Background 

The Federal Transit Administration’s adoption of the Public Transportation Agency Safet Plans (PTASP) regulation requires that federally funded transit agencies develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) framework to enhance the safety of public transportation in the United States.

Since it’s adoption, the transit industry’s understanding and application of SMS have evolved significantly, with varying levels of implementation across agencies. While some transit agencies have successfully integrated SMS principles into their safety practices, others face challenges in achieving full compliance and realizing the benefits of a proactive safety culture. Given this information, there is a need to assess how transit agencies interpret and apply SMS, identify common challenges, and document effective strategies, tools, and promotional activities that facilitate successful adoption and implementation.

A comprehensive understanding of SMS adoption is critical for transit agencies to proactively address gaps in safety practices as well as enhance their safety culture before potential incidents occur. By identifying and observing effective SMS implementation strategies, this research could enhance safety outcomes, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and strengthen public confidence in transit safety.

Synthesis Objective 

This synthesis will examine industry-wide SMS adoption through case examples assessing the industry’s application of the four components of SMS:

• Safety policy,
• Safety risk management,
• Safety assurances, and
• Safety promotion

This synthesis will document successful activities and tools that enhance SMS effectiveness that help transit agencies strengthen their safety management capabilities as well as identifying any implementation challenges. This research aims to establish a foundation for improved safety management across transit agencies.