1. A. This SSOPS was developed in compliance with 49 CFR Part 674 and aspects of the previous Louisiana State Standard developed under 49 CFR Part 659. This SSOPS, along with Louisiana Revised Statute 48:214, give the SSOA the necessary authority to administer the enhanced oversight of RFGPTS in Louisiana as envisioned in 49 CFR Part 674. An accompanying procedures manual has been created to address changes in industry standards, safety-related guidance from FTA, and general procedural or administrative changes to standard operating practices between the SSOA and RTA. The creation of the SSO Procedures Manual reduces the legislative and administrative burden on the SSOA.
2. B. Review and Revision. The SSOPS policy document and Procedures Manual are reviewed at least annually. Any changes to either document are submitted to FTA (and as appropriate to the RTA) for review with the annual report by March 15 of each year. Additionally, changes in procedures may be addressed at any time as needed.
3. C. Minimum Safety Standards. The SSOPS policy document, along with Louisiana Revised Statute 48:214, provides the SSOA the necessary authority to develop any rules and/or regulations necessary to enforce minimum safety standards of operation by RFGPTS operators in the state of Louisiana. This policy document requires all Louisiana RTAs to meet or exceed any nationally recognized safety standards for operating rail fixed guideway public transportation systems. The SSOA Procedures Manual will contain any minimum safety standards deemed necessary beyond those developed by the RTA to facilitate safe operations or published by the FTA in the National Public Transportation Safety Plan or those developed by industry recognized leaders such as the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), etc. The SSOA will provide written notice of updates posted in the Procedures Manual and all Louisiana RTAs will be required to adhere to those rules and procedures.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 48:214; 49 C.F.R Part 674; 49 U.S.C. § 5329.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Transportation and Development, Office of Multimodal Commerce, LR 44:923 (May 2018), amended LR 52:361 (March 2026).