Overview

The Office of Safety Management’s mission is to drive continuous improvements in transit safety through the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) methods and principles. The office works to achieve this mission by establishing effective policies for SMS adoption in the transit industry; identifying, prioritizing, and managing safety risk; and establishing a needs-based Safety Promotion Program.

The four main components of the Office of Safety Management's work and the associated office activities are outlined below. These components align with the elements of SMS.

Safety Policy

• Develop and implement policies and guidance regarding transit safety. 

Safety Risk Management

• Proactively address safety concerns impacting the transit industry and systematically apply FTA’s statutory oversight authority to improve the safety of the nation’s transit systems.

Safety Assurance

• Ensure the effective implementation of safety risk mitigations through the collection, analysis, and assessment of industry safety data. 

Safety Promotion

• Develop and provide training, tools, educational resources, and technical assistance to the transit industry.