The Federal Transit Administration recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking or NPRM that seeks to update its Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program for rail transit agencies.
[Above photo by FTA]
The agency said the proposed update should ensure that its safety certification training curriculum is “more responsive” to evolving transit industry needs.
The FTA noted that this certification training program – established in 2018 – sets requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies, such as workers in agency safety departments and oversight functions and staff at state safety oversight agencies. It also established a “uniform curriculum” for safety oversight training by including minimum requirements to enhance the technical proficiency of those who conduct safety audits and examinations and those directly responsible for safety oversight.
This program complements safety training requirements for rail and bus transit workers in the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans regulation as well, the agency said.
“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” noted FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in a statement.
“We want every subway, light rail, and streetcar rider to feel confident the workers in charge of safety are trained effectively to carry out their important roles,” she explained.
The proposed changes in the NPRM would expand refresher training requirements for mandatory participants and allow for greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing industry training needs.
The NPRM would also streamline administrative requirements to help ensure individuals who serve in designated roles are enrolled in the program and complete training requirements on time, FTA added.
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