FTA Oversight Procedures - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

communicate with the vehicle manufacturer about its design, manufacture feasibility and timing; or to
ensure that a realistic schedule is produced in a reasonable period so that opportunities for action are
not foreclosed.
Review the Project Sponsor’s package outlining its proposed method to meet the DOT’s ADA
regulations concerning level boarding for all stations.
6.3 Final Design, FFGA, Construction, Revenue Operations
Upon a determination of feasibility by FTA, review the project’s plans and specifications, and conduct
site visits during construction and revenue operations to verify compliance with the Project Sponsor’s
approved level boarding solution for all stations.
6.4 General Information
Concept of “undue burden”
Additional costs associated with achieving level boarding are generally not a factor in the DOT’s
determination of feasibility. However, if these costs become so high that they create an “undue
burden” to the Project Sponsor, these costs would be considered in the DOT’s determination of
feasibility. (Undue burden means that some burden is “due” or expected of the Project Sponsor.
An increase to costs may not rise to the level of undue burden or infeasibility.) There is no
specific cost threshold for an “undue” burden.
DOT’s Level Boarding Team
DOT’s Level Boarding Team includes representatives from OST, FTA and FRA. The primary
points of contacts are as follows:
• OST: Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement, Office of
General Counsel 202-366-4723
• FTA: Director, Office of Civil Rights, 202-366-4018
Chief Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, 202-366-4063
Associate Administrator, Office of Program Management, 202-366-4020
Associate Administrator, Office of Planning & Environment, 202-366-4033
• FRA: Program Manager, Railroad Operations, Office of Railroad Development,
202-493-6381
Program Manager, Environmental Programs, Office of Railroad
Development, 202-366-6381
Associate Administrator, Office of Railroad Development, 202-493-6381
The Level Boarding Team is a valuable resource that can help the Project Sponsor, PMOC,
FTA regional and headquarters staff (i.e., New Starts Team members) identifies and resolves
level boarding issues. Failure to communicate with the Level Boarding Team can result in
project delays (usually at the most inopportune time).
The determination of feasibility or infeasibility of the Project Sponsor’s level boarding
proposal will be made by FTA after recommendations from FRA and DOT.
OP 41 ADA Review – Level Boarding for Commuter Rail
Revision 0, June 2008
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