Section 270.3 - Application(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part applies to all-(1) Passenger rail operations that operate intercity or commuter passenger train service on the general railroad system of transportation; and(2) Passenger rail operations that operate commuter or other short-haul rail passenger train service in a metropolitan or suburban area (as described by 49 U.S.C. 20102(2) ), including public authorities operating passenger train service.(b) This part does not apply to: (1) Rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation;(2) Tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operations, whether on or off the general railroad system of transportation;(3) Operation of private cars, including business/office cars and circus trains; or(4) Railroads that operate only on track inside an installation that is not part of the general railroad system of transportation (i.e., plant railroads, as defined in § 270.5 ). 81 FR 53896 , Aug. 12, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 12843 , Mar. 4, 2020 81 FR 53896 , 10/11/2016; 85 FR 12843 , 5/4/2020