On the national level, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has authority over rail safety. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) holds that role on the state level.
Under federal regulations, both the FRA and the NCDOT work together to inspect North Carolina's 3,500 miles of railroad track in addition to thousands of cars and locomotives that pass through the state on a regular basis.
 FRA inspectors, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, must cover not only both Carolinas, but parts of northern Georgia, and eastern Tennessee. With such a large territory, inspectors with the NCDOT Rail Division carry a substantial responsibility for inspecting rail operations in the Tar Heel state.
On a routine inspection, these workers look for unsafe conditions and deviations from safety regulations. This review includes both a visual examination and physical measurements, often in the presence of railroad personnel. At the conclusion, the railroad receives a copy of the findings, as the railroads are primarily responsible for the upkeep of their track.
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Jurisdiction and Oversight
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Federal Railroad Administration
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Federal Transit Administration
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NCDOT
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NCDOT
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Heavy Rail
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Charlotte Area Transit
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Amtrak
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Triangle Transit Authority
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Piedmont Authority for Regional Transit
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If during a follow-up inspection it’s determined that the defect has not be properly addressed, the inspector may issue a violation report. The report is shared with the FRA and could result in civil penalties for the railroad. Inspectors are careful to note that their purpose is not to fine the railroads, but rather to ensure safe and efficient travel for freight and passengers.
Rail Fixed Guideway Systems
In addition to overseeing heavy rail, the NCDOT is also responsible for rail fixed guideway systems (RFGS). Commonly referred to as "transit agencies", the RFGS include any light or rapid transit system, monorail, trolley, or automated guideway that is not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration.
North Carolina and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) oversee the safety and standards of three transit agencies:
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
- Triangle Transit Authority (TTA)
- Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART)
Each transit agency is required to submit a detailed report that shows compliance with the State’s Safety and Security Program Plan (SSPP). These reports must describe the controls used to coordinate and communicate changes and updates with the NCDOT.
The transit agencies are also required to perform an internal audit of safety activities that have been undertaken throughout the year. This audit also measures the compliance of each transit agency with the SSPP.
The NCDOT conducts its own comprehensive, on-site review of each transit agency or RFGS once every three years. Upon completing this review, the NCDOT issues a final report, including resolutions as discussed with the RFGS, and in some cases, open action items. The NCDOT communicates with the FTA the safety and security of the transit agencies.
Contact: George Young
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