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[Federal Register: January 25, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 15)] [Notices]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board-Caltrain

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) seeks a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of Title 49 CFR Part 238 Passenger Equipment Safety Standards. Specifically, JPB is considering purchasing non-FRA compliant high-efficiency electric multiple unit (EMU) vehicles, constructed to European safety standards for its Caltrain commuter rail service between San Francisco, CA, and Gilroy, CA. JPB seeks relief from the requirements of Sec. 238.204 Static End Strength; Sec. 238.205 Anti-Climbing Mechanism; Sec. 238.207 Link
Between Coupling Mechanism; Sec. 238.211 Collision Posts; and Sec. 238.213 Corner Posts.

JPB, which owns and operates the Caltrain commuter rail service between San Francisco, CA, and Gilroy, CA [MilePost (MP) 51.9], is currently considering a program that increases system capacity by removing constraints within the system. This program, referred to as ``Caltrain 2025,'' will allow Caltrain to expand service and reduce costs while providing a measurably safer transportation network. Along with electrification of mainline tracks and implementation of an enhanced positive train control system, a key component of this program involves the operation of some non-FRA compliant high-efficiency EMU vehicles constructed to European safety standards that feature Crash EnergyManagement capabilities. Also, Caltrain will temporally separate freight operations from passenger operations between San Francisco, CA, snd Santa Clara (MP 44.6), by limiting freight movements to the exclusive freight period hours of midnight-5 a.m. Only from MP 44.6-MP 51.9 will freight service commingle with Caltrain commuter equipment during revenue service.
Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request.

Issued in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2010.
Grady C. Cothen, Jr.,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program
Development.