Category: Washington
Public, politicians concerned over Amtrak’s planned cuts to service
The public and members of Congress have been vocal in their displeasure with Amtrak’s announcements of cuts and planned cuts to service, including replacement of dining car service with boxed lunches on some routes, de-staffing 15 train stations around the country that [...]
Senate confirms two to NTSB
The U.S. Senate confirmed two members to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on July 24. General aviation safety advocate Bruce Landsberg was confirmed as vice-chairman of the NTSB and transportation veteran Jennifer Homendy was confirmed to fill an empty board se [...]
FTA issues final rules on safety management, safety certification
A pair of final regulations were issued by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in July that rounded out the National Public Transportation Safety Program’s regulatory framework. The Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan rule, taking effect July 19, 2019, requires tran [...]
Senator introduces companion bill to House’s Bus Operator and Pedestrian Protection Act
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, introduced S.3215 on July 16, a companion bill to the Bus Operator and Pedestrian Protection Act. In June, Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D – Calif.) and Congressman John Katko (R — N.Y.) introduced the original bill, H.R.6 [...]
FRA hosting seminar on drug testing/rail safety
On Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Federal Railroad Administration will host a seminar on drug testing policy and rail safety in Kansas City, Mo. The seminar dives into 2017 drug testing amendments and a pair of amendments to safety rules created in November 2014 and Dece [...]
SMART TD Regional, Day 3: National Legislative Director John Risch updates members
SEATTLE — SMART Transportation Division National Legislative Director John Risch gave attendees a broad overview of the landscape of the transit industry on the third day of the TD regional meeting. Among the topics covered: how to grow support for transportation-relate [...]FRA safety board denies AAR request on air tests
A victory for safety was achieved in June when the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Safety Board denied a request by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to lengthen the “off-air” restriction from four to 24 hours for required brake tests and inspection [...]
SMART TD leaders endorse bus safety bill
Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2018) – SMART Transportation Division leaders announced today their support for the Bus Operator and Pedestrian Protection Act introduced by Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D – Calif.) and Congressman John Katko (R — New York) that would enhance t [...]