The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) was tasked by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with overseeing and monitoring the implementation of safety procedures on the rail fixed-guideway public transportation system (streetcar system) run by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA).

LADOTD has selected DCCM for seven consecutive three year contracts to assist with designing, implementing, and maintaining a MAP-21 compliant State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program. This project was focused on developing an enhanced oversight program to ensure public safety on the streetcar system. The project was critical to securing federal funding streams in Louisiana. DCCM assisted with the following technical services:

• Provided assistance to LADOTD with implementing the ‘Certification Work Plan’ (CWP) submitted to FTA outlining the steps to develop a MAP-21 compliant SSO Program
• Developed a new SSO Program standard detailing the duties and powers of the LADOTD SSO program to oversee rail fixed-guideway public transportation systems in the state
• Provided new audit procedures to oversee implementation of enhanced safety systems
• In coordination with the LADOTD SSO, managed the paperwork flow between rail fixed-guideway operators and LADOTD regarding compliance with LADOTD State Standard
• Assisted LADOTD at meetings with operators on rail fixed-guideway public transportation safety compliance
• Assisted LADOTD in ensuring compliance of the certified MAP-21 SSO Program including, but not limited to track inspection activities, reviewing design plans for new service lines, conducting accident investigations, and conducting facility inspections.