PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Consumer Protection and Safety Division Rail Transit and Crossing Branch Rail Transit Safety Section |
Resolution ST-131 July 28, 2011 |
RESOLUTION ST-131. GRANTING APPROVAL OF THE SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM VINTAGE TROLLEY SAFETY CERTIFICATION PLAN __________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
This Resolution grants the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's (SDMTS) request for approval of its "Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan Project" dated May 9, 2011.
BACKGROUND
Commission General Order 164-D, Rules and Regulations Governing State Safety Oversight of Rail Fixed Guideway Systems, requires Rail Fixed Guideway Systems to prepare a project specific Safety Certification Plan (SCP) for each major project and ensure that all entities involved in design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project shall comply with its requirements. The SCP ensures that elements of the project critical to safety are planned, designed, constructed, analyzed, tested, inspected, and implemented. The SCP also ensures that training is provided and rules and procedures are followed.
By letter dated May 23, 2011, SDMTS submitted the "San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan" to CPUC staff (staff) for review and requested Commission approval. The scope of the Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan is to verify the vintage trolley rehabilitation project is in compliance with Commission General Order 143-B, Safety Rules and Regulations Governing Light Rail Vehicles.
SDMTS restored a historical Presidential Conference Car similar to those which served on the San Diego Railway System from 1936-1945. SDMTS plans to restore five additional Vintage Trolleys for revenue service in the downtown San Diego area.
NOTICE
Notice of the filing was made in the Commission's Daily Calendar, July 18, 2011.
PROTESTS
No protests or objections have been filed with the Commission.
DISCUSSION
The SCP verifies Operations and Vintage Trolley maintenance manuals are established, rules and procedures are written, and operations personnel are trained in the rules and procedures before Vintage Trolley revenue service commences.
The Vintage Trolley will operate on existing railroad tracks in downtown San Diego in a clockwise direction starting from the 12th and Imperial Transit Center Station, along Harbor Drive through the America Plaza Station, east on C Street, south on Park Blvd., and back to the 12th and Imperial Transit Center Station. The Vintage Trolley revenue service is initially scheduled for mid-day weekend service in between San Diego Trolley, Inc. revenue service trains.
The SCP is filed by SDMTS as required by General Order 164-D. SDMTS worked with staff to ensure the safety certification plan is comprehensive. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
COMMENTS
This is an uncontested matter in which the resolution grants the relief requested. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 311(g) (2) of the Public Utilities Code and Rule 14.6(c)(2) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, the otherwise applicable 30-day period for public review and comment is waived.
FINDINGS
1. By letter dated May 23, 2011, SDMTS submitted its "San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan" to staff for review and Commission approval.
2. The scope of the Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan is to verify the Vintage Trolley rehabilitation project is in compliance with Commission General Order 143-B, Safety Rules and Regulations Governing Light Rail Vehicles.
3. The SCP verifies Operations and Vintage Trolley maintenance manuals are established, rules and procedures are written, and operations personnel are trained in the rules and procedures before Vintage Trolley revenue service commences.
4. The Vintage Trolley will operate on existing railroad tracks in downtown San Diego in a clockwise direction starting from the 12th and Imperial Transit Center Station, along Harbor Drive through the America Plaza Station, east on C Street, south on Park Blvd., and back to the 12th and Imperial Transit Center Station.
5. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED THAT:
1. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's (SDMTS) request for approval of its "Vintage Trolley Safety Certification Plan" is granted.
2. This Resolution is effective today.
I certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, passed and adopted at a conference of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California held on July 28, 2011, the following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:
/s/ Paul Clanon |
PAUL CLANON Executive Director |
Appendix A
