cfr_sections
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89 rows where part_number = 299 and title_number = 49 sorted by section_id
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| section_id ▼ | title_number | title_name | chapter | subchapter | part_number | part_name | subpart | subpart_name | section_number | section_heading | agency | authority | source_citation | amendment_citations | full_text |
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| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.1 Purpose and scope. | FRA | This part prescribes minimum Federal safety standards for the high-speed transportation system described in detail in § 299.13, known as Texas Central Railroad, LLC and hereinafter referred to as the “railroad.” The purpose of this part is to prevent accidents, casualties, and property damage which could result from operation of this system. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.3 Applicability. | FRA | (a) This part applies only to the railroad, as described in § 299.13. (b) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of this section, this part, rather than the generally applicable Federal railroad safety regulations, shall apply to the railroad. (c) The following Federal railroad safety regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and any amendments are applicable to the railroad. (1) Part 207, Railroad Police Officers; (2) Part 209, Railroad Safety Enforcement Procedures; (3) Part 210, Railroad Noise Emission Compliance Regulations; (4) Part 211, Rules of Practice; (5) Part 212, State Safety Participation Regulations; (6) Part 214, Railroad Workplace Safety, except § 214.339; (7) Part 216, Special Notice and Emergency Order Procedures; (8) Part 218, Railroad Operating Practices; (9) Part 219, Control of Alcohol and Drug Use; (10) Part 220, Radio Standards and Procedures; (11) Part 225, Railroad Accidents/Incidents: Reports, Classification, and Investigations; (12) Part 227, Occupational Noise Exposure except § 227.119(c)(10) and (11) with respect to the railroad's high-speed trainsets only, which shall comply with 299.431(h) and (i); (13) Part 228, Hours of Service of Railroad Employees; (14) Part 233, Signal Systems Reporting Requirements; (15) Part 235, Instructions Governing Applications for Approval of a Discontinuance or Material Modification of a Signal System or Relief from the Requirements of Part 236, except § 235.7; (16) Part 236, Installation, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Signal and Train Control System, Devices, and Appliances, subparts A through G, as excepted by the railroad's PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) under § 299.201(d); (17) Part 237, Railroad Bridge Safety Standards; (18) Part 239, Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness; (19) Part 240, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers; (20) Part 242, Qualification and Certification of Train Conductors; (21) Part 243, Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees; (… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.5 Definitions. | FRA | [85 FR 69731, Nov. 3, 2020, as amended at 88 FR 70764, Oct. 12, 2023] | As used in this part— Absolute block means a block of track circuits in which no trainset is permitted to enter while occupied by another trainset. Adjusting/de-stressing means the procedure by which a rail's neutral temperature is readjusted to the desired value. It typically consists of cutting the rail and removing rail anchoring devices, which provides for the necessary expansion and contraction, and then re-assembling the track. Administrator means the Administrator of the FRA or the Administrator's delegate. Associate Administrator means FRA's Associate Administrator for Safety and Chief Safety Officer, or that person's delegate. Automatic train control (ATC) means the signaling system, composed of ground and on-board equipment. The on-board equipment continually receives a signal from the ground equipment. ATC on-board equipment controls the trainset speed to prevent train-to-train collisions and overspeed derailments. ATC cut-out mode means the mode of ATC on-board equipment used for emergency operations to disable the ATC on-board equipment on the trainset. ATC main line mode means the mode of ATC on-board equipment which controls trainset speed on mainlines. ATC overrun protection means an overlay of the ATC shunting mode to prevent overrun at the end of a track. ATC shunting mode means the mode of ATC on-board equipment which restricts the trainsets maximum speed to 30 km/h (19 mph). Brake, air means a combination of devices operated by compressed air, arranged in a system and controlled electrically or pneumatically, by means of which the motion of a train or trainset is retarded or arrested. Brake, disc means a retardation system used on the passenger trainsets that utilizes flat discs as the braking surface. Brake, electric means a trainset braking system in which the kinetic energy of a moving trainset is used to generate electric current at the traction motors, which is then returned into the catenary system. Brake, emergency application means a brake application initiate… | ||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.7 Responsibility for compliance. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall not— (1) Use, haul, or permit to be used or hauled on its line(s) any trainset— (i) With one or more defects not in compliance with this part; or (ii) That has not been inspected and tested as required by a provision of this part. (2) Operate over any track, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, with one or more conditions not in compliance this part, if the railroad has actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the violation, or a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would have that knowledge. (3) Violate any other provision of this part or any provision of the applicable FRA regulations listed under § 299.3(c). (b) For purposes of this rule, a trainset shall be considered in use prior to the trainset's departure as soon as it has received, or should have received the inspection required under this part for movement and is ready for service. (c) Although many of the requirements of this part are stated in terms of the duties of the railroad, when any person (including, but not limited to, a contractor performing safety-related tasks under contract to the railroad subject to this part) performs any function required by this part, that person (whether or not the railroad) is required to perform that function in accordance with this part. (d) For purposes of this part, the railroad shall be responsible for compliance with all track safety provisions set forth in subpart C of this part. When the railroad and/or its assignee have actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to a violation, or a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would have knowledge that the track does not comply with the requirements of this part, it shall— (1) Bring the track into compliance; (2) Halt operations over that track; or (3) Continue operations over the segment of non-complying track in accordance with the provisions of § 299.309(b) or (c). (e) The FRA Administrator may hold the railroad, the railroad's cont… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.9 Notifications and filings. | FRA | All notifications and filings to the FRA required by this part shall be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety and Chief Safety Officer, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, unless otherwise specified. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.11 Electronic recordkeeping. | FRA | The railroad's electronic recordkeeping shall be retained such that— (a) The railroad maintains an information technology security program adequate to ensure the integrity of the electronic data storage system, including the prevention of unauthorized access to the program logic or individual records; (b) The program and data storage system must be protected by a security system that utilizes an employee identification number and password, or a comparable method, to establish appropriate levels of program access meeting all of the following standards: (1) No two individuals have the same electronic identity; and (2) A record cannot be deleted or altered by any individual after the record is certified by the employee who created the record. (c) Any amendment to a record is either— (1) Electronically stored apart from the record that it amends; or (2) Electronically attached to the record as information without changing the original record; (d) Each amendment to a record uniquely identifies the person making the amendment; (e) The system employed by the railroad for data storage permits reasonable access and retrieval; and (f) Information retrieved from the system can be easily produced in a printed format which can be readily provided to FRA representatives in a timely manner and authenticated by a designated representative of the railroad as a true and accurate copy of the railroad's records if requested to do so by FRA representatives. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.13 System description. | FRA | (a) General. This section describes the components, operations, equipment, and systems of the railroad's high-speed rail system. The railroad shall adhere to the following general requirements: (1) The railroad shall not exceed the maximum trainset speed approved by FRA under § 299.609(g) while in revenue service, up to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). (2) The railroad shall not transport or permit to be transported in revenue service any product that has been established to be a hazardous material pursuant to 49 CFR part 172, as amended. (3) The railroad shall not conduct scheduled right-of-way maintenance on a section of the right-of-way prior to that section of the right-of-way being cleared of all revenue service trainsets (including any trainset repositioning moves), and proper action is taken by the general control center staff to protect incursion into established maintenance zones by revenue trainsets. Additionally, the railroad shall not commence revenue service prior to completion of the maintenance activities, that section of the right-of-way being cleared of all maintenance-of-way equipment. Further, the railroad is prohibited from commencing revenue operations until after conclusion of the daily sweeper inspection, under § 299.339, and the general control center returning the signal and trainset control system to the state required to protect revenue operations. (b) Right-of-way. (1) The railroad shall operate on a completely dedicated right-of-way and shall not operate or conduct joint operations with any other freight equipment, other than the railroad's maintenance-of-way equipment, or passenger rail equipment. Only the railroad's high-speed trainsets approved for revenue operations under this part, and any equipment required for construction, maintenance, and rescue purposes may be operated over the railroad's right-of-way. (2) There shall be no public highway-rail grade crossings. Animal and non-railroad equipment crossings shall be accomplished by means of an underpass or overpas… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.8 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.15 Special approvals. | FRA | (a) General. The following procedures govern consideration and action upon requests for special approval of alternative standards to this part. (b) Petitions for special approval of alternative standard. Each petition for special approval of an alternative standard shall contain— (1) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the primary person to be contacted with regard to review of the petition; (2) The alternative proposed, in detail, to be substituted for the particular requirements of this part; and (3) Appropriate data or analysis, or both, establishing that the alternative will provide at least an equivalent level of safety. (c) Petitions for special approval of alternative compliance. Each petition for special approval of alternative compliance shall contain— (1) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the primary person to be contacted with regard to the petition; (2) High-speed core systems and system components of special design shall be deemed to comply with this part, if the FRA Associate Administrator determines under paragraph (d) of this section that the core system or system components provide at least an equivalent level of safety in the environment defined within § 299.13 with respect to the protection of railroad employees and the public. In making a determination under paragraph (d) of this section the Associate Administrator shall consider, as a whole, all of those elements of casualty prevention or mitigation relevant to the integrity of the core system or components that are addressed by the requirements of this part. (d) Petition contents. The Associate Administrator may only make a finding of equivalent safety and compliance with this part, based upon a submission of data and analysis sufficient to support that determination. The petition shall include— (1) The information required by § 299.15(b) or (c), as appropriate; Information, including detailed drawings and materials specifications, sufficient to describe the actual construction and function of t… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.1.138.9 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | A | Subpart A—General Requirements | § 299.17 Incorporation by reference. | FRA | Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at Federal Railroad Administration, Docket Clerk, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: 202-493-6052); email: FRALegal@dot.gov and is available from the sources indicated in this section. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (a) ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, www.astm.org. (1) ASTM D 4956-07 ε 1 , Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, approved March 15, 2007; into § 299.423. (2) ASTM E 810-03, Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of Retroreflective Sheeting Utilizing the Coplanar Geometry, approved February 10, 2003; into § 299.423. (3) ASTM E 2073-07, Standard Test Method for Photopic Luminance of Photoluminescent (Phosphorescent) Markings, approved July 1, 2007; into § 299.423. (b) Japanese Standards Association 3-13-12 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0073, Japan, www.jsa.or.jp (Japanese site), or www.jsa.or.jp/en (English site). (1) JIS B 8265:2010(E) “Construction of pressure vessels-general principles,” Published December 27, 2010, Second English edition, published December 2013; into § 299.409. (2) JIS E 1101:2001(E), “Flat bottom railway rails and special rails for switches and crossings of non-treated steel,” Published March 21, 2001, Second English edition, published August 2008; into § 299.13(d). (3) JIS E 1101:2006(E) “Flat bottom railway rails and special rails for switches and crossings of non-treated steel,” (Amendment 1), Published March 27, 2006, First English edition, published December 2006; into § 299.13(d). (4) JIS E 1101:2012(… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.201 Technical PTC system requirements. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall comply with all applicable requirements under 49 U.S.C. 20157, including, but not limited to, the statutory requirement to fully implement an FRA-certified PTC system prior to commencing revenue service. (b) The railroad's PTC system shall be designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zone limits, and movements of trainset through switches left in the wrong position, reliably and functionally, in accordance with § 236.1005(a) and (c) through (f) of this chapter. (c) The railroad is authorized to conduct field testing of its PTC system on its system, prior to obtaining PTC System Certification from FRA, in accordance with its system-wide qualification test plan under § 299.603. During any field testing of its uncertified PTC system and regression testing of its FRA-certified PTC system, FRA may oversee the railroad's testing, audit any applicable test plans and procedures, and impose additional testing conditions that FRA believes may be necessary for the safety of trainset operations. (d) The railroad is not exempted from compliance with any requirement of subparts A through G of 49 CFR part 236, or 49 CFR parts 233 and 235, unless the railroad's FRA-approved PTCSP provides for such an exemption. (e)(1) All materials filed in accordance with this subpart must be in the English language, or have been translated into English and attested as true and correct. (2) Each filing referenced in this subpart may include a request for full or partial confidentiality in accordance with § 209.11 of this chapter. If confidentiality is requested as to a portion of any applicable document, then in addition to the filing requirements under § 209.11 of this chapter, the person filing the document shall also file a copy of the original unredacted document, marked to indicate which portions are redacted in the document's confidential version without obscuring the original document's contents. