Attach. A cover sheet to Res. ST-73
AirTrain Safety Audit Title Page to Res. ST-73
AirTrain 2004 Audit to Res. ST-73
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PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Consumer Protection and Safety Division

Rail Transit Safety Section

    Resolution ST-73

    December 2, 2004

R E S O L U T I O N

RESOLUTION ST-73 GRANTING APPROVAL OF A REPORT ON THE 2004 SAFETY AUDIT OF THE AIRTRAIN, SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Summary

This resolution approves the Consumer Protection and Safety Division's (CPSD) Rail Transit Safety Section final audit report titled, "AIRTRAIN SAFETY AUDIT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT," dated October 26, 2004. The San Francisco International Airport is ordered to implement the recommendations contained in the report and to provide quarterly progress reports to the Rail Transit Safety Section.

Background

Commission General Order No. 164-C, "Rules and Regulations Governing State Safety Oversight of Rail Fixed Guideway Systems" require the staff, to conduct on-site safety reviews of transit agencies operating Rail Fixed Guideway Systems at least once every three years.

Staff of the Rail Transit Safety Section conducted an on-site safety audit of AirTrain and its safety program beginning May 17 and concluding June 2, 2004. Staff conducted a post-audit exit conference with AirTrain management on Thursday June 9, 2004.

The methods used to conduct the audit included:

a. Interviews with AirTrain employees at all levels from rank and file through AirTrain management;

b. Reviews of design, construction, procurement, testing, training, operation and maintenance programs;

c. Reviews of records and procedures;

d. Observation of operations and maintenance activities and;

e. Inspections of equipment and facilities;

A full description of the audit, including the scope, results, and recommendations, is contained in the final audit report, which is attached to this resolution as Attachment A.

The results of the audit show that AirTrain is in substantial compliance with its System Safety Program. However, some program deficiencies were identified during the audit. These deficiencies, along with recommendations for corrective actions, are described, where applicable, in the Activities/Findings/Comments section of each checklist and in the Findings and Recommendations section contained in the body of the final report. A complete listing of recommendations for the correction of each identified deficiency is contained in the report's Appendix B.

Protests

Staff provided a preliminary report of the audit to AirTrain for a 30-day review and comment period on August 31, 2004. On September 16, 2004, Staff met with AirTrain's Safety Department, and resolved most issues regarding the report.

Discussion

Attachment A, the final report concerning the "AIRTRAIN SAFETY AUDIT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT," dated October 26, 2004, is based on staff's findings and includes staff's recommendations.

AirTrain has stated to staff that it is working to develop corrective action plans for the deficiencies identified in the report and has initiated actions on some plans. AirTrain will provide regular quarterly updates concerning the status of its corrective actions until they are completed.

CPSD recommends that the Commission approve the Rail Transit Safety Section's final audit report titled, "AIRTRAIN SAFETY AUDIT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT," dated October 26, 2004. CPSD also recommends that the Commission order AirTrain to:

· Submit a report to the Rail Transit Safety Section, which includes the status of the corrective actions for safety program deficiencies identified during the audit;

· Submit plans and schedules for implementing or completing the recommended corrective actions contained in the report;

· Implement the recommendations in accordance with the plans and schedules submitted, and;

· Provide the Rail Transit Safety Section with quarterly reports on the status of the corrective actions until they are completed and implemented.

Comments

Public Utilities Code section 311(g)(1) provides that this resolution must be served on all parties and subject to at least 30 days public review and comment prior to a vote of the Commission.

Resolution ST-73 was mailed to AirTrain on October 26, 2004.

Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that:

1. The Consumer Protection and Safety Division's request for approval of the Rail Transit Safety Section's final audit report titled, "AIRTRAIN SAFETY AUDIT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT," dated October 26, 2004, is granted.

2. AirTrain shall submit to the Rail Transit Safety Section, plans and schedules for implementing all recommended corrective actions contained in the final audit report. Those plans and schedules shall be submitted no later than 45 days from the effective date of this resolution.

3. AirTrain shall complete and implement all recommended corrective actions contained in the report, in accordance with plans and schedules submitted to the Rail Transit Safety Section.

4. AirTrain shall prepare and provide quarterly status reports, beginning in January 2005, to the Rail Transit Safety Section. The reports shall

5. This resolution is effective today.

I certify that this resolution was adopted by the Public Utilities Commission at its regular meeting held on December 2, 2004. The following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:

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