The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee approved a draft measure that would require the Transportation Department to create and implement a plan to improve the safety of transit systems that receive federal funding.
Stronger safety measures have been more frequently discussed after recent transportation disasters, such as the 2009 Washington Metro train crash that killed 9 people.
“This legislation will replace the current ad hoc approach to transit safety oversight with strong federal leadership, clear national transit safety standards and improved state oversight of transit safety,” Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., said.
“On-the-job safety is a primary concern for TCU, we are glad to see elected officials making it a concern as well. It shows again that your vote counts,” said TCU President Bob Scardelletti.