NC H1026

Expands Department of Transportation authority to oversee safety of fixed guideway public transportation systems not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 U.S.C. § 5329 and § 5330.

Requires the Department to examine and inspect rail fixed guideway systems, equipment, and facilities for safety; notify operators of unsafe conditions; and require necessary repairs.

Directs the Department to conduct accident prevention programs, investigate rail system accidents meeting reporting thresholds, and require operators to report accidents.

Mandates the Department review, approve, oversee, and enforce each rail system's safety plan as required by federal law, with mandatory triennial audits of compliance.

Requires the Department to provide annual safety status reports to the Federal Transit Administration, the Governor, and each rail system's board of directors; prohibits receiving funding from regulated rail systems for these oversight activities.