Resolutions Granting RTAs Exemptions from GOs
Rules established by the Commission are called General Orders (GOs). A list of GOs relevant to Rail Transit Agencies (RTAs) is available on the Rail Transit Rules and Regulations page.
RTAs regulated by the CPUC may request an exemption from specific section(s) of a GO, if the request is supported by a full justification and demonstration safety is not reduced. CPUC ‘s Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB) Staff cannot grant exemptions from GOs. All exemptions from GOs must be approved by a majority vote of the five Commissioners at a public meeting.
RTSB Staff reviews RTA requests for exemptions from GOs, and if Staff determines the RTA’s justification has merit and demonstrates safety will not be compromised or reduced by their proposal, Staff prepares a resolution granting the RTA’s request for consideration by the Commissioners at one of their regularly scheduled public voting meetings. If Staff does not agree or support the RTA’s request, the RTA may seek approval by filing an Application with the Commission seeking approval of their request.
Listed below is a complete listing of Commission Resolutions granting variances to RTAs, sorted by RTA name and then Resolution number.
Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)
Resolution ST-77 (issued 04/21/2005)
Authorizes BART to deviate from General Order 95, Rules 79.4-B and 79.4-D and cancels Resolution SU-12 (1992)Resolution ST-177 (issued 12/17/2015)
Grants BART a waiver from GO 143-B, Section 9.06, clearances for platform between-car-barriers for the e-BART extensionResolution ST-173 (issued 05/07/2015), Attachment to Resolution ST-173
GO 95 Variance for SVBX (BART extension to San Jose): approves SVBX fencing variance to GO 95 section 79.4 A and BGrants BART a permanent variance to General Order 175, Section 8.4a for the job classification station agent and a permanent modification from G. O. 175 Sections 6.1.c, 6.3.d.i, and 6.3.e such that the Automatic Train Operations speed codes of 27 miles per hour is incorporated as the maximum restricted speed for train protection
Resolution ST-184 (issued 10/12/2016), Appendix A to Resolution ST-184
Grants BART Warm Springs Extension a variance from GO 95, Section 79.4 (A) and (B) on fencing requirements
BART Oakland Airport Connector (OAC)
Resolution ST-179 (issued 12/17/2014)
Grants BART’s Oakland Airport Connector (BART OAC) a permanent variance from General Order 175, Sections 6.1.c, 6.3.d.i, and 6.3.e, such that the Automatic Train Operations (ATO) speed codes of 28.4 miles per hour is incorporated as the maximum restricted speed for train protection
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA)
Resolution ST-7 (issued 01/10/1992)
Grants Deviation from GO -26D Sec 9 for Metro Red Line LRT: grants deviation from G0-26D Sec. 9 in the construction and operation of the Metro Red Line Transit SystemResolution ST-12 (issued 07/20/1994)
Temporary Exemption from GO-143A Sec 12.02, Requirements for Class B Commercial Driver's License: grants a temporary exemption from GO-143A Section 12.02 requirements for Class B commercial driver's License with passenger transportation endorsementResolution ST-13 (issued 10/26/1994)
Exemption from GO 143-A Sec 9.06c (2), Side Clearance: grants LACMTA an exemption from General Order 143-A, Section 9.06 c (2) side clearance requirements at specified locations along the Pasadena Blue Line right of wayResolution ST-15 (issued 11/22/1994)
Exemption from GO-127 Sec 3.9 for Metro Green Line: grants LACMTA an exemption for the Metro Green Line from GO-127 Sec. 3.9, allowing a 2 second time delay in automatic braking following train movement signal is interrupted for longer than one secondResolution ST-16 (issued 11/22/1994)
Exemption from GO-143A Sec 7.06 and GO-127 Sec 3.6 for Metro Green Line: grants LACMTA an exemption for the Metro Green Line from GO-143A Section 7.06 and GO-127 Sec. 3.6, allowing use of airport runway type signalsResolution ST-17 (issued 11/22/1994)
Exemption from GO-127 Sec 3.8b for Metro Green Line: grants LACMTA an exemption for the Metro Green Line from GO-127 Sec. 3.8b speed distance profileResolution ST-19 (issued 03/16/1995; eff.03/17/1995)
