Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA-2026-1651] Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This document provides the public notice that CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) petitioned FRA for relief from certain regulations concerning tests and inspections of extended haul trains. DATES: FRA must receive comments on the petition by September 14, 2026. FRA will consider comments received after that date to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Comments: Comments related to this docket may be submitted by going to https://www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and docket number. All comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov; this includes any personal information. Please see the Privacy Act heading in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document for Privacy Act information related to any submitted comments or materials. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for accessing the docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Barron, Railroad Safety Specialist, FRA Motive Power & Equipment Division, telephone: 202-493-1367, email: michael.barron@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter dated June 5, 2026, CSXT petitioned FRA for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 232 (Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices). FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2026-1651. Specifically, CSXT seeks relief from the requirements of § 232.213, Extended haul trains, to continue operating certain extended haul trains up to a maximum of 1,785 miles. To extend the operating miles, CSXT proposes requirements for the trains to receive a Class 1 brake test and mechanical inspection by a qualified mechanical inspector prior to each train's initial departure. Further, the petition states that the waiver applies only to trains on approved routes equipped with wayside detectors. In support of its request, CSXT expressed that the waiver will “maintain or enhance overall brake system safety,” reduce employees' exposure during walking inspections, improve “train fluidity while preserving mechanical integrity,” and align “inspection practices with demonstrated equipment performance.” 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. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires 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. Communications received by September 14, 2026 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's 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 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/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov . Issued in Washington, DC. Carolyn Hayward-Williams, Director, Office of Railroad Systems and Technology. [FR Doc. 2026-14328 Filed 7-15-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P