Overview

The Office of Safety Oversight and Compliance is responsible for establishing the framework for coordinated and cooperative review of safety activities within FTA, in accordance with the new Safety Management System (SMS) approach. Additionally, the office oversees transit accident investigations.

This office reviews, oversees and maintains transit safety policy compliance and monitoring compliance of technical assistance to transit industry stakeholders.

Dr. Melonie Barrington, Director

Dr. Melonie Barrington is the Director of the Office of Safety Oversight and Compliance in the FTA Office of Transit Safety and Oversight (TSO). As Director, Dr. Barrington oversees the Drug & Alcohol, State Safety Oversight, Accident Investigation and Emergency Management programs. 

Dr. Barrington has over 20 years of government experience spanning all aspects of transportation systems and programs. She began her Federal career in 2011 as a Transportation Specialist with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Safety where she worked with FHWA Division Offices and State and local partners on safety and grant programs. Before joining FTA, Dr. Barrington spent the last five years leading the Transportation Training Development Section for the FHWA, National Highway Institute that provides technical training and resource materials to the transportation community across the country and U.S. territories in over seventeen transportation areas. 

She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University, Master of Engineering in Project Management from the University of Maryland and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. Dr. Barrington is a licensed professional engineer.