Brake system safety; Quality (ICS 03.120), Mechanical testing (ICS 19.060), Railway rolling stock (ICS 45.060)

Amendments to Brake System Safety Standards Governing Operations Using an Electronic Air Brake Slip System (20 page(s), in English)

Notice of proposed rulemaking - FRA proposes to amend its brake system safety standards to address operations using an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system, which is a system that tracks details related to individual freight car brake tests. The proposed rule would provide an alternative regulatory framework for railroads to utilize when choosing to use an eABS system, but would not require railroads to use such a system. The NPRM proposes to extend the distance certain individual rail cars may travel (from 1,500 to 2,500 miles) without stopping for brake and mechanical tests, if the cars have a valid eABS record. The NPRM also proposes to allow railroads to add or remove multiple cars from a train without conducting additional brake tests, if the train is solely made up of cars with eABS records.