Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection (RWP)

This is a new information collection request (ICR) associated with a Final Rulemaking titled "Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection" (RWP). The FTA published the NPRM for the RWP regulation on March 25, 2024. There were no comments received on the NPRM associated with the information collection burden or costs; instead, most comments came from labor unions, academic institutions, trades, individuals, and State DOTs, all expressing support for the proposed rule to enhance the safety of rail transit workers. The respondents for this information collection will be Rail Transit Agencies (RTAs) that operate fixed guideway public transportation systems and State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) that oversee those rail systems. This regulation is the first to mandate worker protection standards across all rail transit agencies. The Final Rulemaking will establish minimum RWP safety standards aimed at preventing accidents, fatalities, and injuries among transit workers who access the roadway as part of their duties. It will also outline safety rules, practices, and methods designed to improve both roadway worker safety and operational efficiency. Most of the information collected under this program is already being gathered, as all RTAs have some form of RWP protections in place. RTAs currently manage risks using various RWP strategies. This program is mandatory for obtaining or retaining federal financial assistance, and the information collection from RTAs and SSOAs is intended for reporting purposes to ensure compliance with specific safety standards. RTAs are required to create, maintain, and distribute an RWP manual to document their RWP program and clarify the responsibilities of both the RTA and rail transit workers. This information will be collected at least every two years, either through reports or existing audit processes. The FTA has not established a template for the RWP manual, intentionally allowing flexibility for RTAs to develop compliant programs that suit their size and complexity. Based on feedback from FTA Advisory 14-1, the FTA estimates that most RTAs already have formal standalone RWP programs, which they can adjust as needed using their existing Safety Management System (SMS) processes, with regulatory standards serving as a baseline. While RTAs must document their programs and clarify responsibilities, they have the freedom to format the manual according to their preferences.

The latest form for Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) expires 2028-01-31 and can be found here.

State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) Annual Report Submittal

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Ground Transportation