(a) If a rail capital improvement project proposed for funding by the department or a local agency includes as an element the addition or improvement of rail passenger service boarding platforms, those platforms shall be constructed in conformity with applicable rules and orders of the Public Utilities Commission and in such a manner that the top of each platform is not less than eight inches above the adjacent rails, unless the department makes a finding that the circumstances in a particular case warrant otherwise and obtains approval from the Public Utilities Commission for any deviation from its applicable rules and orders.
(b) The requirements of this section apply to all passenger service boarding platforms constructed with funds made available pursuant to Section 14031.6 of the Government Code, Sections 99234.5, 99234.9 and 99317 of this code, Section 164 of the Streets and Highways Code, and funds made available from the proceeds of state general obligation bonds issued for the purposes of rail capital improvements.