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This rulemaking would proposes to amend FRA’s brake system safety standards to govern operations using the Electronic Air Brake Slip System (eABS) developed by AAR member railroads. This rulemaking would provide an alternative regulatory framework for railroads to utilize when choosing to use the eABS system, but the rulemaking would not require railroads to change their operations to use the system.

This rulemaking proposes to extend the distance individual rail cars may be moved without stopping for brake and mechanical inspections and tests if the cars have a valid eABS system record. This rulemaking also proposes to allow railroads to add multiple cars to a train or remove multiple cars from a train without conducting additional brake tests, as required if the train is solely made up of cars with eABS records. Currently, FRA regulations restrict the location and manner in which cars may be added or removed to a train without triggering the requirement for additional brake tests.