenger train would be able to depart with a passenger caught in a door. FRA also notes that there is a difference among railroads as to when this type of bypass switch may be used. Some railroads require that permission be obtained from the train dispatcher prior to using the switch; others allow crewmembers to operate the switch and then inform a designated railroad employee at some point during the tour of duty. Railroads are encouraged to review their procedures to ensure that they provide an adequate level of safety for a railroad’s particular operating characteristics. Additionally, in the event that an obstruction sensor fails or is bypassed, it is important that railroads ensure that each crewmember knows and carries out his or her role in recognizing potential door obstructions and in providing an equivalent level of safety for passengers. An additional opportunity to assure safety of boarding and alighting VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:50 Nov 30, 2006 Jkt 211001 passengers is provided by an employee assigned to observe the station platform while the train departs. Many commuter railroads, including NJT, have a rule or instruction requiring employees to perform this task. It is imperative that employees comply with such a rule or instruction and that railroads take appropriate steps to ensure compliance. As a result of this incident, NJT has issued a Supplemental Bulletin Order that includes a review of the rule addressing the location of train crews when making a station stop, as well as the rule concerning sealing of protective devices. NJT also issued a notice to their mechanical staff, placing special emphasis on ensuring that the seals on all appliances are properly applied. Recommended Action: In recognition of the need to assure railroad passenger safety, FRA recommends that railroads operating passenger equipment: (1) Assess the current railroad rules, instructions, and procedures intended to reduce the likelihood that death or injury will result when passengers attempt to board or alight from trains at station stops. FRA recommends that this assessment include, but not necessarily be limited to assessing the adequacy of current railroad rules, instructions, and procedures: (a) Designed to ensure passenger safety when boarding or alighting from trains; (b) governing the override of safety systems, such as the bypass of an electrically-powered door safety device, including each crewmember’s role in assessing whether to override the safety device as well as any additional steps necessary to ensure continued passenger safety following activation of the safety override device; and (c) governing crewmember observation of boarding and alighting passengers to ensure it is safe to depart a station. (2) Assess the extent to which compliance with the rules, instructions, and procedures in recommendations (1)(a), (1)(b), and (1)(c) are measured and recorded in the railroad’s test and observation program required by 49 CFR § 217.9; (3) Ensure compliance with the rules, instructions, and procedures in recommendations (1)(a), (1)(b), and (1)(c); and (4) Inspect all sealed door-bypass switches on a daily basis. Railroads operating passenger equipment are encouraged to voluntarily take action in accordance with these recommendations. If circumstances so warrant, FRA reserves the right to take other corrective action, including: modifying this Safety PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 69607 Advisory 2006–05; issuing additional safety advisories; taking regulatory action; or taking other appropriate action necessary to ensure the highest level of safety on the nation’s passenger railroads. Issued in Washington, DC on November 22, 2006. Jo Strang, Associate Administrator for Safety. [FR Doc. E6–20359 Filed 11–30–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA Docket No. NHTSA–2006–26459] Meeting Notice National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT. SUMMARY: NHTSA announces a meeting of the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to be held in Washington, DC. This notice announces the date, time and location of the meeting, which will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will be held on December 8, 2006, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., the MacCracken Room, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20591. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Drew Dawson, Director, Office of Emergency Medical Services, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW. Telephone number (202) 366–9966; E-mail Drew.Dawson@dot.gov. AGENCY: Section 10202 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU), Public Law 109–59, required the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Under Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, to establish a Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS). SAFETEA–LU provided that the FICEMS consist of several officials from Federal agencies as well as a State emergency medical services director appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. SAFETEA–LU directed the Administrator of NHTSA, in cooperation with the Administrator of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\01DEN1.SGM 01DEN1 rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 69608 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 231 / Friday, December 1, 2006 / Notices the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Preparedness Division, Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response of the Department of Homeland Security, to provide administrative support to the Interagency Committee, including scheduling meetings, setting agendas, keeping minutes and records, and producing reports. SAFETEA–LU set forth six purposes of the FICEMS: (A) Ensuring coordination among the Federal agencies involved with State, local, tribal, or regional emergency medical services and 9–1–1 systems; (B) identifying State, local, tribal, or regional emergency medical services and 9–1–1 needs; (C) recommending new or expanded programs, including grant programs, for improving State, local, tribal, or regional