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CHAPTER 33. RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION
Subchap. Sec.
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS 33.1
B. SERVICE AND FACILITIES 33.11
C. CLEARANCES 33.121Authority The provisions of this Chapter 33 issued under the Public Utility Law (66 P. S. § § 1341 and 1342) (Repealed), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 33 adopted June 24, 1946; amended through May 1, 1975, unless otherwise noted.
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec.
33.1. Definitions.§ 33.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Blind carA railroad car attached behind the caboose of a freight train or at the rear end of a passenger train upon which a member of the crew cannot ride in order to properly protect the rear of the train in the event of an emergency.
BureauThe Bureau of Transportation of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Cabin carsCabooses provided for the use of railroad employes, excluding protection cars.
Camp car or trailerA movable car used for housing railroad employes, including portable housing. The term, if used collectively, means a group of sleeping, dining, kitchen or recreation cars furnished for the use of any one gang or group of employes. Camp cars or trailers shall be of safe construction and suitable for the purposes for which used.
CarrierAny railroad, railway company or corporation subject to Commission jurisdiction, which operates a steam or electric railroad in this Commonwealth.
Chemical closetA type of closet, the contents of which are brought into contact with chemicals.
Closet compartmentAn enclosure in a toilet room surrounding an individual water closet. To constitute an enclosure, there must be a swinging door equipped with an internal latch.
DepartmentThe Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth.
Height of a freight carThe distance between the top of the rail and the top of the running board.
LocomotiveA unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of such units operated from a single control used in train or yard service. Does not include steam locomotives used for special excursions only.
Main trackA designated track upon which trains are operated by timetable, train order, or both, or the use of which is governed by block signals.
Nontrain accidentAn accident involving passengers or travellers if on railway company property but not on trains.
Overhead clearanceThe vertical distance from the top of the highest rail to any structure or obstruction there above.
Protection carsClosed rider or space cars commonly provided for the use of train crews involved in the transportation of molten metals or other hot material by industrial common carrier railroads.
RefrigeratorsTechanical cooling devices, including ice boxes and ice chests, provided with adequate ice and draining systems.
Shower bathA facility used for washing the body under a spray of water.
Side clearanceThe shortest distance from the center line of a track to a structure or obstruction at the side of such track.
Side of a freight carThe part or appurtenance of a car at the maximum distance measured at right angles from the center line of such car.
Street railwayEvery railroad and railway, or extension, and all the facilities thereof, by whatever power operated, for public use in the conveyance of passengers or property, located mainly or in part upon, above, below, through, or along any highway in any city, borough, or town, and not constituting or used as part of a trunk line railroad system.
Train accidentAny accident classified under United States Department of Transportation regulations as a train accident.
Train service accidentAny accident classified under United States Department of Transportation regulations as a train service accident.
Wash basin or bowlA basin or bowl used for the purpose of obtaining personal cleanliness.
Water closetA sanitary facility for defecation, equipped with a hopper or trap and a device for flushing the bowl with water.
Width of a freight carTwice the distance from the center line of car to the side of the car.
Authority The provisions of this § 33.1 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501 and 1501.
Source The provisions of this § 33.1 amended November 29, 2002, effective November 30, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 5888. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (239159) to (239160).
Subchapter B. SERVICE AND FACILITIES
ACCIDENTS Sec.
33.11. General.
33.12. Reportable accidents.
33.13. Telegraph and telephone reports.
33.14. Accident report forms.
PROTECTION OF CROSSINGS AT GRADE
33.21. General.
33.22. State aid for protective devices.
33.23. Aid from the Commission.
CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION OR RELOCATION OF CROSSINGS
33.31. Regulations and Procedure.
SAFETYBRIDGES, TUNNELS, TRESTLES, AND SWITCHES
33.41. Bridge or tunnel warnings.
33.42. Switches marked by lamps.
33.43. Walkways and railings.
OPERATION OF TRAINS
33.51. [Reserved].
