(a) The Division of Public Transit created by article sixteen-c of this chapter is hereby designated the State Safety Oversight Agency. The Division of Public Transit shall have the powers and duties assigned to the State Safety Oversight Agency.
(b) The State Safety Oversight Agency shall be financially and legally independent from any public transportation entity that the agency oversees. Any public transportation agency is prohibited from providing funds to the State Safety Oversight Agency. The agency may not employ any individual who is also responsible for the administration of rail fixed guideway public transportation programs.