AASHTO Journal - FTA Issues Final Safety Certification Training Rule

Federal Transit Administration recently issued a final rule updating its Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program or PTSCTP; updates designed to maintain a uniform safety training curriculum, sustain minimum requirements for rail transit and state safety personnel, and build upon existing training requirements for safety professionals.

[Above image by FTA]

The agency began this regulatory update process in 2023 to ensure that its safety certification training curriculum is “more responsive” to evolving transit industry needs.

This final rule adds new administrative requirements for State Safety Oversight Agency or SSOA employees and contractors who conduct reviews, inspections, examinations, and other safety oversight activities of public transportation systems and employees and contractors who are directly responsible for the safety oversight of a rail fixed guideway public transportation system.

This is the first major update to this safety certification training program regulation since the establishment of the PTSCTP in 2018, FTA noted. As part of the revisions, FTA is also providing greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing training needs as the industry evolves. The updated rule also streamlines administrative requirements to help ensure those requiring training receive it.

“The safe operation of public transit is always FTA’s top priority,” said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool in a statement.

“[These] 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,” she noted.