33.52. Blind cars.
33.53. Pusher engines.
33.54. Federal safety regulations.
33.55. Interchange of traffic and loading of commodities on open top cars.
33.56. Safety of operation of railroad trains.
SANITATION AND SAFETY FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
33.61. Track cars and four-wheel self-propelled maintenance-of-way cars.
33.62. Locomotives.
33.63. Cabin cars.
33.64. Protection cars.
33.65. Camp cars and trailers.
33.66. Safety glazing in railroad equipment.
33.67. Use of back up hose in rail operations.
PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE
33.71. Abandonment of service.
33.72. Changes in schedules.
33.73. Long-distance trains.
33.74. Suburban trains.
33.75. Posting of notice.
33.76. Additional trains.
33.77. Saving clause.
TRACKS
33.81. Track alignment.
33.82. Track anchors.
33.83. Tracks undergoing maintenance.
33.84. Track inspection.
MOTOR VEHICLES
33.91. General regulations.
33.92. Transportation of employes.
ACCOUNTS, RECORDS AND REPORTS
33.101. Accounts.
33.102. Records.
33.103. Reports.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
33.111. Change in status of a station.
33.112. Transportation of blind persons with guide dogs.
33.113. Training of equipment inspectors.
ACCIDENTS
Source The provisions of these § § 33.1133.14 were formerly designated Rule 1 by the Commission.
§ 33.11. General.
(a) If an accident occurs in a yard or on a road or division operated jointly or in common by two or more carriers, it shall be reported by the carrier which employs the superintendent who is in immediate charge of the yard, road, or division in question. An accident occurring on a private siding or track of like character shall be reported by the carrier having possession of the locomotive involved or responsible for the subsequent movement in commerce of the railroad equipment involved, or employing the person injured or killed.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.13 (relating to telegraphic reports); and 52 Pa. Code § 33.14 (relating to accident report forms).
§ 33.13. Telegraph and telephone reports.
A report by telephone or telegram shall be made immediately in the event of the occurrence of a reportable accident resulting in fatalities, except as to trespassers, and of train collisions and passenger train derailments, as follows:
(1) A preliminary report shall be submitted by telephone or telegram of a reportable accident resulting in the death of a person, except trespassers, in an accident defined in § 33.12 (relating to reportable accidents) or in the death of any person, trespasser or otherwise, in an accident defined in § 33.12.
(2) A preliminary report shall be submitted by telephone or telegram of a reportable accident involving the collision of an engine or train with another engine or train.
(3) A preliminary report shall be submitted by telephone or telegram of a reportable accident resulting in injury to an employe, except trespassers, in an accident as defined in § 33.12.
(4) A preliminary report shall be submitted by telephone or telegram of a reportable accident resulting from the derailment of any part of a passenger train carrying passengers.
(5) A preliminary report shall be submitted by telephone or telegram of any accident which occurs at any highway-railroad crossing at grade and involves a collision between an engine or train and a bus, taxicab, street car, or loaded gasoline or oil truck or trailer, regardless of whether the accident results in injury to a person or persons and such preliminary report shall furnish the name of the operator and of the owner of the vehicle.
The provisions of these § § 33.2133.23 were formerly designated Rule 2 by the Commission.
§ 33.21. General.
(a) A light shall be displayed on the head end of drafts of railroad cars being pushed or dropped over a public highway crossing, at grade, during hours of darkness, whether or not the tracks constitute a part of a railroad yard, except at times when such crossing is protected either by gates, watchmen, or train service employes.
(b) No carrier shall, without Commission approval, remove the protection afforded by interlocking signals, crossing gates, watchmen, automatic crossing signals, or any other protection against accidents, or reduce the number of hours that manual protection is maintained, or substitute or alter any existing form of protection at crossings, at grade, of the tracks of a carrier across a public highway, or the tracks of another carrier.
(c) Prior to installing automatic crossing signals at any unprotected crossing of a public highway, at grade, across its track or tracks, or at such a crossing, which is protected by fixed signs only, a carrier shall submit to the Commission plans of such proposed installation and receive approval of such plans.
(d) This section and § § 33.2133.23 and 33.31 (relating to State aid for protective devices; aid from the Commission; and regulation and procedure) may not prevent the placing of watchmen or gates at any public highway crossing, at grade, or an increase by a carrier of the number of hours, daily, during which any public highway crossing, at grade, shall be protected, nor prevent the temporary use of watchmen or increased protection during emergencies, nor limit the trial installation of experimental protection devices. However, the Commission shall be notified promptly of such experimental signal installations or temporary manual protection. Commission approval of such additional temporary or experimental protection will not be required nor will such approval be required for removal of such additional temporary or experimental protection.
§ 33.22. State aid for protective devices.