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.203 PTC system required. | FRA | The railroad shall not commence revenue service prior to installing and making operative its FRA-certified PTC system. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.205 PTC System Certification. | FRA | (a) Prior to operating its PTC system in revenue service, the railroad must first obtain a PTC System Certification from FRA by submitting an acceptable PTCSP and obtaining FRA's approval of its PTCSP. (b) Each PTCSP requirement under this subpart shall be supported by information and analysis sufficient to establish that the PTC system meets the requirements of § 236.1005(a) and (c) through (f) of this chapter. (c) If the Associate Administrator finds that the PTCSP and its supporting documentation support a finding that the PTC system complies with § 236.1005(a) and (c) through (f) of this chapter and § 299.211, the Associate Administrator shall approve the PTCSP. If the Associate Administrator approves the PTCSP, the railroad shall receive PTC System Certification for its PTC system and shall implement the PTC system according to the PTCSP. (d) Issuance of a PTC System Certification is contingent upon FRA's confidence in the implementation and operation of the subject PTC system. This confidence may be based on FRA-monitored field testing or an independent assessment performed in accordance with § 236.1017 of this chapter. (e)(1) As necessary to ensure safety, FRA may attach special conditions to its certification of the railroad's PTC System. (2) After granting a PTC System Certification, FRA may reconsider the PTC System Certification upon revelation of any of the following factors concerning the contents of the PTCSP: (i) Potential error or fraud; (ii) Potentially invalidated assumptions determined as a result of in-service experience or one or more unsafe events calling into question the safety analysis supporting the approval. (3) During FRA's reconsideration in accordance with this paragraph, the PTC system may remain in use if otherwise consistent with the applicable law and regulations, and FRA may impose special conditions for use of the PTC system. (4) After FRA's reconsideration in accordance with this paragraph, FRA may: (i) Dismiss its reconsideration and continue to recognize the existi… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.207 PTC Safety Plan content requirements. | FRA | (a) The railroad's PTCSP shall contain the following elements: (1) A hazard log consisting of a comprehensive description of all safety-relevant hazards of the PTC system, specific to implementation on the railroad, including maximum threshold limits for each hazard (for unidentified hazards, the threshold shall be exceeded at one occurrence); (2) A description of the safety assurance concepts that are to be used for system development, including an explanation of the design principles and assumptions; (3) A risk assessment of the as-built PTC system; (4) A hazard mitigation analysis, including a complete and comprehensive description of each hazard and the mitigation techniques used; (5) A complete description of the safety assessment and Verification and Validation processes applied to the PTC system, their results, and whether these processes address the safety principles described in appendix C to part 236 of this chapter directly, using other safety criteria, or not at all; (6) A complete description of the railroad's training plan for railroad, and contractor employees and supervisors necessary to ensure safe and proper installation, implementation, operation, maintenance, repair, inspection, testing, and modification of the PTC system; (7) A complete description of the specific procedures and test equipment necessary to ensure the safe and proper installation, implementation, operation, maintenance, repair, inspection, testing, and modification of the PTC system on the railroad and establish safety-critical hazards are appropriately mitigated. These procedures, including calibration requirements, shall be consistent with or explain deviations from the equipment manufacturer's recommendations; (8) A complete description of the configuration or revision control measures designed to ensure that the railroad or its contractor does not adversely affect the safety-functional requirements and that safety-critical hazard mitigation processes are not compromised as a result of any such change; (9) A comple… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.209 PTC system use and failures. | FRA | (a) When any safety-critical PTC system component fails to perform its intended function, the cause must be determined and the faulty component adjusted, repaired, or replaced without undue delay. Until repair of such essential components is completed, the railroad shall take appropriate action as specified in its PTCSP. (b) Where a trainset that is operating in, or is to be operated within, a PTC-equipped track segment experiences a PTC system failure or the PTC system is otherwise cut out while en route ( i.e., after the trainset has departed its initial terminal), the trainset may only continue in accordance with all of the following: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, when no absolute block protection is established, the trainset may proceed at a speed not to exceed restricted speed. (2) When absolute block protection can be established in advance of the trainset, the trainset may proceed at a speed not to exceed 120 km/h (75 mph), and the trainset shall not exceed restricted speed until the absolute block in advance of the trainset is established. (3) A report of the failure or cut-out must be made to a designated railroad officer of the railroad as soon as safe and practicable. (4) Where the PTC system is the exclusive method of delivering mandatory directives, an absolute block must be established in advance of the trainset as soon as safe and practicable, and the trainset shall not exceed restricted speed until the absolute block in advance of the trainset is established. (5) Where the failure or cut-out is a result of a defective onboard PTC apparatus, the trainset may be moved in passenger service only to the next forward location where the necessary repairs can be made; however, if the next forward location where the necessary repairs can be made does not have the facilities to handle the safe unloading of passengers, the trainset may be moved past the repair location in service only to the next forward passenger station in order to facilitate the unloading of passengers… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.211 Communications and security requirements. | FRA | (a) All wireless communications between the office, wayside, and onboard components in a PTC system shall provide cryptographic message integrity and authentication. (b) Cryptographic keys required under this section shall— (1) Use an algorithm approved by the National Institute of Standards or a similarly recognized and FRA-approved standards body; (2) Be distributed using manual or automated methods, or a combination of both; and (3) Be revoked— (i) If compromised by unauthorized disclosure of the cleartext key; or (ii) When the key algorithm reaches its lifespan as defined by the standards body responsible for approval of the algorithm. (c) The cleartext form of the cryptographic keys shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure, modification, or substitution, except during key entry when the cleartext keys and key components may be temporarily displayed to allow visual verification. When encrypted keys or key components are entered, the cryptographically protected cleartext key or key components shall not be displayed. (d) Access to cleartext keys shall be protected by a tamper-resistant mechanism. (e) If the railroad elects to also provide cryptographic message confidentiality, it shall: (1) Comply with the same requirements for message integrity and authentication under this section; and (2) Only use keys meeting or exceeding the security strength required to protect the data as defined in the railroad's PTCSP. (f) The railroad, or its vendor or supplier, shall have a prioritized service restoration and mitigation plan for scheduled and unscheduled interruptions of service. This plan shall be made available to FRA upon request, without undue delay, for restoration of communication services that support PTC system services. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.213 Records retention. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall maintain at a designated office on the railroad— (1) A current copy of each FRA-approved PTCSP that it holds; (2) Adequate documentation to demonstrate that the PTCSP meets the safety requirements of this RPA, including the risk assessment; (3) An Operations and Maintenance Manual, pursuant to § 299.215; and (4) Training and testing records pursuant to § 236.1043(b) of this chapter. (b) Results of inspections and tests specified in the PTCSP must be recorded pursuant to § 236.110 of this chapter. (c) Each contractor providing services relating to the testing, maintenance, or operation of the railroad's PTC system shall maintain at a designated office training records required under §§ 236.1043(b) of this chapter, and 299.207(a)(6). (d) After the PTC system is placed in service, the railroad shall maintain a database of all safety-relevant hazards as set forth in its PTCSP and those that had not been previously identified in its PTCSP. If the frequency of the safety-relevant hazards exceeds the threshold set forth in its PTCSP, then the railroad shall— (1) Report the inconsistency in writing to FRA's Secure Information Repository at https://sir.fra.dot.gov, within 15 days of discovery; (2) Take prompt countermeasures to reduce the frequency of each safety-relevant hazard to below the threshold set forth in its PTCSP; and (3) Provide a final report when the inconsistency is resolved to FRA's Secure Information Repository at https://sir.fra.dot.gov, on the results of the analysis and countermeasures taken to reduce the frequency of the safety-relevant hazard(s) below the threshold set forth in its PTCSP. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.2.138.8 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | B | Subpart B—Signal and Trainset Control System | § 299.215 Operations and Maintenance Manual. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall catalog and maintain all documents as specified in its PTCSP for the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, modification, inspection, and testing of the PTC system and have them in one Operations and Maintenance Manual, readily available to persons required to perform such tasks and for inspection by FRA and FRA-certified state inspectors. (b) Plans required for proper maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of safety-critical PTC systems must be adequate in detail and must be made available for inspection by FRA and FRA-certified state inspectors where such PTC systems are deployed or maintained. They must identify all software versions, revisions, and revision dates. Plans must be legible and correct. (c) Hardware, software, and firmware revisions must be documented in the Operations and Maintenance Manual according to the railroad's configuration management control plan and any additional configuration/revision control measures specified in its PTCSP. (d) Safety-critical components, including spare equipment, must be positively identified, handled, replaced, and repaired in accordance with the procedures specified in the railroad's PTCSP. (e) The railroad shall designate in its Operations and Maintenance Manual an appropriate railroad officer responsible for issues relating to scheduled interruptions of service. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.301 Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions. | FRA | (a) Restoration or renewal of track, other than in yards and trainset maintenance facilities, under traffic conditions is prohibited. (b) Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions on track Class H2 in trainset maintenance facilities is limited to the replacement of worn, broken, or missing components or fastenings that do not affect the safe passage of trainset. (c) The following activities are expressly prohibited on track Class H2 in trainset maintenance facilities under traffic conditions: (1) Any work that interrupts rail continuity, e.g., as in joint bar replacement or rail replacement; (2) Any work that adversely affects the lateral or vertical stability of the track with the exception of spot tamping an isolated condition where not more than 4.5 m (15 feet) of track are involved at any one time and the ambient air temperature is not above 35 °C (95 °F); and (3) Removal and replacement of the rail fastenings on more than one tie at a time within 4.5 m (15 feet). | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.10 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.319 Track fixation and support. | FRA | (a) Crossties, if used shall be of concrete or composite construction, unless otherwise approved by FRA under § 299.15, for all tracks over which trainsets run in revenue service. (b) Each 25 m (82 feet) segment of track that contains crossties shall have— (1) A sufficient number of crossties to provide effective support that will— (i) Hold gauge within limits prescribed in § 299.311; (ii) Maintain surface within the limits prescribed in § 299.311; (iii) Maintain alignment within the limits prescribed in § 299.311; and (iv) Maintain longitudinal rail restraint. (2) The minimum number and type of crossties specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section and described in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as applicable, effectively distributed to support the entire segment; (3) At least one non-defective crosstie of the type specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section that is located at a joint location as specified in paragraph (e) of this section; and (4) The minimum number of crossties as indicated in the following table: Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(4) (c) Crossties, other than concrete, counted to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(4) of this section shall not be— (1) Broken through; (2) Split or otherwise impaired to the extent the crossties will allow the ballast to work through, or will not hold spikes or rail fasteners; (3) Deteriorated so that the tie plate or base of rail can move laterally 9.5 mm ( 3/8 inch) relative to the crossties; (4) Cut by the tie plate through more than 40 percent of a crosstie's thickness; (5) Configured with less than 2 rail holding spikes or fasteners per tie plate; or (6) Unable, due to insufficient fastener toeload, to maintain longitudinal restraint and maintain rail hold down and gauge. (d) Concrete crossties counted to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(4) of this section shall not be— (1) Broken through or deteriorated to the extent that prestressing material is visible; (2) Deteriorated or broken off in the v… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.11 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.321 Defective rails. | FRA | (a) The railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program shall include a description of defective rails consistent with the practice on the Tokaido Shinkansen system. The inspection, testing, and maintenance program shall include identification of rail defect types, definition of the inspection criteria, time required for verification and the corresponding remedial action. (b) When the railroad learns that a rail in that track contains any of the defects listed in the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program, a person designated under § 299.353 or § 299.355 shall determine whether the track may continue in use. If the designated person determines that the track may continue in use, operation over the defective rail is not permitted until— (1) The rail is replaced or repaired; or (2) The remedial action prescribed in the inspection, testing, and maintenance program is initiated. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.12 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.323 Continuous welded rail (CWR) plan. