Obama administration urges oversight of U.S. Light Rail Systems

The Obama administration will propose oversight of the nations light-rail and subway systems, suggesting state agencies have been negligent in ensuring passenger safety.

Should the proposal pass, the U.S. Department of Transportation would become responsible for regulating America’s light-rails and subways, much like the current federal oversight of Amtrak. Public mass transit in many major U.S. cities would be effected. The proposal is a result of concern over a growing number of subway and light-rail related accidents in recent months, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries to passengers. The direness of the situation was brought to the attention of D.C. lawmakers following a fatal collision June 23rd, 2009 in the District of Columbia. According to a spokesperson for D.C. Metro, the additional oversight will be “welcomed with open arms”. Although safety experts are praising the new proposal, some republicans in Washington have voiced concern, feeling federal regulation should only apply to systems that cross state lines. Still, most lawmakers are optimistic. Full details of the proposal have not yet been revealed. The current law, passed in 1965 prohibits the regulation of subways. Many believe, however, the law is simply outdated and ineffectual. Amtrak and other commuter train services are routinely inspected by the federal government.