View Information Collection Request (ICR) Package

OMB Control No: 2130-0596	ICR Reference No: 202402-2130-002
Status: Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 202103-2130-002
Agency/Subagency: DOT/FRA	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Conductor Certification
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR: No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved with change	Conclusion Date: 10/24/2024
	Date Received in OIRA: 07/30/2024
Terms of Clearance: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, this information collection is approved

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	10/31/2027	36 Months From Approved	10/31/2024
Responses	219,123	0	222,386
Time Burden (Hours)	46,608	0	49,761
Cost Burden (Dollars)	1,053,500	0	1,070,591

Abstract: This information collection is used by FRA to monitor regulatory compliance with 49 CFR Part 242. Specifically, FRA uses the collection of information to ensure that railroads adopt and implement a formal program for certifying conductors so that only qualified persons serve as railroad conductors and passenger conductors in order to enhance the safety of daily railroad operations. The information collected will also be used to verify that railroads establish a formal program for training prospective and experienced conductors in order to determine that these individuals are competent before permitting them to serve in these safety-sensitive positions. This collection of information is mandatory and it involves both reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The collection frequency of the required information occurs on an annual basis as well as an occasional basis.

Authorizing Statute(s): PL: Pub.L. 110 - 443 402 Name of Law: Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: PL: Pub.L. 110 - 432 402 Name of Law: Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	89 FR 46298	05/28/2024
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	89 FR 61231	07/30/2024
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate
Annual Number of Responses	219,123	222,386	-3,263
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	46,608	49,761	-3,153
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	1,053,500	1,070,591	-17,091

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: This is a extension without change (with changes in estimates) to a currently approved information collection request (ICR). The current OMB inventory for this ICR shows a total burden of 49,761 hours and 222,386 responses, while the requesting inventory estimates a total burden of 46,608 hours and 219,123 responses. Overall, the burden for this submission has decreased by 3,153 hours and 3,263 responses. The decrease in burden is a result of the reduced amount of time per response for § 242.115(e) certification review for prior alcohol/drug conduct. The average time reduced from 10 minutes to five (5) minutes providing a more accurate analysis of the time needed to complete the review. The SMEs determined that §§242.115(e)(4) and 242.405 did not create any additional burden under the PRA and were removed. §242.113 was removed as it was determined that the estimated paperwork burden for this requirement is included under §242.117; and §242.407(b)(5) was also removed as it is covered under §242.407(c). Additionally, FRA determined that fewer employees were changing employers, therefore, reducing the number of prior safety records being reviewed. FRA also found that the associated burdens related to substance abuse and medical conditions have decreased as fewer employees have medical conditions that require further evaluation or positive drug and alcohol tests. As a result of this, the number of certification denials, due to medical conditions and substance abuse has also decreased.

Annual Cost to Federal Government: $331,574

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination. No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination. No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

Agency Contact: Kevin Lewis 918 557-0651

View ICR - OIRA Conclusion