In order to assist in establishing uniformity of protection at public highway crossings, at grade, presently unprotected and to provide improvements over devices now in use at other such crossings, the Department has agreed that it will participate in the cost of installing protection at grade crossing over its routes in accordance with the following conditions:
(1) Notice of the proposed project shall be prepared by the carrier on forms furnished by the Commission and submitted with detailed estimates of the cost of installation and plans to the Commission in sufficient time, prior to the proposed installation, to permit investigation by the Commissions staff of conditions at the crossing and the sufficiency of the warning devices proposed to be installed. The forms will then be endorsed as to acceptability by the Director of the Bureau and transmitted to the Department for its approval of financial participation in the project.
(2) The proposed protection shall conform generally with the recommended standards of the joint committee on grade crossing protection of the Association of American Railroads, subject to such modifications as may be directed by this Commission. The carriers affected shall install and maintain the protective devices.
(3) Upon the completion of the installation, a statement of the actual cost shall be prepared by the carrier and forwarded to the Commission for review and transmittal to the Department which, upon its approval, will pay one-half the actual cost of the installation or such other proportion as may have been agreed to by the Department. If advance warning signs or other similar facilities are installed along the highways leading to the crossing, the cost of such facilities and work and expense of their installation and maintenance shall be borne and performed in such manner as agreed upon by the parties or as directed by the Commission.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.21 (relating to general).
§ 33.23. Aid from the Commission.
Commonwealth aid in connection with the use of funds allocated to the Commission for aid in the installation of protection at grade crossings will be made by order of the Commission appropriating funds for specified installations. Application for such aid shall be submitted to the Bureau for recommendation to the Commission.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.21 (relating to general).
CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION OR RELOCATION OF CROSSINGS
§ 33.31. Regulations and procedure.
Each carrier shall comply with the provisions of section 409 of the Public Utility Law of 1937 (66 P. S. § 1178), and obtain Commission approval of the construction, alteration, or relocation of every public highway and railroad crossing at grade, above grade, or below grade, unless the Commission has given its prior unconditional consent to an abandonment of service or facilities of the line of railroad upon which such crossing or crossings are located.
Source The provisions of this § 33.31 were formerly designated Rule 3 by the Commission.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.21 (relating to general).
SAFETYBRIDGES, TUNNELS, TRESTLES AND SWITCHES
§ 33.41. Bridge or tunnel warnings.
(a) Common carriers shall install and maintain warnings of the telltale or tapper type at a reasonable distance on each side of bridges, tunnels, or other obstructions over main tracks, main track sidings, yard and switching tracks in accordance with the specifications of the American Railway Engineering Association or existing standard plans of individual railroads.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to locations in territory where, by railroad order or rule, employes are prohibited from climbing on top of moving cars, engines, or other high equipment, or at locations over industrial tracks where points of limited vertical clearances are marked by appropriate warning signs.
(c) As used in this section, the term points of limited vertical clearance shall mean points less than 22 feet above the top of the rail.
Source The provisions of this § 33.43 were formerly designated Rule 9 by the Commission.
OPERATION OF TRAINS
§ 33.51. [Reserved].
§ 33.52. Blind cars.
(a) When a trainman is required to ride at the rear of a train, no such train which has more than two blind cars at the rear shall be dispatched or leave a point to travel in excess of 15 miles, without performing switching, unless a rider car is attached to the rear of the last blind car.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to trains in work, construction, yard, belt-line, transfer, or wreck services.
Source The provisions of this § 33.52 were formerly designated Rule 17 by the Commission. The provisions of this § 33.52 amended November 26, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 2942. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (27225) and (27226).
§ 33.53. Pusher engines.
All common carrier railroads operating in this Commonwealth shall promulgate or modify existing operating rules and procedures for the government of their respective employes so as to require that the operation of a pusher engine or engines behind an occupied cabin or caboose car, in train, shall be used subject to the following conditions:
(1) If the horsepower to be used by a pusher engine or engines behind a cabin or caboose exceeds 3,500, the train crew shall, before such a move is made, vacate the cabin car and occupy the pusher engine or a cabin car or caboose behind the pusher engine or engines, and the train shall be brought to a stop before the pusher engine or engines are detached.
(2) The practice of cutting off on the fly pusher engines behind occupied cabin cars shall be limited to those instances in which the horsepower used by the pusher engine does not exceed 3,500.
Source The provisions of this § 33.53 were formerly designated Rule 18 by the Commission.
§ 33.54. Federal safety regulations.
