FTA given recommendations to improve rail transit safety oversight

April 13, 2018

The GAO advised the FTA in its report to create a plan for developing risk-based inspection guidance for state safety agencies

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that recommends the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) strengthen its safety oversight by improving guidance the agency provided to states.

Specifically, GAO suggests the FTA create a plan for developing risk-based inspection guidance for state safety agencies as well as develop and communicate a method for how FTA will monitor whether state safety agencies' enforcement practices are effective.

The FTA’s approach to rail transit safety oversight largely relies on state safety agencies to monitor and enforce rail transit safety, as established by federal statute. Key characteristics of the program includes safety regulations, inspections and other oversight activities, and enforcement procedures to ensure that safety needs are addressed.

GAO reports that FTA has not provided all the necessary guidance and support to states' safety agencies to ensure they develop appropriate and effective rail transit safety inspection programs. GAO notes that in particular, FTA has not provided states with guidance on how to develop and implement risk-based inspection programs. Though FTA has said that it will develop such guidance, it does not have a plan or timeline to do so.

Federal law requires states with rail transit systems in the engineering or construction phase of development or in operation to obtain FTA certification of their State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs by April 15, 2019. Those that do not meet the deadline, which cannot be extended, will not be able to receive federal funds. To date, eight of the 30 states required to obtain SSO certification have done so.

----------

Source: RT&S online

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.