Staff recommends City Council approve and adopt the updated MET Transit Agency Safety Plan as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the final rule covered by 49 CFR Part 673.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) developed and published a final rule for Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans as authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21), requiring operators of public transportation systems who receive Federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 to develop Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans based on the Safety Management System approach. Operators of public transportation systems were required to implement these safety plans by December 31, 2020. The development and implementation of these safety plans helps to ensure that public transportation systems are safe nationwide.  In order to meet this requirement, MET staff has developed and maintains the MET Transit Agency Safety Plan in accordance with and guidance from the FTA. The overall structure and practices outlined by the Plan will continue to be implemented with both the body and related appendices updated at least annually and as needed. As MET recently completed its first annual review of the plan, it has updated language in the body primarily regarding Safety Risk Mitigation, Safety Promotion, and related appendices based upon further development throughout the course of the plan's first year. This Plan covers all areas of the City of Billings MET Transit operation in regards to safety including vehicle operation, passenger service, fleet and facility maintenance, and administration.   As outlined by the final rule in 49 CFR Part 673, this Plan requires review and approval of the Plan by the transit agency's governing board, the Billings City Council, upon creation of the plan and when updates to the body of the plan occur.

City Council may:

• Approve the MET Transit Agency Safety Plan, ensuring compliance with FTA regulations; or
• Not Approve the MET Transit Agency Safety Plan.  This action would put the receipt of Federal funding in jeopardy, placing a significant financial strain on both the capital and operational needs of the MET Transit division and impair the City's ability to provide transit services to the population of Billings. 

At this time, there will be no additional financial impact, as the MET Transit division intends to continue utilizing existing personnel and resources to fulfill the requirements of the MET Transit Agency Safety Plan. However, as the plan continues to develop, additional capital and or operational resources may be necessary.