The safety regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, specifically the regulations adopted by section 2 of the act of April 11, 1958, Pub. L. 85-375 (45 U.S.C.A. § 9), and by the Safety Appliance provisions of Title 45 of United States Code (45 U.S.C.A. § § 116), shall supplement the provisions of this chapter, unless such Federal regulations are in conflict with such provisions. However, a violation of the Federal regulations which is not otherwise a violation of this chapter shall not be subject to additional penalty for the same violation if penalized by a Federal tribunal.
Source The provisions of this § 33.54 were formerly designated Rule 21 by the Commission.
§ 33.55. Interchange of traffic and loading of commodities on open top cars.
The Code of Rules for the Interchange of Traffic and the Rules Governing the Loading of Commodities on Open Top Cars, published by the Association of American Railroads, shall supplement the provisions of this chapter.
Source The provisions of this § 33.56 were formerly designated Rule 26 by the Commission.
SANITATION AND SAFETY FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
§ 33.61. Track cars and four-wheel self-propelled maintenance-of-way cars.
After December 31, 1959, all track cars and four-wheel self-propelled maintenance-of-way cars used in this Commonwealth shall be equipped with all of the following safety equipment and appurtenances:
(1) A windshield of safety glass and of adequate size to provide clear vision of the track and conditions ahead for the operator of the car.
(2) A canopy or top of suitable material for attachment to the car and capable of protecting the occupants of the car from rain, snow, or other inclement weather.
(3) An electric headlight, either permanently attached or a portable light in a fixed bracket, capable of illuminating the roadway ahead a distance sufficient to permit safe operation of the car.
(4) A permanently attached electrically energized red taillight to protect the track car from any following movement.
(5) A manual or automatic windshield wiper sufficient in size to provide vision of the track and conditions ahead for the operator of the car.
Source The provisions of this § 33.62 were formerly designated Rule 20 by the Commission; amended June 20, 1980, effective June 21, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2463; all locomotives and cabin cars affected by this section must be in compliance within six months of June 21, 1980. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (20876).
Notes of Decisions Flush Toilets or Similar Devices
Similar device means a device which sanitarily disposes of human waste material, and the record supports a conclusion by the PUC that equipping locomotives with disposable polyethylene bags sealed with non-slip ties which are to be placed in a plastic holding container does not comply with the requirement that locomotives be equipped with flush toilets or similar devices. Norfolk and Western Railway Company v. Public Utility Commission, 413 A.2d 1037 (Pa. 1980).
Interstate Commerce
State regulation of sanitary devices on locomotives does not create an undue burden on interstate commerce. Norfolk and Western Railway Company v. Public Utility Commission, 413 A.2d 1037 (Pa. 1980).
Preemption
State regulation of sanitary devices on locomotives is not preempted by the federal Boiler Inspection Act (45 U.S.C. § § 2234), the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C.A. § 421 et seq.), or the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 1250.51(a) and (b)). Norfolk and Western Railway Company v. Public Utility Commission, 413 A.2d 1037 (Pa. 1980); reversing 399 A.2d 1184 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1979).
Remedial Measures
Where a railroad company has taken steps to correct operational difficulties with the sanitary toilet facilities in its locomotives, which facilities had previously been found to be in violation of this section, this section does not mandate that the railroad must install a completely different system, but rather allows the railroad to show that the existing system has been rendered sanitary by the correction of the operational difficulties. Public Utility Commission v. Norfolk and Western Ry. Co., 461 A.2d 1353 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983).
§ 33.63. Cabin cars.
(a) All windows and door glass installed in cabin cars shall be shatterproof.
(b) All doors on cabin cars shall be equipped with hardware which insures proper closure and manipulation, and shall be maintained in a manner which insures proper functioning of doors at all times.
(c) All cabin cars shall be properly heated and shall have adequate ventilation obtained by windows opening to the atmosphere. Such windows shall be so constructed and maintained as to insure easy opening. All cabin cars operated by or on each of the railroads in this Commonwealth shall be equipped with screens for use during the season when flies and insects are prevalent. The use of properly functioning air-changing and air-cooling equipment is permitted.
(d) Cabin cars shall conform with the following:
(1) All cabin cars shall be provided with a minimum of two rigidly mounted interior electric lights, to furnish lighting of not less than 25 foot-candles at desk-top level, one of which shall be located above the desk, and one shall be installed at a location to provide proper illumination of the cabin interior.
(2) Cabin cars operated exclusively during daylight hours and those cabin cars operated within a radius of 20 miles from the point of dispatchment are exempt from the requirement of paragraph (1).