Exemption from GO-143A Sec 7.04 and Table 1 for Metro Green Line on St Patrick's Day 1995: grants LACMTA an exemption for the Metro Green Line from the maximum speed limit requirements of GO-143A Section 7.04 and Table 1 for ceremonial operations on St. Patrick's Day on 3/17/95Resolution ST-63 (issued 07/10/2003)
Deviation from GO-95, Sec 7, Rule 74.4-E: grants Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority’s request to deviate from certain track overhead clearance requirements of General Order 95, Section VII, Rule 74.4-EResolution ST-66 (issued 12/04/2003)
Deviation from GO-143B, Personnel Refuge Area Clearance: grants Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority's request to deviate from the station platform personnel refuge area clearance requirements of General Order 143-BResolution ST-69 (issued 03/16/2004)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 10.07, Requirements of Disconnect Switches: grants Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority's request to deviate from the General Order 143-B, Section 10.07 Requirements of Disconnect SwitchesResolution ST-71 (issued 12/16/2004)
Exemption from GO-143B, Sec 12.02, Requirements for Train Operators: grants Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority an exemption from General Order 143-B, Section 12.02 Requirements for Train Operators.Resolution ST-72 (issued 01/13/2005)
Deviation from GO-95, Requirements of Min Clearance Between Overhead Wires and Structures: grants Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority's request to deviate from the General Order 95 requirements of minimum clearances between messenger wires and structures at Lake Avenue StationResolution ST-100 (issued 11/06/2008)
Temp Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.06 c (1), Clearances: grants LACMTA a temporary variance from General Order 143-B, Section 9.06 c (1) clearancesResolution ST-101 (issued 03/26/2009)
Permanent Variance from GO-143B, Sec 9.06c (1): grants LACMTA permanent variance from General Order 143-B, SECTION 9.06 c (1) ClearancesResolution ST-107 (issued 11/20/2009)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.06c (2), Clearances: grants LACMTA a variance from General Order 143-B, SECTION 9.06 c (2) ClearancesResolution ST-108 (issued 01/21/2010)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.06c (1), Clearances: grants LACMTA a variance from General Order 143-B, SECTION 9.06 c (1) CLEARANCES for between-car-barrier installationResolution ST-109 (issued 01/21/2010)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.05, Emergency Walkways: grants LACMTA a variance from General Order 143-B, SECTION 9.05 Emergency WalkwaysResolution ST-164 (issued 06/12/2014)
Waiver of GO 175 Section 6.03(d)(i) Flagging Requirements: grants the request of LACMTA for a variance to flagging requirements of General Order 175, Section 6.3 (d)(i). In lieu of using flags as a method of train control in a work zone along the rail transit Right-Of-Way, they proposed the use of an electronic early warning alarm system.Resolution ST-208 (issued 08/13/2018)
Variance from GO 143-B, Section 9.07 High-level PlatformsResolution ST-214 (issued 08/14/2018)
Variance from GO 143-B, Section 9.07 for the PTIDS: approval of LACMTA request for variance of GO 143-B Section 9.07, for a reduced platform refuge area at the Chinatown Station for a pilot project installing a Platform Track Intrusion Detection System (PTIDS)Resolution ST-243 (issued 11/08/2021)
Variance from GO 95 to allow reduced minimum clearance from 14 feet to 13 feet 9 inches between the running rails and overhead conductor rail in a 170-foot portion of Regional Rail Connector Transit Corridor ProjectNorth [San Diego] County Transit District (NCTD)
Resolution ST-68 (issued 12/18/2003)
Exemption from GO-143B, Sec 4.03, 5.02, 6.01 and 6.02: grants NCTD an exemption to General Order 143-B, Section Nos. 4.03 Brake Rates, 5.02 Stop Lights, 6.01 Anti Climber, and 6.02 Corner Post requirementsResolution ST-98 (issued 11/6/2008)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.06 c (1), Side Clearance: grants NCTD's request for a variance to General Order (GO) 143-B, Section No. 9.06 c (1) Side Clearance requirements on NCTD's Sprinter Line high level station platforms. The resolution also imposes special safety procedures on NCTD's Sprinter Line's high-level station platforms with retractable gangways.
