FTA encourages all transit systems to develop a proactive safety plan for protecting passengers, employees, revenues and property. Guidelines and best practices have been developed by the FTA for safety analysis and reviews. FTA and the Office of Safety and Security provide technical assistance programs and oversight to prevent public transportation programs from systems interruption and property damage. Security measures have also been established for accidents, security incidents and emergencies.
FTA works to secure the rail transit system to avoid catastrophic accidents, property damage and maintain the traveling public's satisfaction. Rail security is enforced by the Secretary of Transportation who establishes and enforces minimum federal safety standards through the FTA or the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Various states can choose to participate in a safety certification program which provides trained staff for enforcing regulations and encourages transit systems to operate and meet compliance standards independently of the state.
The FTA Transit Bus Safety and Security Program implements strategies for the security of public transportation. These strategies include exchanging information between FTA and the public transit bus industry, delivering technical assistance materials and using risk assessment models. Other areas of safety covered by the FTA include safety and security designs for public transportation vehicles and passenger/operator safety concerns.