(e) Each cabin car in use shall be equipped with either flashing or constant burning electric marker lights displayed to the rear. These lights shall be of such intensity and so equipped with proper lens as to be visible at a distance of 3,000 feet under normal atmospheric conditions, except that cabin cars operated exclusively during daylight hours are exempt from this requirement.
(f) Cabin cars shall be equipped with all of the following:
(1) A water or chemical closet compartment and toilet tissue, except that short line railroads engaged principally in switching operations are exempt from this requirement.
(2) A refrigerator, except that short line railroads engaged principally in switching operations and cabin cars operated within a radius of five miles from the point of dispatchment where refrigeration is available are exempt from this requirement.
(3) A wash basin of stainless steel or other noncorrosive material and single-service paper towels, except that cabin cars operated within a radius of 15 miles from the point of dispatchment, where washing facilities are available, are exempt from this requirement.
(4) Individual single-service drinking cups and containers.
(5) A table or desk suitable for use by the crew in the performance of clerical duties and for dining purposes if used for such functions.
(6) A stove with proper and safe venting, and adequate fuel, capable of providing sufficient heat for the cabin interior, serviced and maintained regularly. In the event liquid gas fuel is used, proper and constant maintenance shall be performed to insure that there will be no leakage of gas or seepage of oil from the tank, fuel line, or connections, paying particular attention to the prevention of any accumulation of fuel on the floor of the cabin or gas in the cabin atmosphere.
(7) Fresh drinking water at the beginning of each run or daily if in yard service.
(8) Commercially bottled water in tamper-proof disposable containers may be provided if bottled in accordance with Federal and State regulations and if refrigeration is provided. If commercially bottled water is not provided as described in this paragraph, then a glass-lined, stone-lined, or stainless steel water dispenser of a nonfragile type equipped with a sanitary means of refrigeration in compliance with 21 CFR 1240.10, 1240.80 and 1250.85 (1980) as in effect on April 18, 1980 may be used. On April 18, 1980 21 CFR 1240.10 and 1240.80 were found at 40 FR 5620 (1975) and 21 CFR 1250.85 was found at 40 FR 5624 (1975).
(g) If in use, cabin cars shall have clean storage facilities for any tissue, cups or towels required by these regulations.
(h) An adequate supply of pure and potable water, obtained from a source approved by the Department of Health of the Commonwealth, shall be available for the use of occupants of cabin cars.
(i) Employers shall maintain all cabin cars in good repair, including the plumbing, lighting, heating and ventilation systems, and shall keep such cars in a clean condition, free from vermin and any accumulation of dirt, garbage or other refuse.
Source The provisions of this § 33.63 were formerly designated Rule 20 by the Commission; amended June 20, 1980, effective June 21, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2463; all locomotives and cabin cars affected by this section must be in compliance within six months of June 21, 1980. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (20878) and (20879).
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.64 (relating to protection cars).
§ 33.64. Protection cars.
Protection cars shall comply with § 33.63(a), (b) and (f)(6) (relating to cabin cars) if they are equipped with at least one window with glass installed.
Source The provisions of this § 33.66 were formerly designated Rule 25 by the Commission. The provisions of this § 33.66 amended December 20, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 2570. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (20882).
§ 33.67. Use of back up hose in rail operations.
(a) The use of back-up hoses in all train operations shall be for emergency stop of the train movement; however, the use of back-up hose for car spotting operations shall be permitted, providing that communication with the engineman is available to insure the safety of the movement.
(b) Future repairs to or replacement of back-up hoses by any carrier shall be to modify the hose to at least one-inch diameter (I.D.), with a maximum overall length not to exceed ten feet.
(c) All carriers shall instruct their employes in the proper use of the back-up hose, to include examination of same to make certain that any back-up hose used, will be in a fit and safe condition before being used in any subsequent train movement.
Source The provisions of this § 33.67 adopted August 6, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 1842.
PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE
§ 33.71. Abandonment of service.
A certificate of public convenience evidencing Commission approval of the abandonment of intrastate passenger train service shall be obtained prior to the withdrawal of such service on any line of railroad.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains); and 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.72. Changes in schedules.
An application shall be filed with, and approved by, the Commission prior to the removal, elimination, or substantial change in the schedule of any passenger train, except the following:
(1) Interstate passenger trains which provide no intrastate passenger transportation for compensation between two or more cities, boroughs, or villages in this Commonwealth.
