New York (State). Dept. of Transportation. Passenger and Freight Safety Division.

New York State's regulation of railroads dates from the mid-19th century when railroads were required to submit certain reports to the Secretary of State. By 1857 a Railroad Commission was established not only to receive reports, but to investigate railroad operations. In 1882, a Board of Railroad Commissioners was created with authority to require reports, investigate complaints, and recommend service improvements and rate adjustments.

In 1907, the First and Second Districts of the Public Service Commission (PSC) assumed responsibility for regulation in their respective geographic areas. In 1921 they were replaced by the Transit Commission with authority for railroad regulation, and a unified PSC with authority over other public utilities.

In 1943, the Transit Commission was abolished and its authority over railroads was transferred to the PSC. The PSC continued to regulate railroads until 1971, when the function was shifted to the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) by Chapter 267 of the Laws of 1970.