---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 U.S.C. § 20170"
title: "49"
title_heading: "Transportation"
number: "20170"
heading: "Pre-revenue service safety validation plan"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/49/20170"
units:
  - "Subtitle V — Rail Programs"
  - "Part A — Safety"
  - "Chapter 201 — General"
  - "Subchapter II — Particular Aspects of Safety"
---

# §20170. Pre-revenue service safety validation plan

- (a) **Plan Submission.—** Any [railroad](/usc/49/22401.md?p=12) providing new, regularly scheduled, intercity or [commuter rail passenger transportation](/usc/49/24102.md?p=3), an extension of existing service, or a renewal of service that has been discontinued for more than 180 days shall develop and submit for review a comprehensive pre-revenue service safety validation plan to the [Secretary](/usc/49/22401.md?p=14) of Transportation not later than 60 days before initiating such revenue service. Such plan shall include pertinent safety milestones and a minimum period of simulated revenue service to ensure operational readiness and that all safety sensitive personnel are properly trained and qualified.
- (b) **Compliance.—** After submitting a plan pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a), the [railroad](/usc/49/22401.md?p=12) shall adopt and comply with such plan and may not amend the plan without first notifying the [Secretary](/usc/49/22401.md?p=14) of the proposed amendment. Revenue service may not begin until the [railroad](/usc/49/22401.md?p=12) has completed the requirements of its plan, including the minimum simulated service period required by the plan.
- (c) **Rulemaking.—** The [Secretary](/usc/49/22401.md?p=14) shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section, including—
  - (1) requiring that any identified safety deficiencies be addressed and corrected before the initiation of revenue service; and
  - (2) establishing appropriate deadlines to enable the [Secretary](/usc/49/22401.md?p=14) to review and approve the pre-revenue service safety validation plan to ensure that service is not unduly delayed.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title II, § 22416(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 747.)