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall have in effect and comply with a plan that contains written procedures which address: The installation, adjustment, maintenance, and inspection of CWR; and inspection of CWR joints. (b) The railroad shall file its CWR plan with FRA pursuant to § 299.9. The initial CWR plan shall be filed 60 days prior to installation of any CWR track. The effective date of the plan is the date the plan is filed with FRA. (c) The railroad's existing plan shall remain in effect until the railroad's new plan is developed and filed with FRA. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.13 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.325 Continuous welded rail (CWR); general. | FRA | The railroad shall comply with the contents of the CWR plan developed under § 299.323. The plan shall contain the following elements— (a) Procedures for the installation and adjustment of CWR which include— (1) Designation of a desired rail installation temperature range for the geographic area in which the CWR is located; (2) De-stressing procedures/methods which address proper attainment of the desired rail installation temperature range when adjusting CWR; and (3) Glued insulated or expansion joint installation and maintenance procedures. (b) Rail anchoring, if used, or fastening requirements that will provide sufficient restraint to limit longitudinal rail and crosstie movement to the extent practical, and that specifically address CWR rail anchoring or fastening patterns on bridges, bridge approaches, and at other locations where possible longitudinal rail and crosstie movement associated with normally expected trainset-induced forces—is restricted. (c) CWR joint installation and maintenance procedures. (d) Procedures which specifically address maintaining a desired rail installation temperature range when cutting CWR including rail repairs, in-track welding, and in conjunction with adjustments made in the area of tight track, a track buckle, or a pull-apart. (e) Procedures which control trainset speed on CWR track when— (1) Maintenance work, track rehabilitation, track construction, or any other event occurs which disturbs the roadbed or ballast section and reduces the lateral or longitudinal resistance of the track; and (2) The difference between the rail temperature and the rail neutral temperature is in a range that causes buckling-prone conditions to be present at a specific location. (f) Procedures which prescribe when and where physical track inspections are to be performed under extreme temperature conditions. (g) Scheduling and procedures for inspections to detect cracks and other indications of potential failures in CWR joints. (h) The railroad shall have in effect a comprehensive trai… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.14 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.327 Rail end mismatch. | FRA | Any mismatch of rails at joints may not be more than that prescribed by the following table: Table 1 to § 299.327 | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.15 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.329 Rail joints and torch cut rails. | FRA | (a) Each rail joint, insulated joint, expansion joint, and compromise joint shall be of a structurally sound design and appropriate dimensions for the rail on which it is applied. (b) If a joint bar is cracked, broken, or permits excessive vertical movement of either rail when all bolts are tight, it shall be replaced. (c) Except for glued-insulated joints, each joint bar shall be held in position by track bolts tightened to allow the joint bar to firmly support the abutting rail ends. For track Classes H0 to H3 track bolts shall be tightened, as required, to allow longitudinal movement of the rail in the joint to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature variations. (d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, each rail shall be bolted with at least two bolts at each joint. (e) Clamped joint bars may be used for temporary repair during emergency situations, and speed over that rail end and the time required to replace the joint bar must not exceed the limits specified in the inspection, testing, and maintenance program. (f) No rail shall have a bolt hole which is torch cut or burned. (g) No joint bar shall be reconfigured by torch cutting. (h) No rail having a torch cut or flame cut end may be used. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.16 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.331 Turnouts and crossings generally. | FRA | (a) In turnouts and track crossings, the fastenings shall be intact and maintained to keep the components securely in place. Also, each switch, frog, and guard rail shall be kept free of obstructions that may interfere with the passage of wheels. Use of rigid rail crossings at grade is limited to track Classes H0, H1, and H2. (b) The track through and on each side of track crossings and turnouts shall be designed to restrain rail movement affecting the position of switch points and frogs. (c) Each flangeway at turnouts shall be at least 39 mm (1.5 inches) wide. (d) For all turnouts and track crossings, the railroad shall prepare inspection and maintenance requirements to be included in the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.17 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.333 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gauge. | FRA | The guard check and guard face gages in frogs shall be within the limits prescribed in the following table: Table 1 to § 299.333 1 A line along that side of the flangeway which is nearer to the center of the track and at the same elevation as the gage line. 2 A line 14 mm (0.55 inches) below the top of the center line of the head of the running rail, or corresponding location of the tread portion of the track structure. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.18 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.335 Derails. | FRA | (a) Derails shall be installed at locations where maintenance-of-way equipment can access track other than Class H0, in a configuration intended to derail the un-controlled equipment away from the mainline and at a distance from the point of intersection with the mainline that will not foul the dynamic envelope of the mainline. (b) Each derail shall be clearly visible to railroad personnel operating rail equipment on the affected track and to railroad personnel working adjacent to the affected track. When in a locked position, a derail shall be free of any lost motion that would allow it to be operated without removal of the lock. (c) Each derail shall be maintained and function as intended. (d) Each derail shall be properly installed for the rail to which it is applied. (e) If a track is equipped with a derail it shall be in the derailing position except as provided in the railroad's operating rules, special instructions, or changed to permit movement. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.19 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.337 Automated vehicle-based inspection systems. | FRA | (a) A qualifying Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) and a qualifying Track Acceleration Measurement System (TAMS) shall be operated over the route at the following frequency: (1) For track Class H3, at least twice per calendar year with not less than 120 days between inspections; and (2) For track Classes H4, H5, H6, and H7, at least twice within any 60-day period with not less than 12 days between inspections. (b) The qualifying TGMS shall meet or exceed minimum design requirements which specify that— (1) Track geometry measurements shall be taken no more than 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from the contact point of wheels carrying a vertical load of no less than 4,500 kg (10,000 lb) per wheel; (2) Track geometry measurements shall be taken and recorded on a distance-based sampling interval not exceeding 0.60 m (2 feet), preferably 0.30 m (1 foot); (3) Calibration procedures and parameters are assigned to the system which assures that measured and recorded values accurately represent track conditions. Track geometry measurements recorded by the system shall not differ on repeated runs at the same site at the same speed more than 3 mm ( 1/8 inch); and (4) The TGMS shall be capable of measuring and processing the necessary track geometry parameters to determine compliance with §§ 299.311 and 299.315. (c) A qualifying TAMS shall be on a vehicle having dynamic response characteristics that are representative of other vehicles assigned to the service and shall— (1) Be operated at the revenue speed profile in accordance with § 299.309; (2) Be capable of measuring and processing carbody acceleration parameters to determine compliance with Carbody Acceleration Limits per § 299.313; and (3) Monitor lateral and vertical accelerations of the carbody. The accelerometers shall be attached to the carbody on or under the floor of the vehicle, as near the center of a bogie as practicable. (d) The qualifying TGMS and TAMS shall be capable of producing, within 24 hours of the inspection, output reports that— (1) Pro… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.303 Measuring track not under load. | FRA | When unloaded track is measured to determine compliance with requirements of this part, evidence of rail movement, if any, that occurs while the track is loaded shall be added to the measurements of the unloaded track. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.20 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.339 Daily sweeper inspection. | FRA | A sweeper vehicle shall be operated each morning after the overnight maintenance over all tracks except track Class H2 in stations, prior to commencing revenue service over that track. The sweeper vehicle shall operate at a speed no greater than 120 km/h (75 mph) to conduct a visual inspection to ensure the right-of-way is clear of obstacles within the clearance envelope and to identify conditions that could cause accidents, and shall have a minimum clearance of no less than 35 mm above top of rail. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.21 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.341 Inspection of rail in service. | FRA | (a) Prior to revenue service the railroad shall submit written procedures for the inspection of rails in accordance with the inspection, testing, and maintenance program. (b) On track Classes H4 to H7, and H2 within stations, a continuous search for internal defects shall be made of all rail within 180 days after initiation of revenue service and, thereafter, at least annually, with not less than 240 days between inspections. (c) Each defective rail shall be marked with a highly visible marking on both sides of the rail. (d) Inspection equipment shall be capable of detecting defects between joint bars and within the area enclosed by joint bars. (e) If the person assigned to operate the rail defect detection equipment being used determines that, due to rail surface conditions, a valid search for internal defects could not be made over a particular length of track, the test on that particular length of track cannot be considered as a search for internal defects under this section. (f) When the railroad learns, through inspection or otherwise, that a rail in that track contains any of the defects in accordance with § 299.321, a qualified individual designated under § 299.353 or § 299.355 shall determine whether or not the track may continue in use. If the qualified individual so designated determines that the track may continue in use, operation over the defective rail is not permitted until— (1) The rail is replaced; or (2) The remedial action as prescribed in § 299.321 has been taken. (g) The person assigned to operate the rail defect detection equipment must be a qualified operator as defined in this subpart and have demonstrated proficiency in the rail flaw detection process for each type of equipment the operator is assigned. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.22 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.343 Initial inspection of new rail and welds. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall provide for the initial inspection of newly manufactured rail, and for initial inspection of new welds made in either new or used rail. The railroad may demonstrate compliance with this section by providing for— (1) Mill inspection. A continuous inspection at the rail manufacturer's mill shall constitute compliance with the requirement for initial inspection of new rail, provided that the inspection equipment meets the applicable requirements as specified under the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program and § 299.321. The railroad shall obtain a copy of the manufacturer's report of inspection and retain it as a record until the rail receives its first scheduled inspection under § 299.341; (2) Welding plant inspection. A continuous inspection at a welding plant, if conducted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and accompanied by a plant operator's report of inspection which is retained as a record by the railroad, shall constitute compliance with the requirements for initial inspection of new rail and plant welds, or of new plant welds made in used rail; and (3) Inspection of field welds. Initial inspection of new field welds, either those joining the ends of CWR strings or those made for isolated repairs, shall be conducted before the start of revenue service in accordance with the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program. The initial inspection may be conducted by means of portable test equipment. The railroad shall retain a record of such inspections until the welds receive their first scheduled inspection under § 299.341. (b) Each defective rail found during inspections conducted under paragraph (a)(3) of this section shall be marked with highly visible markings on both sides of the rail and the appropriate remedial action as set forth in § 299.341 will apply. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.23 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.345 Visual inspections; right of way. | FRA | (a) General. All track shall be visually inspected in accordance with the schedule prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section by an individual qualified under this subpart. The visual inspection shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements set forth in the inspection, testing, and maintenance program under subpart G of this part. (b) Inspection types and frequency —(1) Safe walkway inspection. Except for track located inside trainset maintenance facilities and MOW yards and the associated portions of the right-of-way, the right-of-way and all track shall be inspected from the safe walkway during daytime hours, in accordance with the following conditions: (i) Ballasted track shall be inspected at least once every two weeks, with a minimum of six calendar days in between inspections. (ii) Non-ballasted track shall be inspected at least once every four weeks, with a minimum of twelve calendar days in between inspections. (iii) No two consecutive visual inspections from the safe walkway shall be performed from the same safe walkway. Safe walkway inspections shall alternate between safe walkways on each side of the right-of-way. (iv) In stations, the safe walkway inspection may be performed from either the safe walkway or the station platform. (v) An additional on-track visual inspection conducted during maintenance hours under paragraph (b)(2) of this section performed in place of a visual inspection from the safe walkway under paragraph (b)(1) of this section will satisfy the visual inspection requirement of paragraph (b)(1) of this section. However, a safe walkway visual inspection performed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section cannot replace an on-track visual inspection conducted during maintenance hours under paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (vi) Except for paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section, inspections performed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall not occur during the same week as inspections performed under paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (vii) In the event a safe walkwa… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.24 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.347 Special inspections. | FRA | (a) In the event of fire, flood, severe storm, temperature extremes, or other occurrence which might have damaged track structure, a special inspection shall be made of the track and right-of-way involved as soon as possible after the occurrence, prior to the operation of any trainset over that track. (b) Should a trainset be between stations when an event such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section occurs, that trainset may proceed to the next forward station at restricted speed, in accordance with the railroad's operating rules and inspection, testing, and maintenance program. