Background
As specified in 49 CFR part 659, “Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight; Final Rule” (April 29, 2005), SSO Program Managers (PMs) are designated by their States to oversee the safety and security of the rail transit agencies operating within their state borders. Understanding that the resources of state agencies are increasingly limited yet the need for qualified rail safety oversight personnel continues, this program offers direct financial assistance to PMs for components of this training curriculum. The goal of this program is to have each SSO complete the five core courses to achieve TSI’s Transit System Safety & Security Certification by the end of FY 2010. SSOs are also encouraged to take three additional advanced courses, at no cost to the agency, for additional industry certifications.
Approach
Initially, BCG contacted each PM to determine what TSI or related training each Manager had already completed or who had already received the TSI Safety and Security Certificate. We then developed a two-tiered individualized training program (ITP) for each of the 28 PMs. We organized the ITP according to a yearly schedule, and issue certifications to PMs annually. We submit a monthly progress report to FTA depicting a number of training statistics, including training attendance, individuals who have earned the TSI TSS Certification, those expected to earn the TSS Certificate during the current fiscal year, and expectations for PM Tier One and Tier Two completion.
Results
Since we initiated this process, seven PMs achieved the TSS Certification. Seven already maintained the certification. Twelve additional SSOs are expected to achieve TSS certification by the end of FY2010. We expect the final two PMs to achieve TSS Certification by the end of FY2011. One PM Program Manager has been awarded the World Safety Organization Safety Specialist certification. This effort has increased the ability of PMs to effectively administer their oversight programs.