Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers; Miscellaneous Revisions
railroad-safety · Federal Railroad Administration · Published 2020-12-15 · Effective 2021-01-14 · 85 FR 81290
Document
Document number
2020-27209
Federal Register citation
85 FR 81290
CFR reference
49 CFR 219
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; technical amendment.
Category
railroad-safety
Sub-agency
Federal Railroad Administration
Publication date
2020-12-15
Effective date
2021-01-14
DOT docket
Docket No. FRA-2018-0053, Notice No. 2
Abstract
FRA is revising its regulation governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers to make it consistent with its regulation for the qualification and certification of conductors. The changes include: Amending the program submission process; handling engineer and conductor petitions for review with a single FRA review board (Operating Crew Review Board or OCRB); and revising the filing requirements for petitions to the OCRB. To ensure consistency throughout its regulations, FRA is also making conforming amendments to its regulations governing the control of alcohol and drug use, and the qualification and certification of conductors. The changes would reduce regulatory burdens on the railroad industry while maintaining the existing level of safety.