Orange County Transportation Authority
Resolution ST-226 (issued 01/23/2020)
Exemption from GO-143B, Section 3.03. Grants OCTA's request for a variance from the rear vision mirror requirements of GO 143-B
Ports of Los Angeles (POLA) Streetcar (out of service)
Resolution ST-62 (issued 06/05/2003)
Partial Exemption from GO-143B: grants in part, and rejects in part, the Port of Los Angeles an exemption from various provisions of General Order 143-B
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SRTD)
Resolution ST-6 (issued 04/10/1991)
Temp Deviation from GO-26D, Sec 9.2 and GO-143 Sec 9.1-9.5 for San Jose Railroad Car #129: grants a temporary deviation from the side clearance requirements of GO-26D, Sec. 9.2 and the light rail vehicle requirements of GO 143, Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5 to operate San Jose Railroad Car #129 from April 15 through May 12, 1991 on its light rail line at and between Cathedral Square and 13th Street Stations in SacramentoResolution ST-42 (issued 07/08/1999)
Deviation from GO-95, Rule 37, Table 1, Case 3: grants SRTD a variance from Rule 37, Table 1, Case 3 of GO 95 requiring 19 feet minimum vertical clearance of light rail contact wires above thoroughfaresResolution ST-258 (issued 03/22/2024)
Deviation from GO-143-B, Section 3.03: grants SRTD a variance for their Low-Floor Siemens S700 vehicles to utilize camera system instead of two rear vision mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle, to allow the operator a view of the rear along both sides of the train for the full length of the train on tangent track.
San Diego Trolley, Inc (SDTI)
Resolution ST-9 (issued 07/22/1992)
Temporary Deviation from GO-26D, Sec 3.2, Side Clearance: grants a temporary variance from G0-26D Sec. 3.2 side clearances to permit operations at El Cajon Transportation CenterResolution ST-10 (issued 01/08/1993)
Exemption from GO-26D, Sec 2.1 and 14, and GO-95, Rule 37 Table 1, and Rule 74.4B, Overhead Contact Wire Height: grants exemptions from GO-26D Sec. 2.1 & 14 and GO-95 Rule 37 Table 1, Col. C and Rule 74.4B - overhead contact wire height to permit contact wire at 22' INSTEAD OF 22'6" above SD&TV RR trackage between El Cajon and Santee in San DiegoResolution ST-14 (issued 09/15/1994)
Exemption from GO-143A, Sec 9.05, Emergency Walkways, Mission Valley West and Old LRT Extension Projects: grants an exemption from GO-143A Section 9.05 emergency Walkways to permit approx. 2.75' encroachment of catenary pole base plates into the emergency walkway on both the Mission Valley West and Old LRT extension projectsResolution ST-18 (issued 01/24/1995)
Deviation from GO-26D, and GO-95, Overhead Clearance Variance at I-15: grants MTDB a variance from overhead clearance requirements of GO-26-D, GO-95 Decision 90457 & 83-11-086 to operate under clearance to 21'9" in the City of San DiegoResolution ST-78 (issued 06/30/2005)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.05, Emergency Walkway: grants MTDB a deviation from General Order 143-B, Section 9.05, Emergency Walkways
San Francisco International Airport (AirTrain) Automated People Mover
Resolution ST-97 (issued 04/10/2008)
Deviation from GO-95, Rule 79.5: grants the San Francisco International Airport AIRTRAIN's request to deviate from General Order 95, RULE 79.5
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
Resolution ST-50 (issued 12/21/2000)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 12.02: grants MUNI authority to deviate from requirements of G.O. 143-B, Section 12.02 for the sole purpose of allowing employees to operate as necessary without revenue passengers onboardResolution ST-56 (issued 07/17/2002)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.06 c (1): grants MUNI authority to deviate from certain side clearance requirements of General Order 143-B, Section 9.06 c. (1) for the construction and operation of its proposed Third Street light rail lineResolution ST-57 (issued 08/22/2002)
Deviation from GO-143B, Sec 9.07: grants MUNI the authority to deviate from certain high-level passenger platform personnel-refuge requirements of General Order 143-B, safety rules and regulations governing light rail transit, Section 9.07 for the construction and operation of its proposed Third Street light rail lineResolution ST-60 (issued 05/08/2003)
