The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued two final regulations to strengthen the safety of public transport systems, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan rule and the Safety Certification Training Program rule. With these actions, FTA has completed the regulatory framework for the National Public Transportation Safety Program as authorized by Congress.
“Through these rules, FTA will enter a new era of safety and we will continue to work with our state and industry partners to enhance public transit’s safety record,” FTA Acting Administrator Jane Williams said.
The Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan rule requires transit agencies to incorporate Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures as they develop safety plans to better manage their safety risks. Since no two transit systems are alike, the rule sets scalable and flexible requirements for safety plans by imposing the appropriate regulatory burden in achieving safety goals. The safety plan rule takes effect on July 19, 2019, and compliance with the rule is required within one year of that date
The requirements of the Public Transportation Safety Training Certification Programme rule establish a basic training curriculum to enhance the technical competencies and capabilities of individuals responsible for the safety oversight of rail transit systems. The rule takes effect on August 20, 2018. The publication of this final rule reduces the burden to the transit industry from the interim training requirements by eliminating a course requirement and allowing for equivalency training credit.
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