What is a Summary Bulletin Order (SBO)?

A Summary Bulletin Order (SBO) serves to consolidate and communicate operational information that remains relevant and effective from earlier bulletins. It typically includes instructions, notices, updates, or changes that have been issued previously but remain applicable to current operations. By summarizing this information, it helps streamline communications for train crews and personnel, enabling them to stay informed about ongoing directives and ensuring consistency in operational practices.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of an SBO. Emergency procedures would be covered under different types of documents that focus specifically on emergency protocols. Locomotive maintenance documents are separate and focus solely on the upkeep of equipment, while guidelines for passenger safety would pertain to safety procedures rather than summarization of prior orders. An SBO specifically focuses on the summarization of previously issued information rather than addressing these other areas.