Deviation from GO-26D, Sec 14, Overhead Clearance Requirements: grants MUNI authority to deviate from certain overhead clearance requirements of General 26-D, Section 14-Electric Construction, for the construction and operation of its proposed Third Street light rail line across and in the vicinity of conventional railroad tracksResolution ST-67 (issued 12/18/2003)
Deviation from GO-143B, Side Clearance: grants MUNI authority to deviate from side clearance requirements of General Order 143-B at two half grand unions of the Third Street light rail lineResolution ST-85 (issued 01/11/2007)
Deviation from GO-95, Requirements for Min Overhead Clearance of Span and Feeder Wires: grants MUNI authority to deviate from General Order 95 requirements for the minimum overhead clearance of span and feeder wires over high level passenger platforms on its Third Street extension projectResolution ST-92 (issued 01/10/2008)
Deviation from GO-95, Requirements for Min Overhead Contact Wire Height in Tunnels and Portals: grants MUNI authority to deviate from General Order 95 requirements for the minimum overhead contact wire height in tunnels and portals on its San Francisco Municipal Railway central subway projectResolution ST-111 (issued 04/08/2010)
Grants San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency a temporary variance from GO 143-B, SECTION 9.06 c (1) ClearancesResolution ST-175 (issued 05/07/2015), Attachment to Resolution ST-175
GO 95 Foreign Conductors Variance Request: grants the requested variance only in reference to allowing a permanent installation of decorative lighting on Market Street. No variance is granted to remainder of General Order 95 sections No. 78.3 (A) and (C). This variance only grants the permanent installation of decorative lighting on Market Street.Resolution ST-213 (issued 08/13/2018)
Variance, GO-143-B Section 3.03, Rear Vision Mirrors: approves variance request of SFMTA for GO 143-B Section 3.03 to use cameras in place of mirrors on LRV4 Project vehicles
Resolution ST-250 (issued on 05/20/2022)
Variance, GO-143-B Section 9.07: grants SFMTA request for authority to deviate from the high-level passenger platform personnel-refuge requirements of General Order 143-B, Section 9.07 for the construction and operation of its 4th and Brannan Street Station, which is part of SFMTA’s ongoing Central Subway Project.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA)
Resolution ST-1 (issued 08/08/1990)
Deviation from GO-143 Sec 5.3: grants deviation from GO-143 Sec. 5.3 at and near the north end of Virginia Street StationResolution ST-2 (issued 07/18/1990)
Deviation from GO-26D, Sec 9 between Great America and Old Ironside Stations: grants deviation from the side clearance requirements of GO-26-D, Sec. 9 at and between Great America Station and Old Ironsides Station in Santa ClaraResolution ST-5 (issued 04/10/1991)
Deviations from GO-143, Sec 5.3.3.2 and Sec 5.3.4 at Bridge# 27-X-3 and Capitol Station: grants deviation from GO-143 Sec. 5.3.3.2. at Bridge # 27-X-3 and Sec. 5.3.4 at Capitol Station on their South Line in San JoseResolution ST-8 (issued 04/22/1992)
Exemption from GO-143A Sec 4.12, Deadman Control: grants exemption from G0-143A Sec. 4.12 a ‘deadman’ controlResolution ST-45 (issued 12/16/1999)
Deviation from GO-95, Rule 74.4-E: grants the request for a variance from G.O. 95, Rule 74.4-E to allow VTA to operate light rail vehicles at a nominal voltage of 800 voltsResolution ST-52 (issued 11/29/2001)
Exemption from GO-143A, Sec 3.03: grants VTA an exemption from General Order 143-B, Section 3.03 Rear Vision MirrorsResolution ST-53 (issued 11/29/2001)
Exemption from GO-143B, Sec 4.12: grants VTA an exemption from General Order 143-B, Section 412 Deadman ControlResolution ST-141 (issued 10/26/2012)
Deviation from GO143-B, Sec 9.06c (1) Clearances: grants VTA’s request for a permanent variance to General Order 143-B, Section No. 9.06 (c) (1) Side Clearance requirements for the light-rail station platforms, allowing Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to install Between-Car-Barriers on its station platform edgesResolution ST-173 (issued 05/07/2015), Attachment to Resolution ST-173
GO 95 Variance for SVBX (BART extension to San Jose): approves SVBX fencing variance to GO 95 section 79.4 A and BResolution ST-174 (issued 06/11/2015), Attachment to Resolution ST-174
GO 143-B Side Clearance Variance (Mountain View Line Double Track Phase 2 Project): grants SCVTA request for a variance to General Order 143-B, Section 9.06 (c) (2) side clearances requirements to accommodate two proposed signal cases for the SCVTA Mountain View Line Double Track Phase 2 Project