Obama Administration Seeks Federal Regulation of Nation's Subways

Fox News ^ | December 4, 2009 | Brian Wilson

[yoe]

Brushing aside tradition, the Obama administration is pushing for federal authority to regulate the nation's subway and light commuter rail systems following last summer's subway crash in Washington, D.C., that left nine people dead.

Next week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will formally ask Congress to give his department authority to regulate and oversee those rail systems, a move that some Republicans on Capitol Hill worry is another alarming example of an ever-expanding federal government.

"In this case, it sounds good, safety and enforcement over transit systems, but it may not be that effective," Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., told Fox News. "It could be costly but not that effective."

Nearly 10 million people across the country rely on subways and commuter rail systems each day. Experts insist it's safer to ride a subway in a major metropolitan area than to drive to work. But as systems age and budgets tighten, there are concerns that local subway systems are becoming more prone to accidents.

Historically, the federal government has left oversight of the subway systems to the states, unlike other forms of transportation.

But after the subway collision in Washington, LaHood decided it was time for the federal government to get more involved.

In June, a Metro transit train smashed into the rear of another at the height of the capital city's evening rush hour, killing nine people and injuring 76 others as the front end of the trailing train jackknifed violently into the air and fell atop the first.

It was the worst accident in the Metrorail system's 33-year history. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the cause and will hold public hearings in February.

LaHood has the unqualified support of the NTSB.

[yoe]

The name (Ray LaHood) is all you have to look at. This will be as well run as AMTRACK and as efficient as the thousands of Washington Bureaucrats - just another Obama take over from cities and state run transportation...air ports are next? How about those toll roads using bail out money...ain't government grand?!

[stephenjohnbanker]

Ya can’t even buy a sandwich without this Marxist creeps approval ;-)

[rosettasister]

LOL!

[cranked]

Maybe Barry would be better off officially suspending the Constitution, proclaim a dictatorship, and just take everything over....../s

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

This is why infrastructure funds are drying up.

Time to hustle everyone into filthy big cities, while the elites can live on hundred-acre properties with mansions.

[Eleutheria5]

That’s all we need. The federal government in there, along with the NYC MTA, to make sure that the five boroughs get safe, efficient, cost-effective serv—BWAHAHAHAHA! Couldn’t finish it with a straight face.

[SumProVita]

You have GOT to be kidding....

[Cobra64]

"Obama Administration Seeks Federal Regulation of Nation's Subways"

"When does this end?!"

[paulycy]

Maybe Barry would be better off officially suspending the Constitution, proclaim a dictatorship, and just take everything over....../s

Have patience. It seems like he's getting there.

[hoosier hick]

LaHood has the unqualified support of the NTSB.

Sounds like another (union) jobs program. After all, the Feds have done so well with Amtrak....

hh

[usconservative]

Ya can’t even buy a sandwich without this Marxist creeps approval ;-)

Yeah, there' goes the $5 ..... $5 dollar ........ $5 dollar foot long

[Vince Ferrer]

Historically, the federal government has left oversight of the subway systems to the states, unlike other forms of transportation.

Historically, we had a tenth amendment to our constitution.

[allmost]

The obama administration needs to regulate our health care, take over our banks, take over our auto companies, regulate our internet (it is coming, check the White House visitor logs). They need to regulate our energy usage, the energy suppliers themselves, our mortgage holders are having their hands tied as we type, our small farmers are in for a nasty surprise when the already passed legislation goes into effect.

Let's see... Food, air, shelter, health, transportation all under obama's thumb. This ain't creeping socialism, it's a sprint to the finish.

[neodad]

Don’t they already regulate the one in D.C., which is where the crash was?

[IGBT]

is it true they want fed regulation at day care centers next??

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The subway crash was caused by the lower standards required by affirmative action, so naturally we need more affirmative action in the subway business, because there haven't been enough crashes.

[stephenjohnbanker]

“is it true they want fed regulation at day care centers next??”

mmmmmmmmmm...mmmmmmmmm.....mmmmmmmmm

[eleni121]

They’re back.....Stalin’s stepchildren on the march.

[Political Junkie Too]

Are there any interstate subways? What's the basis for federal regulation?

-PJ

[stephenjohnbanker]

Well, Obama blames small business for “hoarding profits”. It’s on your blog too!

Please pass the Mussolini Mustard, please........