Union Pacific Railroad has petitioned the FRA for a waiver of compliance from 49 CFR 232.205, Class I brake test–initial terminal inspection. The waiver would allow Union Pacific to split a train en route using the same initial terminal inspection. Union Pacific has stated it is launching trains that contain multiple locomotives within the train so it can be split into two separate trains that are bound for different destinations. This type of train undergoes a Class 1 air brake test prior to departure. The combined train is cut at the distributed power units at a location that is less than 1,000 miles from the point of departure. There are no new cars or locomotive units added to the second train and the second train contains an end-of-train, or equivalent, device that is linked to what is now the lead locomotive. The cars on the second train will undergo a Class 3 air brake test prior to proceeding to their destination.
FRA does not plan to hold a public meeting on the petition, however interested parties may submit comments until March 14, 2016.
