Federal Railroad Administration Proposes to Cancel Signal Worker Certification Rule

The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel a 2024 rule that required railroads to certify the workers who maintain and repair railroad signals. Under the current rule, railroads had to build formal programs to train signal employees, verify their qualifications and safety records, and revoke certifications for violations. Large railroads and commuter operators had to submit these programs by March 2025, while smaller railroads had until November 2025.

Why it matters: This is a regulatory rollback that removes a federal certification requirement for railroad signal workers. If finalized, railroads would no longer be required to track, verify, or report on the qualifications of the people working on signal systems. The change is mostly administrative, shifting oversight from a federal standard to industry or contractor management.

Who it affects

• Class I railroads, commuter rail operators, and short-line railroads

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This is a proposed rule from the Federal Railroad Administration published in the Federal Register; check the original document and the public comment period before relying on it.

Agency: Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document