emergency medical services and implementing improved emergency medical services communications technologies, including wireless 9–1–1; (D) identifying ways to streamline the process through which Federal agencies support State, local, tribal or regional emergency medical services; (E) assisting State, local, tribal or regional emergency medical services in setting priorities based on identified needs; and (F) advising, consulting and making recommendations on matters relating to the implementation of the coordinated State emergency medical services programs. This inaugural meeting of the FICEMS will focus on organizational matters (including the selection of the FICEMS chairperson) and opportunities for collaboration among the key Federal agencies involved in emergency medical services. This meeting will be open to the public. Individuals wishing to register must provide their name, affiliation, phone number, and e-mail address to Drew Dawson by e-mail at Drew.Dawson@dot.gov or by telephone at (202) 366–9966 no later than December 6, 2006. Pre-registration is necessary to comply with security procedures. Picture I.D. must also be provided to enter the FAA Building and it is suggested that visitors arrive 45 minutes early in order to facilitate entry. The Visitor entrance is on the C Street side of the building. Minutes of the FICEMS Meeting will be available to the public online through the DOT Document Management System (DMS) at: https://dms.dot.gov under the docket number listed at the beginning of this notice. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:50 Nov 30, 2006 Jkt 211001 Issued on: November 27, 2006. Brian M. McLaughlin, Senior Associate Administrator for Traffic Injury Control. [FR Doc. E6–20311 Filed 11–30–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34810] Washington County, OR—Acquisition Exemption—Certain Assets of the Union Pacific Railroad Company Washington County, OR (County), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to acquire from Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) certain right-of-way and trackage, totaling approximately 5 miles, in Washington County. The rail line (the Subject Line) extends between milepost 749.95 in Tigard and milepost 755.43 in Beaverton.1 County certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of the transaction will not exceed those that would qualify it as a Class III rail carrier. The parties state that they intended to consummate this transaction on or before November 27, 2006. Whether or not the parties will be able to consummate by that date depends upon receipt of favorable Board action on several related requests. County states that it will acquire UP’s right, title and interest in the right-ofway, trackage and other physical assets associated with the Subject Line, but will not acquire the right or obligation to conduct any rail freight operations thereon. UP will retain an exclusive, permanent easement for freight operations, but will transfer the easement to Portland & Western Railroad, Inc. (P&W), which will conduct freight operations on the Subject Line.2 If the notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption 1 In STB Finance Docket No. 34791, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon— Acquisition Exemption—Certain Assets of Washington County, OR, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) has simultaneously filed a verified notice of exemption to acquire County’s interests in the Subject Line. County and TriMet have also filed a joint motion to dismiss their notices on jurisdictional grounds. That request will be handled in a separate Board decision. 2 P&W currently provides freight rail service on the Subject Line pursuant to a lease with UP. On October 27, 2006, P&W filed a notice to acquire UP’s easement. STB Finance Docket No. 34792, Portland & Western Railroad, Inc.—Acquisition and Operation Exemption—Union Pacific Railroad Company. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 is void ab initio. Petitions to reopen the proceeding to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the transaction. An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34791, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Janie Sheng, 1601 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Decided: November 22, 2006. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–20244 Filed 11–30–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34791] Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon—Acquisition Exemption—Certain Assets of Washington County, OR Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet),1 a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to acquire from Washington County, OR (County), certain right-of-way and trackage, totaling approximately 5 miles, in Washington County. The rail line (the Subject Line) extends between milepost 749.95 in Tigard and milepost 755.43 in Beaverton.2 TriMet certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of the transaction will not exceed those that would qualify it as a Class III rail carrier. The parties state that they intended to consummate this transaction on or before November 27, 2006. Whether or not the parties will be 1 TriMet is a municipal corporation that provides public transportation for three counties in the Portland, OR metropolitan area. 2 In STB Finance Docket No. 34810, Washington County, OR—Acquisition Exemption—Certain Assets of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, County has simultaneously filed a verified notice of exemption to acquire the same interests in the Subject Line from Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) before conveying it to TriMet. TriMet and County have also filed a joint motion to dismiss their notices on jurisdictional grounds. That request will be handled in a separate Board decision. E:\FR\FM\01DEN1.SGM 01DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 231 (Friday, December 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69607-69608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20311]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[NHTSA Docket No. NHTSA-2006-26459]


