Nov 16, 2009 6:58 am US/Eastern
Obama Proposes Federal Oversight Of Transit Safety
White House Hopes For Federal Oversight Of Safety Regulations On All Local Subways, Light Rails In US
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Who should run mass transportation?
If the White House has its way, New York and other subway systems nationwide could be in for a federal safety takeover.
It comes as a surprise to many straphangers. Unlike airplanes and highways, the nation's subways systems operate with no federal oversight.
"That makes me uncomfortable to hear that," subway rider Rhonda Jordan said. "I do take the subway quite often."
One City College transportation expert says subway safety has always been under local control.
"The industry has always had its own safety – each of the properties does their own," Dr. Robert Paaswell said. "In New York, there's an Office of Inspector General associated with the MTA, so if there is an accident OIG gets right involved."
But in the wake of the Washington, D.C. Metro crash that killed nine people, the Obama administration is proposing that the federal government take over safety regulation of all subway and light rail systems across the country – in essence, telling state and local regulators to step aside.
The plan would require congressional approval. New York's senior senator says that, based on what he knows so far, he's supportive.
"We have federal standards for highway safety, for airline safety, and having it for subway safety is a good thing," Sen. Charles Schumer said.
The idea of federal oversight of subway safety appeals to some straphangers.
"I think that would be a great idea," Jordan said. "Many more people are traveling on the subways these days."
Some subway riders, however, aren't so pleased with the idea.
"I think too much is put on the federal government, that's my opinion," straphanger Mildred Chandler said.
Other straphangers don't care who's in charge of safety, as long as someone is.
The MTA doesn't seem very enthusiastic about the possibility of a federal takeover either, releasing a lukewarm statement: "We look forward to working with (federal officials) and congress on practical and cost-effective ways to enhance safety."
Sen. Schumer says that, if the measure passes and the feds order subway safety improvements, the feds should also provide the money to pay for them.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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