Skip to main content

Foxx proposes new rule to increase safety of rail transit systems

At the end of his four-day Grow America tour, US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced a proposed rule to increase oversight responsibilities of State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) by replacing the existing outdated regulatory framework with one designed to better evaluate the effectiveness of a rail transit agency’s system safety program. The proposed rule, issued by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), would give states more resources to increase oversight over rail transit systems. It
February 24, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
At the end of his four-day Grow America tour, US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced a proposed rule to increase oversight responsibilities of State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) by replacing the existing outdated regulatory framework with one designed to better evaluate the effectiveness of a rail transit agency’s system safety program.  

The proposed rule, issued by the 2023 Federal Transit Administration (FTA), would give states more resources to increase oversight over rail transit systems. It would require adoption and enforcement of federal and state safety laws and require SSOAs to be financially and legally independent of the rail transit systems they oversee.

“We must improve, modernise and transform rail transit safety oversight to provide the increased level of safety expected by the millions of passengers who use rail transit every day,” said Foxx. “Rail transit is a safe travel option, but we have an obligation and opportunity to make it even safer.”

 “FTA appreciates the continued cooperation and engagement of our state and rail transit industry partners as we take this major step forward toward a new safety regulatory framework,” said FTA acting administrator Therese McMillan. “We drafted the proposed rule to ensure it allows for the flexibility and scalability needed to provide effective safety benefits for passengers and employees of transit agencies of all sizes and operating environments.”

Related Content

  • September 21, 2016
    US DOT issues guidelines for automated vehicles
    The US Department of Transportation is issuing Federal policy for automated vehicles, laying a path for the safe testing and deployment of new auto technologies that have enormous potential for improving safety and mobility for Americans on the road. “Automated vehicles have the potential to save thousands of lives, driving the single biggest leap in road safety that our country has ever taken,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This policy is an unprecedented step by the federal government
  • July 2, 2014
    USDOT outlines steps for managing Highway Trust Fund shortfall
    US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx has written to state transportation departments and transit agencies outlining steps the Department of Transportation (DOT) will soon be forced to take to manage the impending insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. In both letters, Secretary Foxx outlined the Department’s proposed plan while emphasising the need for Congress to act in order to avoid such a shortfall. “There is still time for Congress to act on a long term solution,” said Secretary Foxx. “Our tr
  • February 25, 2021
    USDoT offers $180m for Low-No programme 
    Eligible applicants for emissions-reduction grants include transit agencies and DoTs
  • December 2, 2015
    IBTTA, ITS America applaud long term FAST Act
    The International Bridge, Toll and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) and ITS America have applauded Congressional committee members on reaching agreement on a long-term surface transportation bill.