Meeting Notice

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

SUMMARY: NHTSA announces a meeting of the Federal Interagency Committee 
on Emergency Medical Services to be held in Washington, DC. This notice 
announces the date, time and location of the meeting, which will be 
open to the public.

DATES: The meeting will be held on December 8, 2006, from 1:30 p.m. to 
3:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., the MacCracken 
Room, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Drew Dawson, Director, Office of 
Emergency Medical Services, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW. Telephone number (202) 366-
9966; E-mail Drew.Dawson@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 10202 of the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 
(SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59, required the Secretary of 
Transportation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the 
Under Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under 
Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, to establish a 
Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS). 
SAFETEA-LU provided that the FICEMS consist of several officials from 
Federal agencies as well as a State emergency medical services director 
appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. SAFETEA-LU directed the 
Administrator of NHTSA, in cooperation with the Administrator of

[[Page 69608]]

the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of 
Health and Human Services and the Director of the Preparedness 
Division, Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response of the 
Department of Homeland Security, to provide administrative support to 
the Interagency Committee, including scheduling meetings, setting 
agendas, keeping minutes and records, and producing reports.
    SAFETEA-LU set forth six purposes of the FICEMS: (A) Ensuring 
coordination among the Federal agencies involved with State, local, 
tribal, or regional emergency medical services and 9-1-1 systems; (B) 
identifying State, local, tribal, or regional emergency medical 
services and 9-1-1 needs; (C) recommending new or expanded programs, 
including grant programs, for improving State, local, tribal, or 
regional emergency medical services and implementing improved emergency 
medical services communications technologies, including wireless 9-1-1; 
(D) identifying ways to streamline the process through which Federal 
agencies support State, local, tribal or regional emergency medical 
services; (E) assisting State, local, tribal or regional emergency 
medical services in setting priorities based on identified needs; and 
(F) advising, consulting and making recommendations on matters relating 
to the implementation of the coordinated State emergency medical 
services programs.
    This inaugural meeting of the FICEMS will focus on organizational 
matters (including the selection of the FICEMS chairperson) and 
opportunities for collaboration among the key Federal agencies involved 
in emergency medical services.
    This meeting will be open to the public. Individuals wishing to 
register must provide their name, affiliation, phone number, and e-mail 
address to Drew Dawson by e-mail at Drew.Dawson@dot.gov or by telephone 
at (202) 366-9966 no later than December 6, 2006. Pre-registration is 
necessary to comply with security procedures. Picture I.D. must also be 
provided to enter the FAA Building and it is suggested that visitors 
arrive 45 minutes early in order to facilitate entry. The Visitor 
entrance is on the C Street side of the building.
    Minutes of the FICEMS Meeting will be available to the public 
online through the DOT Document Management System (DMS) at: https://
dms.dot.gov under the docket number listed at the beginning of this 
notice.

    Issued on: November 27, 2006.
Brian M. McLaughlin,
Senior Associate Administrator for Traffic Injury Control.
[FR Doc. E6-20311 Filed 11-30-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P

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