(2) Interstate trains performing intrastate service between two or more municipalities in this Commonwealth, provided the carrier elects to provide temporarily a comparable intrastate service by means of a new intrastate train.
(3) Train removals, eliminations, or schedule changes affecting intrastate passenger service on only one day a week.
(4) Suburban service exempted from this requirement by other provisions of this chapter.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains); and 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.73. Long-distance trains.
Upon application for exemption from intrastate classification, the Commission may exempt from its jurisdiction specified interstate trains making two or more stops in this Commonwealth, upon a showing that adequate intrastate service is available by trains of the same grade operated within a reasonably short time before or after the interstate train.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.74 (relating to suburban trains); 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains); and 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.74. Suburban trains.
Section 33.73 (relating to long-distance trains) does not apply to the operation of trains on suburban runs of less than 35 miles, if the number of trains removed constitutes not more than 10% of the number of trains operated 5 or more days a week in such service on the particular run and the loss of passengers on the run, compared with a like period of the preceding year, exceeds 10%. Such section shall also not apply to the operation of trains on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in such service, if the average number of passengers per train on such days does not exceed 60% of the average number of passengers per train for the period Monday to Friday, inclusive, nor to the temporary curtailment of service for periods not exceeding three months to meet seasonal adjustments of traffic demands, if such practice has been effectuated in like periods of prior years to the same or greater extent.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains); and 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.75. Posting of notice.
The public and the Commission shall be given 15 days advance notice of any changes in intrastate passenger train service, except those trains subject to the filing of application. Notice to the public shall be posted at a conspicuous location at each station affected.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains) and 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.76. Additional trains.
Nothing contained in § § 33.7133.77 shall prevent rail carriers from operating extra passenger trains, extra sections of scheduled trains, or the scheduling of additional passenger trains. If prior notification to the Commission of temporary or trial operation of such additional schedule is given, Commission approval as set forth in § § 33.7133.77, will not be required for the removal or termination of such temporary or trial service, or schedule.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.77 (relating to saving clause).
§ 33.77. Saving clause.
Nothing contained in § § 33.7133.76 shall preclude the Commission from instituting a proceeding upon complaint or upon its own motion concerning the adequacy of passenger train service rendered by any carrier in accordance with the provisions of the Public Utility Law (66 P. S. § 1101 et seq.), nor shall it preclude any railroad carrier from voluntarily filing with the Commission an application for Commission approval of the removal, elimination, or substantial change in any passenger train prior to the preparation of timetables affectuating such changes.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 33.76 (relating to additional trains).
TRACKS
§ 33.81. Track alignment.
(a) All track shall be constructed with curvature so limited or with tangent track so placed between reverse curvature that lateral displacement of the car couplers with the center axis of any car does not exceed 13°. Crossovers between tracks and turnouts shall be similarly constructed. Tracks designed to accommodate two coupled cars, each with trucks spaced 70 feet between truck centers and with couplers 29 inches from the center of the pivot to the pulling face of the knuckle, shall be deemed in compliance with this regulation.
(b) If, in any particular case, exemption from any of the requirements in this section is deemed necessary by the carrier concerned, the Commission may grant application of such carrier for such exemption, provided the application is accompanied by a full statement of existing conditions and the reason why such exemption is sought. Any exemption so granted shall be limited to the particular case covered by application.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to repairs, renewals, or maintenance of track, but nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the rights of carriers to decrease track curvature.
Source The provisions of this § 33.81 were formerly designated Rule 19 by the Commission.
§ 33.82. Track anchors.
No track shall be released to rail service prior to the proper installation of sufficient anchors, including the reinstallation or replacement in a proper manner of all anchors removed or disturbed in the course of any track repair or maintenance.
Source The provisions of this § 33.84 were formerly designated Rule 15 by the Commission.
MOTOR VEHICLES
§ 33.91. General regulations.
(a) Each motor vehicle shall be inspected at the regular intervals prescribed by law and shall display a valid Commonwealth inspection certificate or be in compliance with the applicable reciprocity provisions of the Vehicle Code of Pennsylvania (75 P. S. § 101 et seq.). Each motor vehicle shall conform with all other provisions of the Vehicle Code and laws applicable to its type and classification.
(b) Each motor vehicle shall have fixed seats provided for the total number of persons permitted to ride therein, based upon the following:
(1) If the drivers seat is bench-type and 56 inches or greater in width, not more than two persons in addition to the driver may ride thereon. A minimum of 24 inches shall be allowed for the accommodation of the driver.
