The Association of American Railroads submitted a waiver of compliance petition to the Federal Railroad Administration relating to brake system safety standards for freight and non-passenger trains. The regulation allows extended haul trains to move a train no more than 1500 miles between brake tests and inspections. When a defect is discovered the equipment is only permitted to be moved to the nearest repair facility. In addition, all cars must have air brakes in operating condition unless it is being moved to a repair facility.
AAR is seeking a five year waiver that would allow a limited pilot program to be run on a section of the Union Pacific Railroad system. The purpose of the program is to show that the use of wheel temperature detectors to determine brake effectiveness not only improves safety but will also reduce superfluous costs to the industry.
