The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to reestablish the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) for a two-year charter.
TRACS was first established in 2009 as an initiative to provide advice and recommendations to FTA on transit safety matters. The previous charter expired in September 2021.
“TRACS will be tasked with providing advice and recommendations on improvements and innovations in transit safety. TRACS will review current challenges and innovations in public transportation and provide recommendations that FTA can implement in support of safety in the public transportation sector,” a notice in the Federal Register read.
Over the years, TRACS has made recommendations on non-punitive close call reporting systems, state oversight models, improving safety culture, fatigue management, preventing and mitigating transit worker assaults, roadway worker protection and trespass and suicide prevention, as well as many other safety topics.
FTA says a solicitation seeking membership nominations will be published in the coming weeks. TRACS membership has previously consisted of transit and safety stakeholders from state, union, private company and public transportation entities.
“The U.S. Department of Transportation and FTA are committed to ensuring the safety of the nation's public transportation systems and reducing the safety risk to both riders and transit workers. Accordingly, the secretary of transportation has determined that reestablishing TRACS is necessary and in the public interest,” the Federal Register notice read.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
