STATE OVERSIGHT OF TRANSIT SAFETY. FINAL REPORT

The report presents a review of the programs conducted by each State Government to oversee the safety of public transit systems within its jurisdiction. A summary for each is presented, which answers the following questions: (1) Does the state have an explicit transit safety policy?; (2) Has it designated a state agency to be responsible for safety oversight; (3) Does it require a safety plan from each transit system?; (4) Does it require that each system obtain a state operating permit which includes safety criteria?; (5) Does it set vehicle and equipment standards?; (6) Does the individual operating a transit vehicle have to obtain a special operators' license?; (7) Does the state set standards concerning the working conditions of vehicle operators?; (8) Does it require that transit vehicles be inspected periodically?; (9) Do state personnel conduct any inspections required?; (10) Does that state require or conduct inspections of rail or other fixed guideway facilities?; (11) Does it inspect operating and working conditions?; (12) Does it investigate transit accidents? In addition, the roles of each of the State Public Utilities Commissions in the oversight of transit safety is assessed. The research methodology combined the review of state documents, the analysis of state statutes and regulations, and phone interviews with state officials. The report covers the fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Part I of the report presents an analysis of the research questions and methodology. Part II summarizes the conclusions and analyses. A second accompanying volume includes the detail for each state. A summary table tabulating data for all states is also included.