The Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line Regional Rail Association are asking for two modifications to the Hours of Service regulations that they believe will improve the railroads ability to respond to unplanned events like derailments or grade crossing incidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been seeking comments on a proposed rulemaking that would modify the HOS regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The most recent comment period for the proposed changes ended on October 22, 2019.
While both AAR and ASLRR supported the two proposed changes that would increase the maximum driving window for CMV drivers during adverse weather conditions and allow a split-duty period, they urged FMCSA to also consider allowing additional on-duty time for railroad employees that are responding to the unplanned events. The groups stated “While two of the proposed changes in the NPRM [notice of proposed rulemaking] have the potential to provide some limited relief to railroad employees, the proposal does not provide relief urgently needed for railroad CMV drivers.”
