Resources

  • TCRP Synthesis 95 – Practices for Wayside Rail Transit Worker Protection

    From 2003 to 2008, the nation’s heavy rail transit systems experienced eight accidents that resulted in the deaths of 10 right-of-way (ROW) workers, including track inspectors, track workers, and signal technicians, representing a 300% increase in the rate of fatalities and injuries from the historic averages in the heavy rail industry. In 2010, two more rail transit ROW workers lost their lives when they were struck by a high-rail vehicle.

    Of the 19 worker fatalities reported to the National Transit Database (2003–2008) for rail transit, 17 were reported for heavy rail service and two for light rail service. Over half of those fatalities reported occurred on the ROW, in addition to the injuries and close calls to track workers that occurred on the ROW during the period.

    The objectives of this study are to report the state of knowledge and practice regarding wayside worker protection programs at selected transit agencies and to document the state of the practice, including lessons learned and gaps in information.

  • Roadmap to Excellence

    Early in 2012, BCG supported FTA’s revision of the Roadmap to Excellence, the document that establishes the program’s structure. Elements of the Roadmap are based on recognized industry guidelines for achieving safety, security and emergency preparedness excellence. Elements include Management, Human Resources, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Track Worker Fatalities

    On May 8, 2007, then FTA Administrator James S. Simpson issued a Dear Colleague Letter discussing the eleven right-of-way worker fatalities that occurred between October 2005 and April 2007 and the initiatives underway to address this dramatic trend.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Track Worker Safety DVD

    On June 12, 2009, FTA Administrator, Peter M. Rogoff, issued a Dear Colleague Letter to the transit community announcing the development of a new safety awareness DVD for right-of-way workers entitled, “A Knock at Your Door.” The lessons learned presented in the DVD reflect the results of investigations and recommendations from SSO agencies and the NTSB.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: SSO Training Curriculum

    In this February 29, 2008 Dear Colleague Letter, FTA Administrator, Peter M. Rogoff, responds to NTSB recommendations R-07-9 and R-07-10. The letter describes the FTA-sponsored SSO Program Manager’s Training Curriculum, developed to strengthen the the effectiveness of SSO Programs.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Non-Punitive Reporting

    On December 13, 2010, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff issued a Dear Colleague letter regarding the implementation of non-punitive safety reporting systems. The letter urges the transit industry to foster a work environment where employees are free to report problems without fear of retribution. The Administrator asks agencies to examine internal safety reporting systems to determine the extent of its non-punitive nature and to make any necessary enhancements.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Fort Totten Collision

    FTA Administrator Peter M. Rogoff issued two Dear Colleague Letters related to the Washington Metro red line fatal collision on June 22, 2009 that killed nine and injured 70. The two letters and associated materials here were transmitted to the transit community.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Event Recorders

    In 2002, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made Recommendation R-02-19 to FTA urging the agency to “require that new or rehabilitated vehicles funded by FTA grants be equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) meeting Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1482.1.” On 3/5/07, then Administrator James S. Simpson issued the Dear Colleague letter below, describing FTA activities to assess the current usage of EDRs and continue to urge incorporation into the Nation’s fleet.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Cell Phone Use

    On 6/26/2009, FTA Administrator, Peter M. Rogoff, issued this Dear Colleague letter reiterating FTA’s commitment to safety and urging the transit community to review and assess policies, procedures and enforcement mechanisms targeting the inappropriate use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by safety critical personnel.

  • FTA Dear Colleague Letter: Model Bus Program

    In this “Dear Colleague” letter dated 1/3/2007, then FTA Administrator James S. Simpson announces initiatives underway for the Model Transit Bus Safety and Security Program. In partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), FTA’s initiative represents a fresh approach to deliver its voluntary program to all bus transit agencies across this Nation.

  • SSO Quarterly Newsletter – Fall 2011

    The 2nd newsletter in FTA’s new cycle of quarterly Rail Transit Safety Newsletters.

  • FTA Safety Bulletin No. 4 – Wire Termination and Splicing

    Employing good wiring practices to prevent future safety hazards is extremely important. Generally, transit agencies have training and certification programs for maintenance personnel engaged in wiring repair and modifications. This bulletin is intended to be a reference document for those systems that currently have programs in place as well as those whose programs are in development.

  • 49 CFR Part 659 Reference Guide

    This reference guide was been developed to support the efforts of states, oversight agencies and rail transit agencies to implement the requirements of the revised 49 CFR Part 659. The reference guide is a checklist tool organized by rule section and required activities. The left column contains a summary of the requirements of the revised rule and offers recommendations for states, oversight agencies, and rail transit agencies.

  • Bus Transit Newsletter – Winter 2009

    In This Issue:
    - Year in Review
    - FTA Orientation Seminar Initiative
    - Industry Accident & Incident Trend Update
    - Industry Vehicle Evacuation Procedures
    - Security & Emergency Preparedness

  • 49 CFR Part 659

    This revised Rule, published on April 29, 2005, revises the requirements for States and transit systems implementing FTA’s State Safety Oversight Program.

  • SSO Program Annual Report: 1999

    This report summarizes activities performed to implement the State Safety Oversight Program during Calendar Year 1999. Information provided by State Oversight Agencies documenting the safety and security performance of the rail transit industry in 1999 is presented, including a discussion of the probable causes of accidents and unacceptable hazardous conditions. This report also highlights procedures and policies, developed by State Oversight Agencies and rail transit systems, which have been particularly effective in supporting the objectives of the State Safety Oversight Program.

  • SSO Fatigue Management Survey Results

    This report has been prepared to present the results of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Fatigue Management Survey. FTA administered this survey over the six-week period between June 19 and July 31, 2006. FTA conducted this survey to identify and categorize the fatigue management practices of rail transit agencies and State Safety Oversight (SSO) agencies affected by 49 CFR Part 659. FTA provided information obtained from this survey to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as part of its response to Safety Recommendation R-06-3.

  • Safety and Security Management in Rail Transit Projects

    This guidance document expands on FTA Circular 5800.1, providing clarification on SSMP development and pre-revenue safety activity.

  • Resource Toolkit for SOAs Implementing 49 CFR Part 659

    The Resource Toolkit has been developed to support states and rail transit agencies in meeting FTA’s requirements for its revised State Safety and Security Oversight Rule (49 CFR Part 659).

  • Rail Transit Newsletter – Fall 2008

    In This Issue:
    - Safety Action Plan
    - NTSB Recommendations and FTA Response
    - 3rd Annual SSO Program Managers Workshop
    - 12th Annual SSO Program Meeting; CEO Safety Summit
    - SSO Audit Program Effective Practices

  • Rail Transit Newsletter – Summer 2009

    In This Issue:
    - Oversight 
of 
Rail 
Transit 
Agency
Track 
Inspections
    - Effective Oversight of 
RTA Track Inspection Processes (CTA Case Study)

  • Rail Transit Newsletter – Winter 2009

    In This Issue:
    - Welcome Phoenix Metro!
    - SSO Audit Program Results and Planned Activities for 2009
    - Accident Investigation Guidance
    - SSO Agency Feedback on Effective Accident Investigation Practices

  • Rail Transit Newsletter – Spring 2009

    In this issue:
    - Interview with the Director of the Office of Safety and Security
    - Oversight of Rail Transit Agency Rules Compliance Monitoring
    - Improving Safety Culture

  • FTA State Safety Oversight Program Pre-Audit Questionnaire

    This pre-audit questionnaire assists FTA auditors in collecting information prior to onsite SSO Audit Program interviews. Download

  • NTSB Recommendations and FTA Responses – Update

    This presentation presents the status of FTA responses to address NTSB recommendations.