FTA finalizes transit safety training regulations

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced it had finalized its rule updating transit safety training requirements.

The updated Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program will maintain a uniform safety training curriculum and minimum requirements for rail transit and state safety personnel, officials said. The rule focuses on keeping public transportation safe and builds upon existing training requirements for safety professionals.

“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, and the Biden-Harris Administration is taking additional action to further support safety for passengers and transit workers alike,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said. “The training requirements we are announcing today will further prepare the state and local officials responsible for overseeing safety on subways, light rail, and streetcars to effectively carry out their important roles.”

The updated requirements are the first major updates since 2018, and improves the recertification process and refines communication procedures to manage the program more effectively, officials said. The updates allow for greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing training needs, and streamlines administrative requirements to help ensure that those who need training receives it.

“The safe operation of public transit is always FTA’s top priority,” FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said. “Today’s updates to the training regulation reflect our steadfast commitment, in cooperation with our state and industry partners, that every transit rider and worker has a safe and reliable transportation experience.”

The updates are the result of months of work by FTA members to get feedback from stakeholders about the requirements, including feedback from transit agencies.

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