(2) Individual or bench-type seats for passengers shall provide a minimum of 16 inches width per person.
(c) Each motor vehicle shall be provided with adequate controlled ventilation designed to avoid infiltration of gas fumes. Vehicles used during winter months shall have provisions for heating to a level of at least 45° F. in the compartments of both passengers and drivers. Adequate lighting shall be provided for entrance and exit with steps and handholds where appropriate.
(d) Each motor vehicle shall carry a basic minor repair kit, including jack, wheel lug wrench, and flashlight for roadside service; warning devices to indicate stalled or stopped vehicles, including signs, flags, and flares, shall also be carried.
(e) Each motor vehicle shall carry an adequate first aid kit suitable for the number of employes transported.
(f) A fire extinguisher of the dry chemical multipurpose type shall be available to the driver. An additional extinguisher shall be available in the passenger compartment of any motor vehicle intended to transport more than five passengers. Fire extinguishers shall have an Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated, classification and rating of 1-A, 4-B, C, or superior. An Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated, or an Underwriters of Canada classification and rating label shall be affixed to each extinguisher.
(g) Safety equipment, small tools, and materials shall be stored in a safe manner, but be readily accessible for use, by means of brackets, clamps, or compartmented boxes attached to the body or frame of the vehicle.
(h) Hand tools, articles of equipment, or materials used by the work crews may be carried in the passenger compartment of a vehicle if properly stowed. Items which might be hazardous to passengers, if dislodged by sudden motion, acceleration, braking, or stopping, shall be securely fastened to the vehicle body or frame by clamps, brackets, or lashing, or enclosed in storage bins or cribs.
(i) Gasoline or other flammable liquids, such as paint solvent, thinners, oils for snow or weed burning, and the like, may not be transported in the same compartment as passengers. Flammable liquids used in operations by personnel may be transported by the same vehicle, provided they are kept in underwriter-approved closed containers secured to the vehicle outside of the passenger compartment.
(j) Transportation of explosives and detonators shall conform with all appropriate provisions 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to Vehicle Code) and the regulations of the Hazardous Substances Transportation Board of the Commonwealth. No explosives or detonators may be carried on vehicles transporting personnel other than qualified blast men, one of whom shall be the driver of the vehicle.
(k) Each motor vehicle shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe mechanical and physical condition by means of regularly scheduled service and maintenance. Such regularly scheduled service and maintenance, other than the inspection or testing required by the driver as set forth in subsection (l) of this section, shall be conducted by personnel other than those regularly using the vehicle. Employes shall cooperate in maintaining clean and sanitary conditions.
(l) Inspection or testing by the driver of all parts vital to the safe operation of vehicles, such as brakes, steering gear, tires, lights and signalling devices, shall be made at the beginning of each shift or each day, and as often as necessary during use. Any condition found then or at any other time which will prevent the safe operation of the vehicle shall be corrected before such vehicle is used.
(m) Each vehicle driver shall be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid drivers license issued by this Commonwealth for the type of vehicle used and service performed or comply with the applicable reciprocity provisions 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to Vehicle Code). The driver shall be responsible for the safe and legal operation of the vehicle and have full authority for its control. If not more than five persons comprise the work crew, the vehicle driver may be responsible for the conduct of the passengers. If a foreman or leader is present, such individual shall be responsible for the safe and disciplined behavior of personnel while in transit.
(n) In vehicles where the drivers compartment is separate from the compartment used to transport employes, provision shall be made for communication between the driver and the passengers.
(o) Each common carrier railroad, its officers, agents, representatives, and other personnel responsible for compliance with the provisions of this section shall be familiar with the requirements of this section.
Source The provisions of this § 33.91 were formerly designated Rule 24 by the Commission.
Cross References The provisions of this § 33.92 were formerly designated Rule 24 by the Commission.
ACCOUNTS, RECORDS AND REPORTS
§ 33.101. Accounts.
Each carrier authorized to operate in this Commonwealth shall keep and record its accounts and records in conformity with the systems of accounts for railroad companies, with text, definitions and instructions as embodied in the currently effective classifications prescribed for railroad companies by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Source The provisions of this § 33.101 were formerly designated Rule 6 by the Commission.
§ 33.102. Records.
