Nov 15, 2009 6:59 pm US/Eastern
Feds Could Regulate Safety On Mass Transit
White House Hopes For Oversight Of Safety Regulations
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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, CBS station WCBS-TV reports.
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.
Unlike airplanes and highways, the nation's subways systems currently operate with no federal oversight.
This fact is unknown to many New York City subway riders.
"That makes me uncomfortable to hear that," subway rider Rhonda Jordan said. "I do take the subway quite often."
Some subway riders, however, aren't so pleased with the idea of a government takeover.
"I think too much is put on the federal government, that's my opinion," rider Mildred Chandler said.
The MTA in New York issued this statement: "We look forward to working with (federal officials) and congress on practical and cost-effective ways to enhance safety."
Assuming the measure passes and the feds order safety improvements, Schumer says the feds should also provide the money to pay for them.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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