Missouri latest to land FTA State Safety Oversight certification
Federal law requires states with rail transit systems to obtain FTA certification of their SSO Programs by April 15, 2019.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is responsible for providing safety oversight of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority streetcar system and the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District trolley system.
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The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that Missouri has obtained federal certification of 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. By federal law, the deadline cannot be waived or extended.
“FTA is pleased that Missouri has developed a safety oversight program that meets federal certification requirements and will strengthen rail transit safety,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. “With certification, transit agencies in Missouri can continue to receive federal funding.”
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for providing safety oversight of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority streetcar system and the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District trolley system. MoDOT is also jointly responsible with the Illinois Department of Transportation for providing safety oversight of the Bi-State Development Agency St. Louis Metro light rail system.
By April 15, 2019, 30 states must obtain certification of 31 SSO Programs. With the most recent announcement, 25 states have now achieved SSO Program certification.
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.
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