Date: 9/26/2017
Number: 2017-12

FTA is hosting a critical training opportunity, the Joint State Safety Oversight and Rail Transit Agency Workshop in Arlington, VA (Washington, DC area). This workshop will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 and will conclude at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2017.

The workshop will focus on effective rail transit system safety, current oversight responsibilities, and SSO final rule (49 CFR Part 674) certification and implementation. Also of critical importance, this workshop will provide an opportunity to talk with your State DOT and RTA peers to discuss best practices and challenges that each faces setting up an SSO program and work towards FTA Certification by April 2019. FTA expects each SSO Agency (SSOA) to have at least one representative in attendance at the workshop. The workshop is open to all SSO staff, SSO contractors, and RTA safety and operations personnel and their contractors.

Tentative agenda topics to be addressed include:

Eligible Expense in FTA's SSO Grant Program

Attendance at FTA's SSO workshop is an eligble expense under SSO formula grant program funding. As specified in 49 U.S.C. §5329(c)(4), "Grant funds may be used for program operational and administrative expenses, including employee training activities."

Workshop Registration

There is no registration fee. A block of hotel rooms is available at the workshop location for attendees to utilize. The group rate is available until October 9, 2017, and is subject to availability. 

The Westin Arlington Gateway

801 North Glebe Road
Arlington VA 22203 United States
Phone: 703-717-6200

Registration is currently available and remains open until Monday, October 16, 2017, or until registration is full. I encourage you to register and make hotel reservations before Monday October 9, 2017, to ensure your agency is able to participate. To register please follow the steps below:

• Click on the following link to register for the Workshop: Joint State Safety Oversight and Rail Transit Agency Workshop Registration
• If you do not receive a confirmation message, please email the registrar, Shannon Ross to ensure that you are properly registered. 

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact Juan Morrison or call 202-366-7005. If you have any region related questions about the SSO program, please contact Katherine Berrillo or call 215-656-7257.

Our office looks forward to our continued efforts as we work together to ensure your SSOA is certified as compliant with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 674 well in advance of the April 15, 2019 deadline.