Rail Transit covers light rail, rapid rail, and cable cars. These are distinguished from railroads in that they do not share tracks with other trains and are powered by an outside source, such as electricity, which might run through a third rail or overhead wires, or a cable. The Commission's authority over transit agencies is based in state law and delegated by the Federal Transit Administration. The six major transit systems regulated by the Commission are:
The Commission also provides safety oversight for Angel's Flight Funicular, Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line, and the San Francisco Intermodal AirTrain System at San Francisco International Airport. The PUC's Rail Transit Safety Section is responsible for overseeing the safety of public transit guideways. The Commission's program ensures that transit agencies have and follow system safety programs that integrate safety in all facets of transit system operations. Every three years staff audits the transit agencies on the agencies' adherence to the system safety programs. Commission staff also review the design of new systems and system extensions, work with transit agencies to mitigate safety hazards, inspect construction to ensure conformance with applicable standards, and audit the safety certification practices of transit systems. Commission staff oversee the safety of operations, including accident investigations and resolution of safety related complaints.)
