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As the U.S. Department of Transportation continues to focus on strengthening transportation safety, FTA has finalized requirements that strengthen the role of State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs), the state agencies created to oversee rail transit in the US. The final rule, published on October 18, 2024, implements Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requirements that will reduce safety risks throughout the industry by requiring SSOAs to conduct inspections of rail transit agencies without warning and requiring SSOAs to include inspection programs in their program standards and collect metrics and data that better explain rail transit safety.
“We are making rail transit even safer for both transit workers and riders,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “Providing oversight agencies with the necessary tools to do their jobs effectively is crucial. This rule reinforces FTA’s ongoing comprehensive efforts to improve transit safety.”
In 2016, FTA published the State Safety Oversight (SSO) Final Rule requiring states with rail transit systems to establish an FTA-certified SSO program within three years. Following that rule, all 31 SSOAs were certified by April 2019.
FTA hosted a webinar on October 30, 2024, providing more information about the SSO rulemaking updates. Please visit the TSO Webinars website to view the presentation and recording.
On October 31, 2024, FTA announced the final rule for Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) in the Federal Register to improve safety for transit workers who access rail tracks by setting mandatory standards to protect them as they perform track work. Under this rule, transit agencies nationwide have one year to establish a roadway worker protection program that is focused on employees who work on or around the tracks, and approved by their respective Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA). Agencies are also required to implement comprehensive training for workers and ensure that unsafe acts and conditions are reported.
Unsafe practices and conditions place rail transit workers at risk of being killed or seriously injured. According to data reported in the National Transit Database (NTD), between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2024, 29 workers were killed and 144 workers were seriously injured in transit track work safety events. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FTA’s Transit Advisory Committee for Safety both have recommended regulatory action to address rail transit worker safety.
“Today’s action provides greater protection to workers on our nation’s subway, light rail, and trolly systems. The final rule protects workers who access the rail tracks and promotes a safe work environment for all employees of rail transit systems.” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “This final rule will save lives and will ensure that our transit workers, who work tirelessly to maintain our rail transit systems nationwide, get home safely each day to their families and loved ones.”
FTA will host a webinar on November 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET to provide more information about the RWP final rule. Please register to attend.
The Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) provides information, advice and recommendations on transit safety to the U.S. Transportation Secretary and FTA Administrator. TRACS is comprised of a diverse panel of professionals representing a variety of stakeholders and interests to address transit safety issues cooperatively.
Joe D’Elia President, Transportation Workers Union of America Local 291 AFL/CIO
What is your background with the transit industry?
I started as a “Utility” worker (maintained facility) at New York Bus Service (now MTA Bus) in 1998. Then, I became active with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 as an Assistant Shop Steward. I moved to Miami in 1999 and started with the Department of Transportation and Public Works as a Bus Operator in 2003 (current classification). In 2012, I was appointed Shop Steward for TWU Local 291. In 2015, I was elected Assistant Chief Shop Steward. In 2018, I was elected Executive Vice President for two (2) terms. In August of this year, I was elected as President of the Local. I was also appointed to the Executive Board of TWU International in 2022.
New member applications for TRACS are now open. Applications are due Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Check out the Federal Register Notice to apply and for additional information.
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