Bill > AR36

This resolution urges the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to address critical safety oversight gaps identified in a 2018 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. Specifically, the resolution calls on the FTA to develop a comprehensive plan with a clear timeline for creating risk-based inspection guidance for state safety agencies and to establish a method for monitoring the effectiveness of state safety agencies' enforcement practices. The background for this resolution stems from the FTA's expanded safety oversight responsibilities in 2012 and 2015, which previously fell under the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) jurisdiction. The GAO found that without proper guidance, state safety agencies might inefficiently allocate limited resources, potentially leaving critical safety issues unaddressed and allowing safety deficiencies to persist in rail transit systems. By urging the FTA to implement these recommendations, the resolution aims to improve safety oversight, particularly in states like New Jersey where many residents rely heavily on passenger rail travel for commuting and transportation.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR36