APTA Appeals to FRA to Extend Dispatcher-Signal Certification Final Rule Deadline

APTA wrote to FRA Administrator Amit Bose Aug. 6 to appeal for an extension of the deadline for submission of dispatcher-signal certification programs from March 22, 2025, to July 22.

The letter acknowledged that a certification system for dispatcher and signal employees would ensure a formal training process and verify that employees are skilled and able to perform their duties. However, FRA’s final rule requires commuter railroads to submit their written certification programs no later than eight months after the rule’s effective date, May 22, 2025. Due to the complex nature of developing these certification programs, the letter stated, APTA members have expressed a need for more time to submit their certification programs.

FRA acknowledges that the creation of a certification program will be a lengthy process. However, the Regulatory Impact Analysis for the rules was incorrect to assume that current training programs of commuter railroads are comparable to Class I railroads and Amtrak. Unlike Amtrak and Class I railroads, many commuter railroads contract their dispatch and signal responsibilities and do not have the internal expertise required to create these programs. Accordingly, commuter railroads will have to undergo a hiring process to acquire the expertise to draft the new certification programs.

APTA provided input into FRA’s proposed regulations for the certification of dispatcher and signal employees, both through the association’s comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and on inclusion in the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee Working Group.