Assessment of Rail Safety Governance in Washington State, Olympia WA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Assessment of Rail Safety Governance in Washington State SCOPE OF WORK Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations to the legislature on improving rail safety governance in Washington state, by class of rail where applicable. The study must assess rail safety governance for freight and passenger rail including rail transit services. The study will include: A description and assessment of the current roles and responsibilities of federal, state, regional and local agencies, their organizational structures and processes, and interagency coordination efforts. A description of the anticipated effects of the adoption of 49. C.F.R. Part 270 on these roles and responsibilities. Consultation with agencies involved in rail safety oversight. An examination of rail safety governance best practices in other states including safety oversight of rail project design and construction. Development of recommendations for the implementation of best practices for rail safety governance in Washington state.