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.25 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.349 Inspection records. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall keep a record of each inspection required to be performed on that track under this subpart. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each record of an inspection under §§ 299.325 and 299.345 shall be prepared on the day the inspection is made and signed by the person making the inspection. (c) Records shall specify the track inspected, date of inspection, location, and nature of any deviation from the requirements of this part, name of qualified individual who made the inspection, and the remedial action, if any, taken by the person making the inspection. (d) Rail inspection records shall specify the date of inspection, the location and nature of any internal defects found, name of qualified individual who made the inspection, the remedial action taken and the date thereof, and the location of any intervals of track not tested pursuant to § 299.341 of this part. The railroad shall retain a rail inspection record for at least two years after the inspection and for one year after remedial action is taken. (e) The railroad shall make inspection records required by this section available for inspection and copying by the FRA. (f) For purposes of compliance with the requirements of this section, the railroad may maintain and transfer records through electronic transmission, storage, and retrieval provided that— (1) The electronic system is compliant with the requirements of § 299.11; (2) The electronic storage of each record shall be initiated by the person making the inspection within 24 hours following the completion of that inspection; and (3) Track inspection records shall be kept available to persons who performed the inspection and to persons performing subsequent inspections. (g) Each track/vehicle performance record required under § 299.337 shall be made available for inspection and copying by the FRA. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.26 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.351 Qualifications for track maintenance and inspection personnel. | FRA | (a) General. The railroad shall designate qualified individuals responsible for the maintenance and inspection of track in compliance with the safety requirements prescribed in this subpart. Each designated individual, including contractors and their employees, must meet the minimum qualifications set forth in this subpart. (b) Recordkeeping. In addition to the requirements contained in § 243.203 of this chapter, the railroad shall also maintain, with respect to the designation of individuals under this subpart, the track inspection records made by each individual as required by § 299.349. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.27 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.353 Personnel qualified to supervise track restoration and renewal. | FRA | Each individual designated to supervise restorations and renewals of track, shall have— (a) Successfully completed a course offered by the employer or by a college level engineering program, supplemented by special on-the-job training emphasizing the techniques to be employed in the supervision, restoration, and renewal of high-speed track; (b) Demonstrated to the railroad, at least once per calendar year, that the individual— (1) Knows and understands the requirements of this subpart that apply to the restoration and renewal of the track for which he or she is responsible; (2) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and (3) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or safely compensate for those deviations. (c) Written authorization from the railroad or the employer to prescribe remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from the requirements of this subpart and shall have successfully completed a recorded examination on this subpart as part of the qualification process. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.28 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.355 Personnel qualified to inspect track. | FRA | Each individual designated to inspect track for defects, shall have— (a) Successfully completed a course offered by the railroad or by a college level engineering program, supplemented by special on-the-job training emphasizing the techniques to be employed in the inspection of high-speed track; (b) Demonstrated to the railroad, at least once per calendar year, that the individual— (1) Knows and understands the requirements of this subpart that apply to the inspection of the track for which he or she is responsible; (2) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and (3) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or safely compensate for those deviations. (c) Written authorization from the railroad or the employer to prescribe remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from the requirements in this subpart and shall have successfully completed a recorded examination on this subpart as part of the qualification process. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.29 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.357 Personnel qualified to inspect and restore continuous welded rail. | FRA | Individuals designated under § 299.353 or 299.355 that inspect continuous welded rail (CWR) or supervise the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of CWR in accordance with the written procedures established by the railroad shall have— (a) Current qualifications under either § 299.353 or 299.355; (b) Successfully completed a training course of at least eight hours duration specifically developed for the application of written CWR procedures issued by the railroad; (c) Demonstrated to the railroad that the individual— (1) Knows and understands the requirements of those written CWR procedures; (2) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and (3) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or compensate for those deviations safely. (d) Written authorization from the railroad or the employer to prescribe remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from the requirements in those procedures and must have successfully completed a recorded examination on those procedures as part of the qualification process. The recorded examination may be written, or in the form of a computer file with the results of an interactive training course. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.305 Drainage. | FRA | Each drainage or other water carrying facility under or immediately adjacent to the roadbed shall be maintained and kept free of obstruction, to accommodate expected water flow for the area concerned. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.307 Vegetation. | FRA | Vegetation on railroad property which is on or immediately adjacent to roadbed shall be controlled so that it does not— (a) Become a fire hazard to track-carrying structures; (b) Obstruct visibility of railroad signs and signals along the right-of-way; (c) Interfere with railroad employees performing normal trackside duties; (d) Prevent proper functioning of signal and communication lines; or (e) Prevent railroad employees from visually inspecting moving equipment from their normal duty stations. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.309 Classes of track: operating speed limits. | FRA | (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and as otherwise provided in this part, the following maximum allowable operating speeds apply— Table 1 to Paragraph ( a ) (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if a segment of track does not meet all of the requirements for its intended Class, it is to be reclassified to the next lower track Class for which it does meet all of the requirements of this part. However, if the segment of track does not at least meet the requirements for track Class H1 track, operations may continue at Class H1 speeds for a period of not more than 30 days without bringing the track into compliance, under the authority of an individual designated under § 299.353, after that individual determines that operations may safely continue and subject to any limiting conditions specified by such individual. (c) If a segment of track designated as track Class H0 does not meet all of the requirements for its intended class, operations may continue at Class H0 speeds for a period of not more than 30 days without bringing the track into compliance, under the authority of an individual designated under § 299.353, after that individual determines that operations may safely continue and subject to any limiting conditions specified by such individual. (d) No high-speed passenger trainset shall operate over track Class H0. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.311 Track geometry; general. | FRA | If the values listed in the following table are exceeded, the railroad shall initiate remedial action. A reduction in operating speed so that the condition complies with the limits listed for a lower speed shall constitute bringing the track into compliance. Table 1 to § 299.311 1 Uniformity for alignment at any point along the track is established by averaging the measured mid-chord offset values for a 10 m (32.8 feet) chord for nine consecutive points that are centered around that point and spaced at 2.5 m (8.2 feet) intervals. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.313 Track geometry; performance based. | FRA | (a) For all track of Class H4 and above, vibration in the lateral and vertical directions measured on the carbody of a vehicle representative of the service fleet traveling at a speed no less than 10 km/h (6.2 mph) below the maximum speed permitted for the class of track, shall not exceed the limits prescribed in the following table: Table 1 to Paragraph ( a ) 1 Carbody accelerations in the vertical and lateral directions shall be measured by accelerometers oriented and located in accordance with § 299.337(c)(3). 2 Acceleration measurements shall be processed through an LPF with a minimum cut-off frequency of 10 Hz. The sample rate for acceleration data shall be at least 200 samples per second. 3 Peak-to-peak accelerations shall be measured as the algebraic difference between the two extreme values of measured acceleration in any 1-second time period, excluding any peak lasting less than 50 milliseconds. (b) If the carbody acceleration requirements are not met on a segment of track, the segment of track is to be reclassified to the next lower Class of track for which it does meet the requirements of this part. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.8 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.315 Curves; elevation and speed limitations. | FRA | (a) The maximum elevation of the outside rail of a curve may not be more than 200 mm (7-7/8 inches). The outside rail of a curve may not be lower than the inside rail by design, except when engineered to address specific track or operating conditions; the limits in § 299.311 apply in all cases. (b) The maximum allowable posted timetable operating speed for each curve is determined by the following formula: Where— V max = Maximum allowable posted timetable operating speed (km/h). E a = Actual elevation of the outside rail (mm). Actual elevation, E a , for each 50-meter track segment in the body of the curve is determined by averaging the elevation for 11 points through the segment at 5-meter spacing. If the curve length is less than 50-meters, average the points through the full length of the body of the curve. E u = Qualified cant deficiency (mm) of the vehicle type. R = Radius of curve (m). Radius of curve, R, is determined by averaging the radius of the curve over the same track segment as the elevation. Where— V max = Maximum allowable posted timetable operating speed (km/h). E a = Actual elevation of the outside rail (mm). Actual elevation, E a , for each 50-meter track segment in the body of the curve is determined by averaging the elevation for 11 points through the segment at 5-meter spacing. If the curve length is less than 50-meters, average the points through the full length of the body of the curve. E u = Qualified cant deficiency (mm) of the vehicle type. R = Radius of curve (m). Radius of curve, R, is determined by averaging the radius of the curve over the same track segment as the elevation. (c) All vehicles are considered qualified for operating on track with a cant deficiency, E u , not exceeding 75 mm (3 inches). (d) Each vehicle type must be approved by FRA, under § 299.609, to operate on track with a qualified cant deficiency, E u , greater than 75 mm (3 inches). Each vehicle type must demonstrate in a ready-for-service load condition, compliance with the requirement… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.3.138.9 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | C | Subpart C—Track Safety Standards | § 299.317 Track strength. | FRA | (a) Track shall have a sufficient vertical strength to withstand the maximum vehicle loads generated at maximum permissible trainset speeds, cant deficiencies and surface limitations. For purposes of this section, vertical track strength is defined as the track capacity to constrain vertical deformations so that the track shall, under maximum load, remain in compliance with the track performance and geometry requirements of this part. (b) Track shall have sufficient lateral strength to withstand the maximum thermal and vehicle loads generated at maximum permissible trainset speeds, cant deficiencies and lateral alignment limitations. For purposes of this section lateral track strength is defined as the track capacity to constrain lateral deformations so that track shall, under maximum load, remain in compliance with the track performance and geometry requirements of this part. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.401 Clearance requirements. | FRA | (a) General. The rolling stock shall be designed to meet all applicable clearance requirements of the railroad. The railroad shall make its clearance diagrams available to FRA upon request. (b) Clearance above top of rail. No part or appliance of a trainset except the wheels, sander tips, wheel guards, and other components designed to be in the path of the wheel ( i.e., above the rail and aligned inside the wheel width path) may be less than 60 mm (2.36 inches) above the top of rail. (c) Obstacle deflector. The leading end of a trainset shall be equipped with an obstacle deflector that extends across both rails of the track. The minimum clearance above the rail of the obstacle deflector shall be 76 mm (3 inches), and the maximum clearance shall be 229 mm (9 inches). (d) Flexible wheel guards. The lead axle of a trainset shall be equipped with flexible wheel guards mounted on the bogie below the primary suspension with a maximum clearance above the rail of 15 mm (0.59 inches). | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.10 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.419 Emergency communication. | FRA | (a) PA (public address) system. Each passenger car shall be equipped with a PA system that provides a means for a trainset crewmember to communicate by voice to passengers of his or her trainset in an emergency situation. The PA system shall also provide a means for a trainset crewmember to communicate by voice in an emergency situation to persons in the immediate vicinity of his or her trainset ( e.g., persons on the station platform). The PA system may be part of the same system as the intercom system. (b) Intercom system. Each passenger car shall be equipped with an intercom system that provides a means for passengers and crewmembers to communicate by voice with each other in an emergency situation. Except as further specified, at least one intercom that is accessible to passengers without using a tool or other implement shall be located in each end (half) of each car. (c) Marking and instructions. The following requirements apply to all units of a trainset: (1) The location of each intercom intended for passenger use shall be conspicuously marked with HPPL material in accordance with § 299.423; and (2) Legible and understandable operating instructions shall be made of HPPL material in accordance with § 299.423 and posted at or near each such intercom. (d) Back-up power. PA and intercom systems shall have a back-up power system capable of— (1) Powering each system to allow intermittent emergency communication for a minimum period of 90 minutes. Intermittent communication shall be considered equivalent to continuous communication during the last 15 minutes of the 90-minute minimum period; and (2) Operating in all equipment orientations within 90 degrees of vertical. (e) Additional requirements. The PA and intercom systems shall be designed to operate without failure and remain attached under the conditions typically found in passenger rail equipment including expected mechanical vibrations, and shock in accordance with § 299.405(a)(1), as well as comply with electromagnetic interference crite… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.11 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.421 Emergency roof access. | FRA | (a) Number and dimensions. Each passenger car shall have a minimum of two emergency roof access locations, each providing a minimum opening of 660 mm (26 inches) longitudinally ( i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car) by 610 mm (24 inches) laterally. (b) Means of access. Emergency roof access shall be provided by means of a conspicuously marked structural weak point in the roof for access by properly equipped emergency response personnel. (c) Location. Emergency roof access locations shall be situated so that when a car is on its side— (1) One emergency access location is situated as close as practicable within each half of the roof as divided top from bottom; and (2) One emergency access location is situated as close as practicable within each half of the roof as divided left from right. ( See Figure 1 to this paragraph.) (d) Obstructions. The ceiling space below each emergency roof access location shall be free from wire, cabling, conduit, and piping. This space shall also be free of any rigid secondary structure ( e.g., a diffuser or diffuser support, lighting back fixture, mounted PA equipment, or luggage rack) where practicable. It shall be permissible to cut through interior panels, liners, or other non-rigid secondary structures after making the cutout hole in the roof, provided any such additional cutting necessary to access the interior of the vehicle permits a minimum opening of the dimensions specified in paragraph (a) of this section to be maintained. (e) Marking instructions. Each emergency roof access location shall be conspicuously marked with retroreflective material of contrasting color meeting the minimum requirements specified in § 299.423. Legible and understandable instructions shall be posted at or near each such location. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.12 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.423 Markings and instructions for emergency egress and rescue access. | FRA | (a) General. Instructions and markings shall be provided in each unit of a trainset in accordance with the minimum requirements of this section to provide instructions for passengers and trainset crewmembers regarding emergency egress, and rescue access instructions for emergency responders. (b) Visual identity and recognition. Emergency exit signage/marking systems shall enable passengers and trainset crewmembers to make positive identification of emergency exits. (1) Each interior emergency exit sign and emergency exit locator sign shall be conspicuous ( i.e., clearly recognizable/distinguishable) or become conspicuous to passengers and trainset crewmembers immediately and automatically upon the loss of power for normal lighting, from a minimum distance of 1.52 m (5 feet). (2) The signs and markings shall operate independently of the car's normal and emergency lighting systems, for a minimum of 90 minutes after loss of all power for normal lighting. (3) An emergency exit locator sign shall be located in close proximity of each emergency exit and shall work in conjunction with the emergency exit sign. The location of the sign, directional arrow(s), or wording shall guide passengers and trainset crewmembers to the emergency exit route. (c) Rescue access signage/marking systems. (1) Rescue access signage and marking systems shall enable emergency responders to make positive identification of rescue access points. (2) Rescue access information for emergency responders placed on the exterior of the carbody shall, at a minimum, consist of the following: (i) Each door intended for use by emergency responders for rescue access shall be identified with emergency access signs, symbols, or other conspicuous marking consisting of retroreflective material that complies with paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section. (ii) Rescue access door control locator signs/markings and instructions; (A) Each door intended for use by emergency responders for rescue access shall have operating instructions for opening the do… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.13 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.425 Low-location emergency exit path marking. | FRA | (a) General. Low-location emergency exit path marking (LLEEPM) shall be provided in each unit of a trainset. The LLEEPM system shall be designed to identify the location of primary door exits and the exit path to be used to reach such doors by passengers and trainset crewmembers under conditions of darkness when normal and emergency sources of illumination are obscured by smoke or are inoperative. (b) Visual identity and recognition. The LLEEPM system shall be conspicuous ( i.e., clearly recognizable/distinguishable), or become conspicuous immediately and automatically from a low-location upon loss of power for normal lighting, and under the minimum general emergency light illumination levels as specified in § 299.423. (c) Signage and markings. At a minimum, the LLEEPM system shall have the following three components: (1) Primary door exit signs. (i) Each primary door exit shall be clearly marked with an exit sign; (ii) The exit sign shall be visible from a low-location from the exit along the exit path; and (iii) Each exit sign shall be located on or immediately adjacent to each door and placed between 152.4 and 457.2 mm (6 and 18 inches) above the floor. (2) Primary door exit marking/delineators. (i) The location of the exit path shall be marked using electrically powered (active) marking/delineators or light fixtures, HPPL (passive) marking/delineators or a combination of these two systems. (ii) The requirements in this section apply for both electrical and HPPL components, whether installed on the walls, floors, or seat assemblies. (iii) Each primary door shall be marked on or around the door's operating handle. (3) Exit path marking/delineators. (i) The marking/delineator components shall be positioned so as to identify an exit path to all primary exits that is clearly visible and easily recognizable from any seat or compartment in the trainset, when normal lighting and emergency lighting are unavailable in conditions of darkness and/or smoke. (ii) Markings/delineators shall be located… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.14 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.427 Emergency egress windows. | FRA | (a) Number and location. Each unit in a trainset shall have a minimum of four emergency egress windows. At least one emergency egress window shall be located in each side of each end (half) of the car, in a staggered configuration where practicable. (See Figure 1 to this paragraph.) (b) Ease of operability. Each emergency egress window shall be designed to permit rapid and easy removal from the inside of the car during an emergency situation using a hammer designed to break the glazing that shall be located adjacent to each emergency egress window. The railroad shall inspect for the presence of the emergency hammers each day prior to the trainset being placed into service in accordance with § 299.711(b). (c) Dimensions. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each emergency egress window in a passenger car shall have an unobstructed opening with minimum dimensions of 660 mm (26 inches) horizontally by 610 mm (24 inches) vertically. A seatback is not an obstruction if it can be moved away from the window opening without using a tool or other implement. (d) Marking and instructions. (1) Each emergency egress window shall be conspicuously and legibly marked with luminescent material on the inside of each car to facilitate passenger egress as specified in § 299.423. (2) Legible and understandable operating instructions, including instructions for removing the emergency egress window shall be made of luminescent material, shall be posted at or near each such emergency egress window as specified in § 299.423. (e) Obstructions. If emergency egress window removal may be hindered by the presence of a seatback, headrest, luggage rack, or other fixture, the instructions shall state the method for allowing rapid and easy removal of the emergency egress window, taking into account the fixture(s), and this portion of the instructions may be in written or pictorial format. (f) Additional emergency egress windows. Any emergency egress window in addition to the minimum number required by paragraph (… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.15 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.429 Rescue access windows. | FRA | (a) General. Each emergency egress window required by § 299.427 shall also serve as a means of rescue access. (b) Ease of operability. Each rescue access window must be capable of being removed without unreasonable delay by an emergency responder using tools or implements that are commonly available to the responder in a passenger trainset emergency. (c) Marking and instructions. (1) Each rescue access window shall be marked with retroreflective material on the exterior of each car as specified in § 299.423. A unique and easily recognizable symbol, sign, or other conspicuous marking shall also be used to identify each such window. (2) Legible and understandable window-access instructions, including instructions for removing the window, shall be posted at or near each rescue access window as specified in § 299.423. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.16 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.431 Driver's controls and cab layout. | FRA | (a) Driver controls and cab layout. Driver controls and cab layout shall replicate that used in the N700, unless otherwise approved by FRA. (b) Cab seating. Each seat provided for an employee regularly assigned to occupy a cab and any floor-mounted seat in the cab shall be securely attached in accordance with § 299.405. (c) Cab interior surface. Sharp edges and corners shall be eliminated from the interior of the cab, and interior surfaces of the cab likely to be impacted by an employee during a collision or derailment shall be padded with shock-absorbent material. (d) Cab securement. Trainset interior cab doors shall be equipped with the following: (1) A secure and operable device to lock the door from the outside that does not impede egress from the cab; and (2) A securement device on each cab door that is capable of securing the door from inside of the cab. (e) Cab glazing serviceability. End-facing cab windows of the lead trainset cab shall be free of cracks, breaks, or other conditions that obscure the view of the right-of-way for the crew from their normal position in the cab. (f) Floors of cabs, passageways, and compartments. Floors of cabs, passageways, and compartments shall be kept free from oil, water, waste or any obstruction that creates a slipping, tripping or fire hazard. Floors shall be properly treated to provide secure footing. (g) Cab environmental control. Each lead cab in a trainset shall be heated and air conditioned. The HVAC system shall be inspected and maintained to ensure that it operates properly and meets the railroad's performance standard which shall be defined in the inspection, testing, and maintenance program. (h) Trainset cab noise. Performance standards for the railroad's trainsets— (1) The average noise levels in the trainset cab shall be less than or equal to 85 dB(A) when the trainset is operating at maximum approved trainset speed as approved under § 299.609(g). Compliance with this paragraph (h)(1) shall be demonstrated during the pre-revenue serv… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.17 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.433 Exterior lights. | FRA | (a) Headlights. Each leading end of a trainset shall be equipped with two or more headlights. (1) Each headlight shall produce 80,000 candela. (2) Headlights shall be arranged to illuminate signs in the right-of-way. (3) Headlights shall be recognized 600 m (1,968 feet) ahead of the cab car by a driver in another trainset or a maintenance person standing in the right-of-way under clear weather conditions. (b) Taillights (marking devices). (1) The trailing end of the trainset shall be equipped with two red taillights; (2) Each taillight shall be located at least 1.2 m (3.9 feet) above rail; (3) Each taillight shall be recognizable 200 m (656 feet) ahead of the cab car by a driver in another trainset or a maintenance person standing in the right-of-way under clear weather conditions; (4) Taillights of the trailing end of the trainset shall be on when the trainset is in operation; (5) Taillights shall not be on in the direction of trainset travel, except if the driver shall re-position the trainset in a station. Such re-positioning operations shall be done in accordance with the railroad's operating rules; and (6) In an emergency situation, the headlight on the rear of the trainset may serve as the taillights in accordance with the railroad's operating rules. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.18 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.435 Electrical system design. | FRA | (a) Overhead collector systems. (1) Pantographs shall be so arranged that they can be operated from the driver's normal position in the cab. Pantographs that automatically rise when released shall have an automatic locking device to secure them in the down position. (2) Each overhead collector system, including the pantograph, shall be equipped with a means to electrically ground any uninsulated parts to prevent the risk of electrical shock when working on the system. (3) Means shall be provided to permit the driver to determine that the pantograph is in its lowest position, and for securing the pantograph if necessary, without the need to mount the roof of the trainset. (4) Each trainset equipped with a pantograph operating on an overhead collection system shall also be equipped with a means to safely lower the pantograph in the event of an emergency. If an emergency pole is used for this purpose, that part of the pole which can be safely handled shall be marked to so indicate. This pole shall be protected from moisture and damage when not in use. Means of securement and electrical isolation of a damaged pantograph, when it cannot be performed automatically, shall be addressed in the railroad's operating rules. (b) Circuit protection. (1) Each auxiliary circuit shall be provided with a circuit breaker or equivalent current-limiting devices located as near as practicable to the point of connection to the source of power for that circuit. Such protection may be omitted from circuits controlling safety-critical devices. (2) The 25-kV main power line shall be protected with a lightning arrestor, automatic circuit breaker, and overload relay. The lightning arrestor shall be run by the most direct path possible to ground with a connection to ground of not less than No. 6 AWG. These overload protection devices shall be housed in an enclosure designed specifically for that purpose with the arc chute vented directly to outside air. (3) Auxiliary power supply (440 VAC), providing power distribution, shall be pro… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.19 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.437 Automated monitoring. | FRA | (a) Each trainset shall be equipped to monitor the performance of the following systems or components: (1) Reception of cab and trainset control signals; (2) Electric brake status; (3) Friction brake status; (4) Fire detection systems, if so equipped; (5) Auxiliary power status; (6) Wheelslide; (7) On-board bearing-temperature sensors; (8) Door open/closed status; and (9) Bogie vibration detection. (b) When any of the monitored parameters are out of predetermined limits, an alert shall be sent immediately to the driver. The railroad's operating rules shall control trainset movement when the monitored parameters are out of predetermined limits. (c) The railroad shall develop appropriate operating rules to address driver and equipment performance in the event that the automatic monitoring system becomes defective. (d) The monitoring system shall be designed with an automatic self-test feature that notifies the driver that the monitoring capability is functioning correctly and alerts the driver when a system failure occurs. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.403 Trainset structure. | FRA | (a) Occupied volume integrity. To demonstrate resistance to loss of occupied volume, the trainsets shall comply with both the compression load requirement in paragraph (b) of this section and the dynamic collision requirements in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Compression load requirement. The end compression load shall be applied to the vehicle as defined in JIS E 7105:2006(E) as amended by JIS E 7105:2011(E) (all incorporated by reference, see § 299.17), with an end load magnitude no less than 980 kN (220,300 lbf) without permanent deformation of the occupied volume. (c) Dynamic collision scenario. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, occupied volume integrity shall also be demonstrated for the trainset through an evaluation of a dynamic collision scenario in which a moving trainset impacts a proxy object under the following conditions: (1) The initially-moving trainset is made up of the equipment undergoing evaluation at its AW0 ready-to-run weight. (2) The scenario shall be evaluated on tangent, level track. (3) The trainset shall have an initial velocity of 32 km/h (20 mph) and shall not be braked. (4) The proxy object shall have the following characteristics: (i) The object shall be a solid circular cylinder that weighs 6350 kg (14,000 pounds); (ii) The object shall have a width of 914 mm (36 inches) and a diameter of 1219 mm (48 inches); (iii) The axis of the cylinder shall be perpendicular to the direction of trainset motion and parallel to the ground; and (iv) The center of the object shall be located 762 mm (30 inches) above the top of the underframe. (5) Two collision configurations shall be evaluated. (i) The center of the object shall be located 483 mm (19 inches) from the longitudinal centerline of the trainset; and (ii) The center of the object shall be aligned with the side of the cab car at the point of maximum width. (6) The model used to demonstrate compliance with the dynamic collision requirements must be validated. Model validation shall b… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.20 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.439 Event recorders. | FRA | (a) Duty to equip and record. Each trainset shall be equipped with an operative event recorder that monitors and records as a minimum all safety data required by paragraph (b) of this section. The event recorder shall record the most recent 48 hours of operational data of the trainset on which it is installed. (b) Equipment requirements. Event recorders shall monitor and record data elements or information needed to support the data elements required by paragraph (c) of this section. The data shall be recorded with at least the accuracy required of the indicators displaying any of the required data elements to the driver. (c) Data elements. The event recorder shall be equipped with a certified crashworthy event recorder memory module that meets the requirements of appendix A to this part. The certified event recorder memory module shall be mounted for its maximum protection. The event recorder shall record, and the certified crashworthy event recorder memory module shall retain, the following data elements or information needed to support the data elements: (1) Trainset speed; (2) Selected direction of motion; (3) Date and time; (4) Distance traveled; (5) Throttle position; (6) Applications and operations of the trainset brake system, including urgent and emergency applications. The system shall record, or provide a means of determining, that a brake application or release resulted from manipulation of brake controls at the position normally occupied by the driver. In the case of a brake application or release that is responsive to a command originating from or executed by an on-board computer ( e.g., electronic braking system controller, controlling cab electronic control system, or trainset control computer), the system shall record, or provide a means of determining, the involvement of any such computer; (7) Applications and operations of the regenerative brake; (8) Cab signal aspect(s); (9) Urgent brake application(s); (10) Passenger brake alarm request; (11) Wheel slip/slide alarm activat… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.21 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.441 Trainset electronic hardware and software safety. | FRA | (a) Purpose and scope. The requirements of this section apply to all safety-critical electronic control systems, subsystems, and components on the trainsets, except for on-board signaling and trainset control system components that must meet the software safety requirements defined in subpart B of this part. (b) Applicability. (1) The trainsets shall utilize the service-proven safety-critical electronic control systems, subsystems, and components as used on the N700 to control and monitor safety-critical components. (2) Any modifications to the existing service-proven safety-critical electronic control systems, subsystems, and components shall be subject to the requirements defined in paragraph (c) of this section. (i) The railroad shall assure that the suppliers of new or modified safety-critical systems, subsystems, and components utilize an industry recognized hardware and software development process which is evaluated and certified by an independent third-party assessor authorized by the industry standard utilized. (ii) The railroad shall require that all suppliers submit the certifications and audit results as applicable. All such certifications shall be made available to FRA upon request. (3) Any major upgrades or introduction of new safety-critical technology shall be subject to § 299.613(d). (c) Electronic hardware and software safety program. The railroad shall develop and maintain a written electronic hardware and software safety program to guide the design, development, testing, integration, and verification of all new or modified safety-critical trainset hardware and software. (1) Hardware and software safety program description. The hardware and software safety program shall include a description of how the following will be implemented to ensure safety and reliability: (i) The hardware and software design process; (ii) The hardware and software design documentation; (iii) The hardware and software hazard analysis; (iv) Hardware and software safety reviews; (v) Hardware and softw… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.22 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.443 Safety appliances. | FRA | (a) Couplers. (1) The leading and trailing ends of each trainset shall be equipped with an automatic rescue coupler that couples on impact. (i) Uncoupling of the rescue coupler shall be done only at a trainset maintenance facility or other location where personnel can safely get under or between units. (ii) The leading and the trailing ends of a trainset are not required to be equipped with sill steps or end or side handholds. (2) The leading and trailing end couplers and uncoupling devices may be stored within a removable shrouded housing. (3) Leading and trailing automatic couplers of trainsets shall be compatible with the railroad's rescue vehicles. A coupler adaptor can be used to meet this requirement. (4) The railroad shall develop and implement rescue procedures that assure employee safety during rescue operations and shall be contained in the railroad's operating rules. (5) Each unit within a trainset shall be semi-permanently coupled and shall only be uncoupled at a trainset maintenance facility or other locations identified by the railroad where the protections afforded in subpart B of part 218 of this chapter can be applied. (6) The ends of units in a trainset that are semi-permanently coupled are not required to be equipped with automatic couplers, sill steps, end handholds or side handholds. (b) Crew access. (1) Each trainset shall provide a minimum of two (2) locations per side, where crew members can board or disembark the trainset safely from ground level. (2) Each location used for crew access shall be equipped with retractable stairs with handrails designed for safe access to the trainset from ground level. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.23 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.445 Trainset inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements. | FRA | (a) General. (1) The railroad shall develop a written inspection program for the rolling stock, in accordance with and approved under the requirements of § 299.713. As further specified in this section, the program shall describe in detail the procedures, equipment, and other means necessary for the safe operation of the passenger equipment, including all inspections set forth in paragraph (e) of this section. This information shall include a detailed description of the methods of ensuring accurate records of required inspections. (2) The initial inspection, testing, and maintenance program submitted under § 299.713 shall, as a minimum, address the specific safety inspections contained in paragraphs (e)(1) through (4) of this section. The railroad may submit the procedures detailing the bogie inspections or general overhaul requirements contained in paragraph (e)(3) and (4) of this section, respectively, at a later date than the initial inspection, testing, and maintenance program, but not less than 180 days prior to the scheduled date of the first bogie inspection or general overhaul. (b) Identification of safety-critical items. In addition to safety critical items identified under § 299.711(b), on-board emergency equipment, emergency back-up systems, trainset exits and trainset safety-critical hardware and software systems in accordance with § 299.441 shall be deemed safety-critical. (c) Compliance. The railroad shall adopt and comply with the approved inspection, testing, and maintenance program in accordance with § 299.703. (d) General condition. The inspection, testing, and maintenance program shall ensure that all systems and components of the equipment are free of conditions that endanger the safety of the crew, passengers, or equipment. These conditions include, but are not limited to the following: (1) A continuous accumulation of oil or grease; (2) Improper functioning of a component; (3) A crack, break, excessive wear, structural defect, or weakness of a component; (4) A leak; (5) Use … | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.24 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.447 Movement of defective equipment. | FRA | (a) A trainset with one or more conditions not in compliance with the list of safety critical defects identified in accordance with § 299.445(b) during a pre-service inspection required by § 299.445(e)(1) shall not be moved in revenue service and shall only be moved in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, and after departure in compliance with the pre-service inspection required by § 299.445(e)(1), a trainset with one or more conditions not in compliance with the list of safety critical defects identified in accordance with §§ 299.445(b) and 299.711(b) may be moved in revenue service only after the railroad has complied with all of the following: (1) A qualified individual determines that it is safe to move the trainset, consistent with the railroad's operating rules; (i) If appropriate, these determinations may be made based upon a description of the defective condition provided by a crewmember. (ii) If the determinations required by this paragraph are made by an off-site qualified individual based on a description of the defective condition by on-site personnel, then a qualified individual shall perform a physical inspection of the defective equipment, at the first location possible, in accordance with the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program and operating rules, to verify the description of the defect provided by the on-site personnel. (2) The qualified individual who made the determination in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, notifies the driver in charge of movement of the trainset, in accordance with the railroad's operating rules, of the maximum authorized speed, authorized destination, and any other operational restrictions that apply to the movement of the non-compliant trainset. This notification may be achieved through the tag required by paragraph (b)(3) of this section; and (3) A tag bearing the words “non-complying trainset” and containing the following information, are securely attached to the control stand … | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.25 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.449 Trainset image and audio recording system. | FRA | [88 FR 70764, Oct. 12, 2023] | (a) Duty to equip and record. (1) Each trainset used in revenue service must be equipped with an image recording system comprised of— (i) Outward-facing image recording devices capable of recording images of the right-of-way ahead of the trainset in the direction of travel as further described in paragraph (b) of this section; and, (ii) Inward-facing image recording devices capable of recording images of crewmember activities inside the leading trainset cab as further described in paragraph (c) of this section. (2) The image recording system must be turned on and recording whenever a trainset is in motion, at all speeds. If operating circumstances cause the controlling cab to be other than the cab of the leading end of the trainset, the railroad must also record images of activities inside the controlling cab. (3) The trainset image recording system shall record at a minimum the most recent 12 hours of operation of a leading trainset cab used in revenue service. (4) Image recording device data for each leading trainset cab used in revenue service shall be recorded on a memory module meeting the requirements for a certified crashworthy event recorder memory module described in appendix A to this part or on an alternative, remote storage system that provides at least equivalent data protections and is approved by FRA under paragraph (g) of this section. (b) Outward-facing recording device requirements for leading trainset cabs used in revenue service. The image recording system shall— (1) Include an image recording device aimed parallel to the centerline of tangent track within the gauge on the leading end of the trainset; (2) Be able to distinguish the signal aspects displayed by go/no-go signals; (3) Record at a minimum frame rate of 15 frames per second (or its equivalent); (4) Have sufficient resolution, as defined by the railroad in the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program under § 299.445, to record the position of switch points in advance of the trainset at speeds of 170 km/h … | ||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.405 Trainset interiors. | FRA | (a) Interior fittings. Interior fittings of trainsets shall be— (1) Securely attached and designed to operate without failure under the conditions typically found in passenger rail equipment including expected mechanical vibrations, and shock. (2) To the extent possible, all interior fittings shall be recessed or flush mounted. Corners and/or sharp edges shall be either avoided or padded to mitigate the consequence of impact with such surfaces. (b) Luggage stowage. (1) Luggage stowage racks shall slope downward in the outboard direction at a minimum ratio of 1:8 with respect to a horizontal plane to provide lateral restraint for stowed articles. (2) Luggage stowage compartments shall provide longitudinal restraint for stowed articles. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.407 Glazing. | FRA | (a) General. The railroad shall install glazing systems compliant with the requirements defined in this section. (b) Trainset glazing; end-facing. (1) Each end-facing exterior window of the trainset shall comply with the requirements for large object and ballistic impact scenarios as defined in this section. (2) Each end-facing exterior window of the trainset shall demonstrate compliance with the following requirements for the large object impact test. (i) The glazing article shall be impacted with a cylindrical projectile that complies with the following design specifications as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (b)(2)(i)(D) of this section: (A) The projectile shall be constructed of aluminum alloy such as ISO 6362-2:1990, grade 2017A, or its demonstrated equivalent; (B) The projectile end cap shall be made of steel; (C) The projectile assembly shall weigh 1 kilogram (kg) (−0, +0.020 kg) or 2.2 lbs (−0, +0.044 lbs) and shall have a hemispherical tip. Material may be removed from the interior of the aluminum portion to adjust the projectile mass according to the prescribed tolerance. The hemispherical tip shall have a milled surface with 1 mm (0.04 inches) grooves; and (D) The projectile shall have an overall diameter of 94 mm (3.7 inches) with a nominal internal diameter of 70 mm (2.76 inches). (ii) The test of the glazing article shall be deemed satisfactory if the test projectile does not penetrate the glazing article, the glazing article remains in its frame, and the witness plate is not marked by spall. (iii) A new projectile shall be used for each test. (iv) The glazing article to be tested shall be that which has the smallest area for each design type. For the test, the glazing article shall be fixed in a frame of the same construction as that mounted on the vehicle. (v) A minimum of four tests shall be conducted and all must be deemed satisfactory. Two tests shall be conducted with the complete glazing article at 0 °C ± 0.5 °C (32 °F ± 0.9 °F) and two tests shall be conducted with the compl… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.409 Brake system. | FRA | (a) General. The railroad shall demonstrate through analysis and testing the maximum safe operating speed for its trainsets that results in no thermal damage to equipment or infrastructure during normal operation of the brake system. (b) Minimum performance requirement for brake system. Each trainset's brake system, under the worst-case adhesion conditions as defined by the railroad, shall be capable of stopping the trainset from its maximum operating speed within the signal spacing existing on the track over which the trainset is operating. (c) Urgent brake system. A trainset shall be provided with an urgent brake application feature that produces an irretrievable stop. An urgent brake application shall be available at any time, and shall be initiated by an unintentional parting of the trainset or by the trainset crew from the conductor rooms. (d) Application/release indication. The brake system shall be designed so that an inspector may determine whether the brake system is functioning properly without being placed in a dangerous position on, under or between the equipment. This determination may be made through automated monitoring system that utilizes sensors to verify that the brakes have been applied and released. (e) Passenger brake alarm. (1) A means to initiate a passenger brake alarm shall be provided at two locations in each unit of a trainset. The words “Passenger Brake Alarm” shall be legibly stenciled or marked on each device or on an adjacent badge plate. (2) All passenger brake alarms shall be installed so as to prevent accidental activation. (3) When a passenger brake alarm is activated, it shall initiate an emergency brake application. The emergency brake application can be overridden by the driver so that the trainset can be stopped at a safe location. (4) To retrieve the emergency brake application described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the driver must activate appropriate controls to issue a command for brake application as specified in the railroad's operating rules.… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.411 Bogies and suspension system. | FRA | (a) Wheel climb. (1) Suspension systems shall be designed to reasonably prevent wheel climb, wheel unloading, rail rollover, rail shift, and a vehicle from overturning to ensure safe, stable performance and ride quality. These requirements shall be met— (i) In all operating environments, and under all track conditions and loading conditions as determined by the railroad; and (ii) At all track speeds and over all track qualities consistent with the requirements in subpart C of this part, up to the maximum trainset speed and maximum cant deficiency of the equipment in accordance with § 299.609(g). (2) All passenger equipment shall meet the safety performance standards for suspension systems contained in § 299.609(h). In particular— (i) Vehicle/track system qualification. All trainsets shall demonstrate safe operation during vehicle/track system qualification in accordance with § 299.609 and is subject to the requirements of § 299.315. (ii) Revenue service operation. All passenger equipment in service is subject to the requirements of § 299.315. (b) Lateral accelerations. The trainsets shall not operate under conditions that result in a steady-state lateral acceleration greater than 0.15g, as measured parallel to the car floor inside the passenger compartment. (c) Journal bearing overheat sensors. Bearing overheat sensors shall be provided on all journal bearings on each trainset. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.413 Fire safety. | FRA | (a) General. All materials used in constructing the interior of the trainset shall meet the flammability and smoke emission characteristics and testing standards contained in appendix B to part 238 of this chapter. For purposes of this section, the interior of the trainset includes walls, floors, ceilings, seats, doors, windows, electrical conduits, air ducts, and any other internal equipment. (b) Certification. The railroad shall require certification that a representative sample of combustible materials to be— (1) Used in constructing a passenger car or a cab, or (2) Introduced in a passenger car or a cab, as part of any kind of rebuild, refurbishment, or overhaul of the car or cab, has been tested by a recognized independent testing laboratory and that the results show the representative sample complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section at the time it was tested. (c) Fire safety analysis. The railroad shall ensure that fire safety considerations and features in the design of the trainsets reduce the risk of personal injury caused by fire to an acceptable level in its operating environment using a formal safety methodology. To this end, the railroad shall complete a written fire safety analysis for the passenger equipment being procured. In conducting the analysis, the railroad shall— (1) Identify, analyze, and prioritize the fire hazards inherent in the design of the equipment. (2) Take effective steps to design the equipment and select materials which help provide sufficient fire resistance to reasonably ensure adequate time to detect a fire and safely evacuate the passengers and crewmembers, if a fire cannot be prevented. Factors to consider include potential ignition sources; the type, quantity, and location of the materials; and availability of rapid and safe egress to the exterior of the equipment under conditions secure from fire, smoke, and other hazards. (3) Reasonably ensure that a ventilation system in the equipment does not contribute to the lethality of a fire. (4… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.8 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.415 Doors. | FRA | (a) Each powered, exterior side door in a vestibule that is partitioned from the passenger compartment of a trainset shall have a manual override device that is— (1) Capable of releasing the door to permit it to be opened without power. (2) Located such that— (i) Interior access is provided adjacent to each manual door release mechanism; and, (ii) Exterior access is provided on each side of each car. (3) Designed and maintained so that a person may access and operate the override device readily without requiring the use of a tool or other implement. (4) The railroad may protect a manual override device used to open a powered, exterior door with a cover or a screen. (5) When a manual override device is activated, door panel friction, including seals and hangers, shall allow the doors to be opened or closed manually with as low a force as practicable. (6) The emergency release mechanism shall require manual reset. (b) Each passenger car shall have a minimum of one exterior side door per side. Each such door shall provide a minimum clear opening with dimensions of 813 mm (32 inches) horizontally by 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) vertically. (c) Door exits shall be marked, and instructions provided for their use, as specified in § 299.423. (d) All doors intended for access by emergency responders shall be marked, and instructions provided for their use, as specified in § 299.423. (e) Vestibule doors and other interior doors intended for passage through a passenger car. (1) General. Except for a door providing access to a control compartment each powered vestibule door and any other powered interior door intended for passage through a passenger car shall have a manual override device that conforms with the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section. (2) Manual override devices. Each manual override device shall be: (i) Capable of releasing the door to permit it to be opened without power; (ii) Located adjacent to the door it controls; and (iii) Designed and maintained so that a person may r… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.4.138.9 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | D | Subpart D—Rolling Stock | § 299.417 Emergency lighting. | FRA | (a) General. Emergency lighting shall be provided in each unit of a trainset. The emergency lighting system shall be designed to facilitate the ability of passengers and trainset crew members, and/or emergency responders to see and orient themselves, to identify obstacles, in order to assist them to safely move through and out of a passenger rail car. (1) Emergency lighting shall illuminate the following areas: (i) Passenger car aisles, passageways, and toilets; (ii) Door emergency exit controls/manual releases; (iii) Vestibule floor near the door emergency exits (to facilitate safe entrance/exit from the door); (iv) Within the car diaphragm and adjacent area; and (v) Specialty car locations such as crew offices. (b) Minimum illumination levels. (1) A minimum, average illumination level of 10.7 lux (1 foot-candle) measured at floor level adjacent to each exterior door and each interior door providing access to an exterior door (such as a door opening into a vestibule); (2) A minimum, average illumination level of 10.7 lux (1 foot-candle) measured 635 mm (25 inches) above floor level along the center of each aisle and passageway; (3) A minimum illumination level of 1.1 lux (0.1 foot-candle) measured 635 mm (25 inches) above floor level at any point along the center of each aisle and passageway; (c) Lighting activation. Each emergency lighting fixture shall activate automatically or be energized continuously whenever the car is in revenue service and normal lighting is not available. (d) Independent power source. Emergency lighting system shall have an independent power source(s) that is located in or within one half a car length of each light fixture it powers. (e) Functional requirements. Emergency lighting system components shall be designed to operate without failure and capable of remaining attached under the conditions typically found in passenger rail equipment including expected mechanical vibrations, and shock in accordance with § 299.405(a)(1), as well as comply with electromagnetic … | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.5.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | E | Subpart E—Operating Rules | § 299.501 Purpose. | FRA | Through the requirements of this subpart, FRA learns the condition of the operating rules and practices in use by the railroad. The rules and practices covered by this subpart include the procedures for instruction and testing of all employees involved with the movement of rail vehicles, including drivers, on-board attendants, station platform attendants, general control center staff, and all maintenance staff, which are necessary to ensure that they possess the requisite skill and knowledge of the rules and operating practices to maintain the safety of the system. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.5.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | E | Subpart E—Operating Rules | § 299.503 Operating rules; filing and recordkeeping. | FRA | (a) Prior to commencing operations, the railroad shall develop a code of operating rules, timetables, and timetable special instructions. The initial code of operating rules, timetables, and timetable special instructions shall be based on practices and procedures proven on the Tokaido Shinkansen system. (b) The railroad shall keep one copy of its current code of operating rules, timetables, timetable special instruction, at its system headquarters, and shall make them available to FRA for inspection and copying during normal business hours. If the railroad elects to maintain an electronic record, the railroad must satisfy the conditions listed in § 299.11. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.5.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | E | Subpart E—Operating Rules | § 299.505 Programs of operational tests and inspections; recordkeeping. | FRA | (a) Requirement to conduct operational tests and inspections. The railroad shall periodically conduct operational tests and inspections to determine the extent of employee knowledge, application, and compliance with its code of operating rules, timetables, and timetable special instructions in accordance with a written program retained at its system headquarters. (b) Railroad and railroad testing officer responsibilities. (1) Each railroad officer who conducts operational tests and inspections (railroad testing officer) shall— (i) Be qualified on the railroad's operating rules in accordance with § 299.507; (ii) Be qualified on the operational testing and inspection program requirements and procedures relevant to the testing and inspections the officer will conduct; (iii) Receive appropriate field training, as necessary to achieve proficiency, on each operational test or inspection that the officer is authorized to conduct; and (iv) Conduct operational tests and inspections in accordance with the railroad's program of operational tests and inspections. (2) The railroad shall maintain a record documenting qualification of each railroad testing officer. The record shall be retained by the railroad and shall be made available to representatives of the FRA for inspection and copying during normal business hours. If the railroad elects to maintain an electronic record, the railroad must satisfy the conditions listed in § 299.11. (c) Written program of operational tests and inspections. Within 30 days of commencing operations, the railroad shall have a written program of operational tests and inspections in effect. The railroad shall maintain one copy of its current program for periodic performance of the operational tests and inspections required by paragraph (a) of this section, and shall maintain one copy of each subsequent amendment to the program as amendments are made. These records shall be retained at the system headquarters of the railroad for three calendar years after the end of the calendar year… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.5.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | E | Subpart E—Operating Rules | § 299.507 Program of instruction on operating rules; recordkeeping. | FRA | (a) To ensure that each railroad employee whose activities are governed by the railroad's operating rules understands those rules, the railroad periodically shall instruct each such employee on the meaning and application of its operating rules with a written program developed under § 299.13(c)(3) and retained at its system headquarters. (b) Prior to commencing operations, the railroad shall file and retain one copy of its current program for the periodic instruction of its employees as required by paragraph (a) of this section and shall file and retain one copy of any amendment to that program as amendments are made. These records shall be retained at the railroad's system headquarters for one calendar year after the end of the calendar year to which they relate. These records shall be made available to representatives of the FRA for inspection and copying during normal business hours. This program shall— (1) Describe the means and procedures used for instruction of the various classes of affected employees; (2) State the frequency of instruction and the basis for determining that frequency; (3) Include a schedule for completing the initial instruction of employees who are already employed when the program begins; (4) Begin on the date of commencing operations; and (5) Provide for initial instruction of each employee hired after the program begins. (c) The railroad is authorized to retain by electronic recordkeeping its program for periodic instruction of its employees on operating rules, provided that the requirements stated in § 299.11 are satisfied. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.601 Responsibility for verification demonstrations and tests. | FRA | The railroad shall comply with the pre-revenue qualification tests and verification requirements set forth in this subpart to demonstrate the overall safety of the system, prior to revenue operations. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.603 Preparation of system-wide qualification test plan. | FRA | (a) Prior to execution of any tests as defined in this subpart, the railroad shall develop a system-wide qualification test plan, that identifies the tests that will be carried out, to demonstrate the operability of all system elements, including track and infrastructure, signal and trainset control system, communications, rolling stock, software, and operating practices, and the system as a whole. (b) The system-wide qualification test plan shall be submitted to FRA in accordance with § 299.9 for review at least 180 days prior to testing. FRA shall notify the railroad, in writing, within 45 days of receipt of the railroad's submission, and identify any deficiencies in the test plan. FRA will notify the railroad of any procedures to be submitted for review. The plan shall include the following: (1) A list of all tests to be conducted; (2) A summary statement of the test objectives; (3) A planned schedule for conducting the tests which indicates the sequence of testing and interdependencies; and (4) The approach taken for— (i) Verifying results of installation tests performed by contractors and manufacturers; (ii) Functional and performance qualification testing of individual safety-related equipment, facilities, and subsystems in accordance with § 299.605; (iii) Pre-revenue service system integration testing of the system per § 299.607, that includes vehicle/track system qualification testing per § 299.609; (iv) Simulated revenue operations of the system per § 299.611; (v) Compliance with operating rules as per subpart E of this part; (vi) Training and qualification of all personnel involved in the test program to conduct tests safely and in accordance with operating rules; (vii) Verification of all emergency preparedness procedures; and (viii) Field testing of the railroad's uncertified PTC system and regression testing of its FRA-certified PTC system, under § 299.201. (c) The railroad shall adopt and comply with the system-wide qualification test plan, including completion of all tests required by… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.605 Functional and performance qualification tests. | FRA | The railroad shall conduct functional and performance qualification tests, prior to commencing revenue operations, to verify that all safety-critical components meet all functional and all performance specifications. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.607 Pre-revenue service system integration testing. | FRA | (a) Prior to commencing revenue operations, the railroad shall conduct tests of the trainsets throughout the system to— (1) Verify mechanical positioning of the overhead catenary system; and (2) Verify performance of the trainset, track, and signal and trainset control systems. (b) The railroad shall demonstrate safe operation of the system during normal and degraded-mode operating conditions. At a minimum, the following operation tests shall be performed: (1) Slow-speed operation of a trainset; (2) Verification of correct overhead catenary and pantograph interaction; (3) Verification of trainset clearance at structures and passenger platforms; (4) Incremental increase of trainset speed; (5) Performance tests on trainsets to verify braking rates in accordance with § 299.409; (6) Verification of vehicle noise; (7) Verification of correct vehicle suspension characteristics; (8) Vehicle/track system qualification as defined in § 299.609; (9) Load tests with vehicles to verify relay settings and signal and communication system immunization; (10) Monitoring of utility supply circuits and telephone circuits to ensure the adequacy of power supplies, and to verify that transient-related disturbances are within acceptable limits; (11) Verification of vehicle detection due to shunting of signal system circuits; (12) Verification of safe operation of the signal and trainset control system as required by subpart B of this part; (13) Tests of trainset radio reception during system-wide vehicle operation; and (14) Verification of electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility between various subsystems. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.609 Vehicle/track system qualification. | FRA | (a) General. All vehicles types intended to operate in revenue service shall be qualified for operation in accordance with this subpart. A qualification program shall be used to demonstrate that the vehicle/track system will not exceed the wheel/rail force safety limits, and the carbody and bogie acceleration criteria specified in paragraph (h) of this section— (1) At any speed up to and including 10 km/h (6 mph) above the proposed maximum operating speed; and (2) On track meeting the requirements for the class of track associated with the proposed maximum operating speed as defined in § 299.309. For purposes of qualification testing, speeds may exceed the maximum allowable operating speed for the class of track in accordance with the test plan approved by FRA. (b) New vehicle/track system qualification. Vehicle types not previously qualified under this subpart shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph (b). (1) Carbody acceleration. For vehicle types intended to operate in revenue service at track class H4 speeds or above, qualification testing conducted over a representative segment of the route shall demonstrate that the vehicle type will not exceed the carbody lateral and vertical acceleration safety limits specified in paragraph (h) of this section. (2) Bogie lateral acceleration. For vehicle types intended to operate at track class H4 speeds or above, qualification testing conducted over a representative segment of the route shall demonstrate that the vehicle type will not exceed the bogie lateral acceleration safety limit specified in paragraph (h) of this section. (3) Measurement of wheel/rail forces. For vehicle types intended to operate at track class H4 speeds or above, qualification testing conducted over a representative segment of the route shall demonstrate that the vehicle type will not exceed the wheel/rail force safety limits specified in paragraph (h) of this section. (c) Previously qualified vehicle/track system. Vehicle/track systems previously… | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.611 Simulated revenue operations. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall conduct simulated revenue operations for a minimum period of two weeks prior to revenue operations to verify overall system performance, and provide operating and maintenance experience. (b) The railroad shall maintain a log of tests conducted during the simulated revenue operations period. This log of tests shall identify any problems encountered during testing, and actions necessary to correct defects in workmanship, materials, equipment, design, or operating parameters. (c) The railroad shall implement all actions necessary to correct safety defects, as identified by the log prior to the initiation of revenue service. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.6.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | F | Subpart F—System Qualification Tests | § 299.613 Verification of compliance. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall prepare a report detailing the results of functional and performance qualification tests, pre-revenue service system integration testing, and vehicle/track system qualification tests required under §§ 299.605, 299.607, and 299.609 respectively. The report shall identify any problems encountered during testing, and alternative actions necessary to correct defects in workmanship, materials, equipment, design, or operating parameters. (b) The railroad shall implement all actions necessary to correct defects, as identified by the report. (c) The railroad shall submit the report(s) required by paragraph (a) of this section to FRA prior to commencing simulated revenue operations and at least 60 days prior to the intended start of full revenue service per § 299.609(f). (d)(1) Prior to implementing a major upgrade to any safety-critical system component or sub-system, or prior to introducing any new safety-critical technology, the railroad shall submit for FRA approval the detailed test procedures and/or analysis in accordance with § 299.603(d). (2) The railroad shall prepare a report detailing the results of functional and performance qualification tests, pre-revenue service system integration testing, and vehicle/track system qualification tests required under §§ 299.605, 299.607, and 299.609 respectively pertaining to a major upgrade to any safety-critical system component or sub-system, or introduction of any new safety-critical technology. The report shall identify any problems encountered during testing, and alternative actions necessary to correct defects in workmanship, materials, equipment, design, or operating parameters. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.1 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.701 General requirements. | FRA | Under the procedures provided in § 299.713, the railroad shall obtain FRA approval of a written inspection, testing, and maintenance program. The program shall provide detailed information, consistent with the requirements set forth in §§ 299.337 through 299.349, and 299.445(a), on the inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures necessary for the railroad to safely operate its system. This information shall include a detailed description of— (a) Safety inspection procedures, intervals, and criteria; (b) Test procedures and intervals; (c) Scheduled preventive maintenance intervals; (d) Maintenance procedures; and (e) Special testing equipment or measuring devices required to perform safety inspections and tests. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.2 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.703 Compliance. | FRA | After the railroad's inspection, testing, and maintenance program is approved by FRA pursuant to the requirements and procedures set forth in § 299.713, the railroad shall adopt and comply with the program, and shall perform— (a) All inspections and tests described in the program in accordance with the procedures and criteria that the railroad identified as safety-critical; and (b) All maintenance tasks and procedures described in the program in accordance with the procedures and intervals that the railroad identified as safety-critical. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.3 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.705 Standard procedures for safely performing inspection, testing, and maintenance, or repairs. | FRA | (a) The railroad shall establish written standard procedures for performing all safety-critical or potentially hazardous inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair tasks. These standard procedures shall— (1) Describe in detail each step required to safely perform the task; (2) Describe the knowledge necessary to safely perform the task; (3) Describe any precautions that shall be taken to safely perform the task; (4) Describe the use of any safety equipment necessary to perform the task; (5) Be approved by the railroad's official responsible for safety; (6) Be enforced by the railroad's supervisors responsible for accomplishing the tasks; and (7) Be reviewed annually by the railroad. The railroad shall provide written notice to FRA in accordance with § 299.9 at least one month prior to the annual review. If the Associate Administrator or their designee indicates a desire to be present, the railroad shall provide a scheduled date and location for the annual review. If the Associate Administrator requests the annual review be performed on another date but the railroad and the Associate Administrator are unable to agree on a date for rescheduling, the annual review may be performed as scheduled. (b) The inspection, testing, and maintenance program required by this section is not intended to address and should not include procedures to address employee working conditions that arise in the course of conducting the inspections, tests, and maintenance set forth in the program. When reviewing the railroad's program, FRA does not intend to review or approve any portion of the program that relates to employee working conditions. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.4 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.707 Maintenance intervals. | FRA | (a) The initial scheduled maintenance intervals shall be based on those in effect on the Tokaido Shinkansen system as required under § 299.13(c)(1). (b) The maintenance interval of safety-critical components shall be changed only when justified by accumulated, verifiable operating data, and approved by FRA under paragraph § 299.713. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.5 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.709 Quality control program. | FRA | The railroad shall establish an inspection, testing, and maintenance quality control program enforced by the railroad or its contractor(s) to reasonably ensure that inspections, testing, and maintenance are performed in accordance with inspection, testing, and maintenance program established under this subpart. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.6 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.711 Inspection, testing, and maintenance program format. | FRA | The submission to FRA for each identified subsystem shall consist of two parts— (a) The complete inspection, testing, and maintenance program, in its entirety, including all required information prescribed in § 299.701, and all information and procedures required for the railroad and its personnel to implement the program. (b) A condensed version of the program that contains only those items identified as safety-critical, per § 299.703 submitted for approval by FRA under § 299.713. | |||||
| 49:49:4.1.1.1.55.7.138.7 | 49 | Transportation | II | 299 | PART 299—TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD HIGH-SPEED RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS | G | Subpart G—Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Program | § 299.713 Program approval procedure. | FRA | (a) Submission. Except as provided in § 299.445(a)(2), the railroad shall submit for approval an inspection, testing, and maintenance program as described in § 299.711(b) not less than 180 days prior to pre-revenue service system integration testing. The program shall be submitted to FRA in accordance with § 299.9. If the railroad seeks to amend an approved program as described in § 299.711(b), the railroad shall file with FRA in accordance with § 299.9 for approval of such amendment not less than 60 days prior to the proposed effective date of the amendment. A program responsive to the requirements of this subpart or any amendment to the program shall not be implemented prior to FRA approval. (b) Contents. Each program or amendment shall contain: (1) The information prescribed in § 299.701 for such program or amendment; and (2) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the primary person to be contacted with regard to review of the program, its content, or amendments. (c) Approval. (1) Within 90 days of receipt of the initial inspection, testing, and maintenance program, FRA will review the program. The Associate Administrator will notify the primary railroad contact person in writing whether the inspection, testing, and maintenance program is approved and, if not approved, the specific points in which the program is deficient. Deficiencies identified shall be addressed as directed by FRA prior to implementing the program. (2) FRA will review each proposed amendment to the program that relaxes an FRA-approved requirement within 45 days of receipt. The Associate Administrator will then notify the primary railroad contact person in writing whether the proposed amendment has been approved by FRA and, if not approved, the specific points in which the proposed amendment is deficient. The railroad shall correct any deficiencies as directed by FRA prior to implementing the amendment. For amendments proposing to make an FRA-approved program requirement more stringent, the railroad is permitted to impl… |
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CREATE TABLE cfr_sections (
section_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
title_number INTEGER,
title_name TEXT,
chapter TEXT,
subchapter TEXT,
part_number TEXT,
part_name TEXT,
subpart TEXT,
subpart_name TEXT,
section_number TEXT,
section_heading TEXT,
agency TEXT,
authority TEXT,
source_citation TEXT,
amendment_citations TEXT,
full_text TEXT
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CREATE INDEX idx_cfr_title ON cfr_sections(title_number);
CREATE INDEX idx_cfr_part ON cfr_sections(part_number);
CREATE INDEX idx_cfr_agency ON cfr_sections(agency);