Did anyone else receive a request from one Mr. Kennedy at DOT's Office of Safety for everything that we already make available to FRA during the operational audit? DOT is asking for about 500 megs of information - rulebook; timetable(s); Part 240 Program; Part 242 Program; Part 217-218 Program; operational compliance records for each program, etc., etc. At least FRA comes to us to review all of this documentation ...

We wrote our representatives on this one. Please, spare us your rant - I'm just seeing who else may have received this unusual request.

Yes, two tourist railroads that I am involved with have received the same request. The first phone call seemed as though it was a railfan type "fishing" to get copies of the rule books. However, on further communication, it seems that there is some sort of research project going and that is why the information is being requested. I was not in on any of the conversations...but both organizations stated like you, that the FRA already has copies of most of the requested info and that they should go there for information. Anyone that knows more about this, please post. We'd be interested in hearing the details as well.

Pat Connors

We were informed that Mr. Riley's office at the FRA is looking into this request.