Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting, 9587-9588 [2014-03533]

Download as PDF EMCDONALD on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Notices accessible service and maintaining accessible features. This includes guidance on steps to take when accessibility features are damaged or out of order, including good practices for communicating outages to inviduals with disabilities and others. Subsection 2.3.2 addresses the crosscutting requirements for keeping lifts (and ramps) in operable condition and reporting lift failures and removing vehicles with inoperable lifts from service. (The requirements for alternative transportation applicable to fixed route service are discussed in forthcoming Chapter 6.) Subsection 2.3.3 addresses the requirements for using lifts and securements, with a discussion of the requirements to accommodate riders who use wheelchairs. This includes an explanation of when transit agencies may decline to carry a wheelchair/ occupant as addressed in prior DOT rulemaking. Requirements for accommodating riders who use other mobility devices are then presented, followed by securement areas and securement systems, including permitted policies and procedures. This also addresses the tasks vehicle operators must peform such as assistance for securing wheelchairs and the use of securement systems, ramps, and lifts. Section 2.3 also addresses other service requirements such as the use of service animals and accessibility equipment, traveling with a respirator or portable oxygen supply, and providing information about transportation services, including making communications capacity available through accessible formats and technology. This is followed by a discussion of training requirements, including types of training (including refresher training) and the importance of having written policies and procedures. Proposed Chapter 5, ‘‘Equivalent Facilitation,’’ discusses the requirements for seeking a determination of equivalent facilitation for vehicles and facilities, as contained in 49 CFR part 37 subpart B under the standards for accessible vehicles and facilities, respectively. The chapter includes a discussion of important considerations when seeking a determination based on FTA’s experience with prior requests. This includes recommended data collection, required and recommended submission materials, and public participation requirements for transit agencies and for manufacturers. The chapter concludes with a list of Do’s and Don’t’s of equivalent facilitation requests. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:15 Feb 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Proposed Chapter 8, ‘‘Complementary Paratransit Service,’’ addresses the requirements for complementary paratransit service as contained in 49 CFR part 37 subpart F, except for ADA paratransit eligibility, which is addressed in forthcoming Chapter 9. The chapter addresses the limited instances when an update to a paratransit plan may still be required. This is followed by a discussion of when transit agencies must follow specific public participation requirements associated with developing (or updating) paratransit plans and when proposing changes to reservations systems. This includes the requirement for transit agencies to create an ongoing mechanism for the participation of individuals with disabilities in the continued development and assessment of services. Proposed Chapter 8 then addresses which entities are required to provide complementary paratransit service and the specific exemptions for commuter bus, commuter rail, and intercity rail (Amtrak) services. This is followed by a discussion of each of the six complementary paratransit service criteria, including service area, trip reservations (response time), fares, operating without regard to trip purpose, hours and days of service, and operating without capacity constraints. The capacity constraints section provides a detailed discussion of prohibited practices, including the prohibition against limiting the number of trips, waiting lists, and any operational patterns or practices that limit complementary paratransit service availability. This includes policies and/ or practices that yield poor service quality that discourages use of the complementary paratransit service, such as untimely service trip denials, missed trips, and/or excessive trip lengths. The discussion also provides examples of other potential limits to complementary paratransit service availability such as untimely drop-offs and poor telephone performance. Chapter 8 also addresses subscription service, including limits on subscription trips under certain circumstances. The chapter continues with a discussion of premium service that may exceed the minimum requirements. The chapter concludes with a discussion on requirements for dispatching accessible vehicles. III. Publication Approach With the publication of the four additional proposed draft chapters, FTA has now published five of the approximately 12 chapters that will PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9587 compose FTA’s ADA circular, as explained in Chapter 1 (Introduction and Applicability). When issued in its final form, the circular is intended to provide guidance specifically for recipients of FTA financial assistance that provide public transit. As such, requirements found in the DOT ADA regulations, for example, related to intercity rail (i.e., Amtrak), private motor coach service (e.g., Greyhound), taxi service, and airport transportation will not be addressed in the circular. Going forward, it is anticipated that the chapters will continue to be issued in groups. All chapters will be announced in the Federal Register for public notice and comment. FTA will not publish final versions of individual chapters, but rather will publish one final circular after receiving notice and comment on individual chapters. IV. Conclusion FTA seeks comments on the scope and content of the four chapters of the circular addressed in Amendment 1 (Chapter 1 (Introduction and Applicability), Chapter 2 (General Requirements), Chapter 5 (Equivalent Facilitation), and Chapter 8 (Complementary Paratransit Service)). FTA is seeking comments specifically as to whether there are areas in each of these chapters that need more clarification or explanation, topics that were overlooked, and areas where regulatory requirements are not clearly distinguished. We are also seeking examples of local practices that have proven effective that would be worth describing in the circular. FTA continues to seek suggestions on which issues we should address in future chapters. Specifically, FTA seeks comments on which issues the industry finds most challenging to address, and in what areas guidance would be most valuable to transportation providers. Therese W. McMillan, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2014–03530 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. EP 670 (Sub–No. 1)] Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. ACTION: E:\FR\FM\19FEN1.SGM 19FEN1 9588 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Notices Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. 2 10(a)(2). DATES: The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., E.S.T. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Hearing Room on the first floor of the Board’s headquarters at 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael H. Higgins (202) 245–0284; Michael.Higgins@stb.dot.gov. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at: (800) 877–8339]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RETAC arose from a proceeding instituted by the Board, Establishment of a Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, Docket No. EP 670. RETAC was formed to provide advice and guidance to the Board, and to serve as a forum for discussion of emerging issues regarding the transportation by rail of energy resources, particularly, but not necessarily limited to, coal, ethanol, and other biofuels. The purpose of this meeting is to continue discussions regarding issues such as rail performance, capacity constraints, infrastructure planning and development, and effective coordination among suppliers, carriers, and users of energy resources. Potential agenda items for this meeting include introduction of new members, a performance measures review, discussion of domestic oil production and transportation, industry segment reports by RETAC members, a presentation on the domestic coal market, and a roundtable discussion. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be conducted in accordance with the FACA, Federal Advisory Committee Management regulations (41 CFR part 102–3), RETAC’s charter, and Board procedures. Further communications about this meeting may be announced through the Board’s Web site at www.stb.dot.gov. Written Comments: Members of the public may submit written comments to RETAC at any time. Comments should be addressed to RETAC, c/o Michael Higgins, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001 or Michael.Higgins@ stb.dot.gov. This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. EMCDONALD on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:15 Feb 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 721; 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121. Decided: February 12, 2014. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Derrick A. Gardner, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2014–03533 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 12, 2014. The Department of the Treasury will submit the following public information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. A copy of the submission may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury PRA Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 11010, Washington, DC 20220. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 21, 2014 to be assured of consideration. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) OMB Number: 1545–xxxx. Title: Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery Abstract: The information collection activity will garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with the Administration’s commitment to improving service delivery. By qualitative feedback we mean information that provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but are not statistical surveys that yield quantitative results that can be generalized to the population of study. This feedback will provide insights into customer or stakeholder perceptions, experiences and expectations, provide an early warning of issues with service, or focus attention on areas where communication, training or changes in operations might improve delivery of products or services. These collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative and actionable communications between the Agency and its customers and stakeholders. It will also allow feedback to contribute directly to the improvement of program management. PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Feedback collected under this generic clearance will provide useful information, but it will not yield data that can be generalized to the overall population. This type of generic clearance for qualitative information will not be used for quantitative information collections that are designed to yield reliably actionable results, such as monitoring trends over time or documenting program performance. Such data uses require more rigorous designs that address: the target population to which generalizations will be made, the sampling frame, the sample design (including stratification and clustering), the precision requirements or power calculations that justify the proposed sample size, the expected response rate, methods for assessing potential nonresponse bias, the protocols for data collection, and any testing procedures that were or will be undertaken prior fielding the study. Depending on the degree of influence the results are likely to have, such collections may still be eligible for submission for other generic mechanisms that are designed to yield quantitative results. Current Actions: New collection of information. Type of Review: New Collection. Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Businesses and Organizations, State, Local or Tribal Government. Average Expected Annual Number of activities: 10. Burden hours: 800,040. Bureau Clearance Officer: Yvette Lawrence, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224; (202) 927–4374. OMB Reviewer: Shagufta Ahmed, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503; (202) 395–7873. Robert Dahl, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2014–03501 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 12, 2014. The Department of the Treasury will submit the following public information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. A copy of the submission may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance E:\FR\FM\19FEN1.SGM 19FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9587-9588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03533]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 1)]


Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee 
meeting.

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

[[Page 9588]]

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Rail Energy 
Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC), pursuant to the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. 2 10(a)(2).

DATES: The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 9:00 
a.m., E.S.T.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Hearing Room on the first 
floor of the Board's headquarters at 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 
20423.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael H. Higgins (202) 245-0284; 
Michael.Higgins@stb.dot.gov. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is 
available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at: 
(800) 877-8339].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RETAC arose from a proceeding instituted by 
the Board, Establishment of a Rail Energy Transportation Advisory 
Committee, Docket No. EP 670. RETAC was formed to provide advice and 
guidance to the Board, and to serve as a forum for discussion of 
emerging issues regarding the transportation by rail of energy 
resources, particularly, but not necessarily limited to, coal, ethanol, 
and other biofuels. The purpose of this meeting is to continue 
discussions regarding issues such as rail performance, capacity 
constraints, infrastructure planning and development, and effective 
coordination among suppliers, carriers, and users of energy resources. 
Potential agenda items for this meeting include introduction of new 
members, a performance measures review, discussion of domestic oil 
production and transportation, industry segment reports by RETAC 
members, a presentation on the domestic coal market, and a roundtable 
discussion.
    The meeting, which is open to the public, will be conducted in 
accordance with the FACA, Federal Advisory Committee Management 
regulations (41 CFR part 102-3), RETAC's charter, and Board procedures. 
Further communications about this meeting may be announced through the 
Board's Web site at www.stb.dot.gov.
    Written Comments: Members of the public may submit written comments 
to RETAC at any time. Comments should be addressed to RETAC, c/o 
Michael Higgins, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20423-0001 or Michael.Higgins@stb.dot.gov.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 721; 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121.

    Decided: February 12, 2014.

    By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Derrick A. Gardner,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2014-03533 Filed 2-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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