MENU
SEARCHFederal law requires states with rail transit systems to obtain FTA certification of their SSO Programs by April 15, 2019.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is responsible for providing safety oversight of the Maryland Transit Administration’s heavy- and light-rail systems in Baltimore.
MDOT/MTA
The Maryland has obtained certification from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for its rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program, in advance of an important safety deadline.
Federal law requires states with rail transit systems to obtain FTA certification of their SSO Programs by April 15, 2019.
“The FTA is pleased that Maryland has developed a safety oversight program that meets federal certification requirements and will strengthen rail transit safety in the state,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "FTA is doing all we can to help states certify their safety oversight programs so transit agencies can continue to receive federal funding for the safe movement of millions of people every day."
The Maryland Department of Transportation is responsible for providing safety oversight of the Maryland Transit Administration’s heavy- and light-rail systems in Baltimore.
Separate from the announcement, Maryland, together with Virginia and the District of Columbia, are expected to jointly submit to FTA an SSO Program certification application for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system, which will be overseen by the Metrorail Safety Commission.
Thirty states must obtain FTA certification of their SSO Programs by April 15, 2019. With the Maryland announcement, 13 states have now achieved SSO Program certification. By federal law, the deadline cannot be waived or extended.
If a state fails to meet the deadline, FTA is prohibited by law from awarding any new federal transit funds to transit agencies within the state until certification is achieved. A certification status table by state is available online.
To achieve FTA certification, an SSO Program must meet several federal statutory requirements, including establishing an SSO agency that is financially and legally independent from the rail transit agencies it oversees. In addition, a state must ensure that its SSO agency adopts and enforces relevant federal and state safety laws; has investigatory authority; and has appropriate financial and human resources for the number, size, and complexity of the rail transit systems within the state’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, SSO agency personnel responsible for performing safety oversight activities must be appropriately trained.
The FTA said its actions build on its nationwide campaign to make transit systems safer for American families.
Read More →
The bill would tighten CDL requirements, enhance training standards, and increase oversight of commercial driver licensing nationwide.
Read More →
The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.
Read More →
Learn how technology is moving beyond passive recording to become an active operational tool.
Read More →
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.
Read More →
Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.
Read More →
Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.
Read More →
The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.
Read More →
The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.
Read More →
