Petition for Waiver of Compliance, 45296-45297 [2020-16227]

Download as PDF 45296 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 144 / Monday, July 27, 2020 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2020–0047] jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on June 12, 2020, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 238, Passenger Equipment Safety Standards. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2020–0047. Amtrak requests relief from the requirements of 49 CFR 238.121, Emergency communication, for a new fleet of Viewliner II sleeping cars. Each new passenger car must be equipped with an intercom system at each half end of the car that provides a means for passengers and crewmembers to communicate by voice during an emergency. Amtrak’s Viewliner II cars are configured with two passenger emergency intercoms (PEIs): one located in the hallway at the car’s A-end and the other inside the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bedroom at the car’s B-end. Amtrak states that it believes this arrangement meets the requirements for a PEI at each end of the car. However, because the PEI on the Bend of the vehicle is located inside the ADA bedroom, which is not readily accessible to all passengers on that car end, the PEI is not compliant with the regulation. Amtrak explains it is working with Ultra-Tech Enterprises, the current PEI vendor, to develop the scope of work and cost of installation of a fully accessible PEI in each car’s B-end hallway. The modification will be made as the cars are delivered, and all cars are expected to be delivered and modified within two years. However, Amtrak wishes to place the cars into service before the modification is complete, as waiting will shorten the warranty period of the vehicles, while still incurring costs to perform periodic maintenance and delay Amtrak the opportunity to offer a new product that may attract passengers during the current economic hardship. Until the modification is complete, Amtrak proposes to install signage that will inform passengers of the PEI locations. Amtrak also states that the current cars’ configuration is similar to the configuration of the Viewliner I equipment, which has operated safely VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:31 Jul 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 without an emergency two-way communication device, as it was built before the current regulation went into effect. 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. If any interested parties desire 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. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • website: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by September 10, 2020 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our 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 better 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 https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. John Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–16228 Filed 7–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2020–0053] Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on June 24, 2020, Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BCRY) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 240, Qualifications and Certification of Locomotive Engineers. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2020– 0053. Specifically, BCRY seeks a waiver from the requirements of 49 CFR 240.201(d), Implementation, which states that a railroad can only permit qualified locomotive engineers to operate locomotives. BCRY seeks to operate a ‘‘hand on the throttle’’ charter program and offer non-certified individuals the opportunity to operate a diesel-electric locomotive under the direct supervision of a certified and qualified locomotive engineer. BCRY states the waiver would affect only persons who participate in the program and restrictions would be placed on this operation. The waiver would cover operations on a 2-mile segment of other-than-main track between mile post (MP) 0.0 and MP 2.0. There are no public grade crossings or otherwise hazardous or unusual conditions on this segment of track. Through a license agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT), BCRY utilizes 5 miles of the Adams Industrial Track to provide tourist service on weekends. BCRY’s tourist operations on this track are at restricted speed, at a maximum of 15 miles per hour. Mass DOT also has a license agreement with Pan Am Railways (PAR) on this same track segment. PAR only operates on the Adam Industrial lead on Tuesday and Thursday between 0700 and 1700. BCRY must always coordinate with the PAR dispatcher and obtain permission prior to occupying the track between MP. 0.0 and MP 5.0 to ensure there are no PAR trains on this track segment. 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. If any interested parties E:\FR\FM\27JYN1.SGM 27JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 144 / Monday, July 27, 2020 / Notices desire 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. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • website: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by September 10, 2020 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our 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 better 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 https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. John Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–16227 Filed 7–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Voluntary Tanker Agreement Program; Notice of Public Meeting Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces a public meeting for the purpose of developing the final SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:31 Jul 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 text of the Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA). The public meeting will be held via teleconference and web conference. Teleconference and web conference access information will be provided once meeting participants register to attend as provided for in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below. DATES: The public meeting via teleconference and web conference will take place on August 18, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Requests to participate must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2020. If you wish to speak during the meeting, you must submit a written copy of your remarks via email to rhonda.davis@dot.gov no later than August 14, 2020. Attendees should register with MARAD by 12:00 p.m. on August 14, 2020 by providing their name, telephone number, email address, title, and organization to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below. Requests for accommodations for a disability must be received by August 14, 2020. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via teleconference and web conference. Access information will be provided upon registration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William G. McDonald, Director, Office of Sealift Support, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Office Telephone (202) 366–0688; Cell Phone (202) 570–0062, or william.g.mcdonald@dot.gov. Members of the public who wish to register, request accommodations for a disability, or speak during the teleconference, must contact Rhonda Davis at (202)-309–9775 or rhonda.davis@dot.gov, with their contact information and affiliations by the timelines in the DATES section above. Once the participant has registered, Ms. Davis will email the participant teleconference and web access information unless another form of MARAD response communication is requested at the time of registration (e.g. by telephone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is developing a voluntary agreement necessary to renew the Voluntary Tanker Agreement Program, pursuant to the authority contained in Section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), as amended. Regulations governing Voluntary Tanker Agreements (VTAs) appear at 44 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45297 part 332. The proposed agreement will revise and replace the VTA that was published in Volume 73 of the Federal Register at page 51692 (Sept. 4, 2008). Because the proposed VTA will contain changes, both former and new participants must submit a new application once the final text is published. VTA applications are available from MARAD by contacting the persons listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above. The complete draft text of the proposed agreement was published in the Federal Register on November 1, 2019, 84 FR 58824–58829. Copies of the draft text are also available to the public upon request. II. Agenda The agenda will include: (1) Welcome, opening remarks, and introductions; (2) brief remarks by the Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift or Director, Office of Sealift Support; (3) administrative items; (4) review of public docket comments; (5) oral participation from the public; and (6) closing remarks. III. Public Participation The meeting will be open to the public. Public Comments: The public comment period at the meeting will commence at approximately 1:30 p.m. on August 18, 2020. To provide time for as many people to speak as possible, speaking time for each individual will be limited to five minutes. Speakers will be placed on the agenda in the order in which the notifications are received. If time allows, additional speakers will be permitted. Persons wishing to speak during public meeting should refer to the DATES section, above. Written comments: Written comments should be submitted via email by August 14, 2020. See FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above. Also, MARAD is extending the period for the submission of written comments established in its Federal Register notice of November 1, 2019 (84 FR 58824) from December 2, 2019 to August 14, 2020. Comments submitted after the August 14, 2020 will be accepted as is practical. Written comments submitted after the meeting may be submitted as follows: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://regulations.gov. Search MARAD– 2019–0183 and follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: The Docket Management Facility is in the West Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Docket Management Facility address is: U.S. E:\FR\FM\27JYN1.SGM 27JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 144 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45296-45297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16227]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2020-0053]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that on June 24, 2020, Berkshire 
Scenic Railway Museum (BCRY) petitioned the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions 
of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 
240, Qualifications and Certification of Locomotive Engineers. FRA 
assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2020-0053.
    Specifically, BCRY seeks a waiver from the requirements of 49 CFR 
240.201(d), Implementation, which states that a railroad can only 
permit qualified locomotive engineers to operate locomotives. BCRY 
seeks to operate a ``hand on the throttle'' charter program and offer 
non-certified individuals the opportunity to operate a diesel-electric 
locomotive under the direct supervision of a certified and qualified 
locomotive engineer. BCRY states the waiver would affect only persons 
who participate in the program and restrictions would be placed on this 
operation.
    The waiver would cover operations on a 2-mile segment of other-
than-main track between mile post (MP) 0.0 and MP 2.0. There are no 
public grade crossings or otherwise hazardous or unusual conditions on 
this segment of track.
    Through a license agreement with the Massachusetts Department of 
Transportation (Mass DOT), BCRY utilizes 5 miles of the Adams 
Industrial Track to provide tourist service on weekends. BCRY's tourist 
operations on this track are at restricted speed, at a maximum of 15 
miles per hour. Mass DOT also has a license agreement with Pan Am 
Railways (PAR) on this same track segment. PAR only operates on the 
Adam Industrial lead on Tuesday and Thursday between 0700 and 1700. 
BCRY must always coordinate with the PAR dispatcher and obtain 
permission prior to occupying the track between MP. 0.0 and MP 5.0 to 
ensure there are no PAR trains on this track segment.
    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. If any interested 
parties

[[Page 45297]]

desire 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.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     website: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
    Communications received by September 10, 2020 will be considered by 
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date 
will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic 
form of any written communications and comments received into any of 
our 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 better 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 https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-16227 Filed 7-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

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