(a) Each carrier shall preserve its records in conformity with the effective Regulations to Govern the Destruction of Records of Railroad Companies (49 CFR 1220), prescribed by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
(b) Copies of the regulations may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Source The provisions of this § 33.103 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 504, 510 and 2508.
Source The provisions of this § 33.103 amended December 22, 1989, effective December 23, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 5424.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 101.2 (relating to definitions); and 52 Pa. Code § 101.4 (relating to reporting requirements).
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
§ 33.111. Change in status of a station.
(a) Each carrier shall obtain Commission approval prior to making any of the following changes with respect to any station maintained by the utility in this Commonwealth:
(1) Change a station from an agency station to a nonagency station.
(2) Abandon a station as a passenger station.
(3) Abandon a station as a freight station.
(4) Abandon a station entirely.
(b) Subsequent to the filing of an application seeking approval of one or more of the changes listed in subsection (a), the applicant shall post due notice of the proposed change in the station involved and at three other conspicuous places in its vicinity. The application may be considered by the Commission without hearing after 30 days, following the posting of the notice of the proposed change, provided no protest is filed with the Commission within such 30-day period. Each protest shall set forth the reasons, which in the judgment of the protestant, show that the Commission should not approve such application. A copy of the protest shall be served on the applicant at the time the protest is filed with the Commission.
Source The provisions of this § 33.111 were formerly designated Rule 4 by the Commission.
§ 33.112. Transportation of blind persons with guide dogs.
Each carrier shall transport dogs which have been trained for the purpose of guiding blind persons, and are accompanying such persons who have paid the regular fare for transportation, provided the guide dog is properly leashed and muzzled and does not occupy a seat in the conveyance.
Source The provisions of this § 33.112 were formerly designated Rule 5 by the Commission.
§ 33.113. Training of equipment inspectors.
Each common carrier railroad operating within this Commonwealth shall intensify its training of equipment inspectors, particularly with respect to equipment assigned to transport material subject to regulation by the Office of Hazardous Materials, United States Department of Transportation, and shall require, if feasible, a written record by the equipment inspector of all cars inspected.
Source The provisions of this § 33.113 were formerly designated Rule 23 by the Commission.
Subchapter C. CLEARANCES
Sec.
33.121. Overhead clearances.
33.122. Side clearances.
33.123. Overhead and side clearances.
33.124. Clearances between parallel tracks.
33.125. Other conditions and obstruction adjacent to tracks.
33.126. Lesser clearances.
33.127. Exemptions.
33.128. Application of regulations.
33.129. Enforcement.§ 33.121. Overhead clearances.
(a) Minimum overhead clearances above railroad tracks, used or proposed to be used for transporting freight cars, shall be 22 feet, except as provided in this Subchapter. Structures constructed, or under construction, prior to the adopting of this Subchapter may be maintained at existing clearances and additional tracks may be constructed and existing tracks reconstructed at the same clearance.
(b) Overhead clearance above the top of rail of such tracks located at the entrance and inside of buildings may be reduced to 18 feet; if an overhead clearance of less than 22 feet exists on tracks inside such buildings, movements of railway equipment shall be brought to a stop before entering such buildings. In switching movements requiring a number of entries, stopping is required only upon initial entry.
(c) Clearances provided in this section do not apply to electric wires and equipment required over present and future tracks for the operation of trains by electric energy, provided the carriers concerned promulgate and enforce rules which prohibit any employe from being on top of cars while being operated under lower clearances than provided in this section.
(d) Clearances provided in this section do not apply to enginehouses, enginehouse facilities, tipples, or facilities used for servicing cars or for loading or unloading of bulk commodities, if such compliance is not reasonably practicable.
Source The provisions of this § 33.121 were formerly designated Section 1 by the Commission.
Cross References The provisions of this § 33.122 were formerly designated Section 2 by the Commission.
Cross References The provisions of this § 33.125 were formerly designated Section 5 by the Commission.
§ 33.126. Lesser clearances.
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, if overhead or side clearances between a track and any building, structure, or facility are less than the minimum prescribed in this Subchapter, but were created prior to the adoption of such provisions such minimum clearances shall be provided whenever such a building, structure, or facility is relocated or reconstructed. However, the Commission may grant specific requests for the future continuance of prior clearances at such reconstructed buildings, structures, or facilities, if application is made as provided in § 33.127(b) (relating to exemptions).
Source The provisions of this § 33.127 were formerly designated Section 7 by the Commission.
Cross References The provisions of this § 33.129 adopted March 26, 1976, effective March 27, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 611.
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