The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced on March 18, 2019, that firm client the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC), a newly-established interstate agency, is now authorized to oversee safety on the Washington Metro system.  Federal legislation enacted in 2012 established a nationwide framework for safety oversight of America’s rail transit systems, setting the stage for the creation of the WMSC.  The WMSC is the nation’s only multi-jurisdictional state safety oversight agency (SSOA), and its Board consists of representatives from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell serves as outside general counsel to the WMSC, providing advice on governance, administration, procurement, coordination with FTA and WMATA, and the regulations governing the WMSC’s transit safety oversight activities.