The Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) Annual Transit Safety and Operations Summit was held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Embassy Suites USF in Tampa, Florida. The Summit was called to order by Paul Goyette, Program Manager of the FTSON. Safety practices and emergency exits were demonstrated.

Welcome and Introductions

A warm welcome was extended to our FDOT Project Managers Ashley Porter, Transit Safety Program Manager, and Tony Brandin, FDOT Transit Operations Manager. FTSON Chair, Joseph McCabe (LeeTran) and Co-chair Benjamin Pearl (Sarasota County) were introduced, as was the FTSON Program Manager Paul Goyette (CUTR). Appreciation to all the Summit attendees was expressed.

Agenda of the Summit

A brief overview of the agenda was provided, giving insight of the day’s topics which included:

• TSA Operating Around Rail Systems – Anna Dapson, CSX Railroad Police
• Transit Bus Air Conditioning – Chris Porter, Valeo
• Apprenticeship Overview Maintenance and Bus Operators – Brian Abrams (HART), Fabio Londono (MDT, and Roy Darnall (Gainesville RTS)
• Developing Community Based Public Safety Programs – Keith Leighton, Central Ohio Transit Authority
• PTASP BIL Updates, Transit Contractor Oversight – Paul Goyette and Gennaro Saliceto, CUTR
• Operator Assault Data Collection – Jodi Godfrey and Roberta Yegidis, CUTR
• Civil Rights Regulations for Transit – Paul Valenti, JD, St. Petersburg College
• Wrap Up and Final Thoughts – Ashley Porter, James Burke and Tony Brandin (FDOT Central Office)

FTSON Overview – Joseph McCabe (LeeTran), FTSON Chair and Benjamin Pearl (Sarasota The Breeze), Co-Chair

The FTSON Chair and Co-Chair gave an overview of the Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON). This network, initiated in 2013, was originally formed for the Operations departments of Florida’s transit agencies, but joined forces with Safety to become even stronger in 2016. The network provides a platform for discussion of safety and operational challenges, opportunities, and initiatives impacting public transportation providers in Florida. Goals of the network are to identify the key issues within the topic areas, identify the actions that would be necessary for successful implementation of any recommended plans or activities to address the issues, identify the resources that may be available to address the issues identified, and identify those responsible for implementation.

The FTSON has taken numerous issues head-on to improve Florida’s public transit, these items were identified. Additionally, the partners and contributors who have worked directly with the FTSON include the FTA, TSA, FBI, APTA, WMATA, Noblis Transportation Systems, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Mobileye© Collision Avoidance Technology, Washington State Transit Insurance Pool, Truckers Against Trafficking and the FTA Transit Workforce Center (TWC). The FTSON supports all of Florida’s transit agencies, no matter the size of the agency. The Network is membership driven and FDOT supported and works to coordinate transit training requests based upon the requests of the membership and/or requirements of state and federal legislation.

TSA Operating Around Rail Systems – Anna Dapson, Special Agent and Jay Snapp, Special Agent of CSX Railroad Police

Agents Dapson and Snapp spoke today about the importance of bus operators understanding safety procedures that should be followed at train track crossings. They put action into words by showing a video of a semi-truck that barely missed being hit by a train when the driver decided to cross while the crossbars were down. The video brought gasps from the audience. Providing statistics that every three (3) hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train, they hammered home the message of Operation Lifesaver. Optical illusions and poor judgement of how fast a train is traveling often give drivers the impression they can ‘beat the train’. When approaching a crossing, anytime is ‘Train Time’. One should never assume there isn’t a train approaching, or you have enough time to cross the tracks. It is bad thinking, and the outcome may be death. The stopping time of a small freight train is 5280 feet, or 18 football fields. The average weight of a car is 3,000 lbs, and the weight of a train engine and one train car is 12 million pounds; this is a 4,000:1 ratio. The force of a train can crush a car, just as a car can crush an empty soda can. It’s important to give at least 15’ of space from the train tracks when stopping as the train is much wider than the tracks themselves. Remember that Florida gets foggy without notice, don’t overdrive your headlights.

Not all crossings have crossbars, lights and bells. There are numerous railroad crossing signs with a variety of meanings. It is important that drivers know all these meanings. The agents gave examples of these signs and expounded on their meanings. Several other videos were played, and pictures were provided that explained far better than words the kind of destruction that occurs when a train collides with any size vehicle. New signage is being installed that gives an 800 number and the crossing locator identifier that allows citizens to report problems/accidents quickly. The goal of CSX and Operation Lifesaver is to end collisions, injuries, and deaths on and around railroad tracks and trains. CSX will come to your agency and provide training to the operators upon request.

Transit Bus Air Conditioning – Chris Porter, Valeo

Chris Porter from Valeo spoke to the audience about the company of Valeo located in Elkhart, Indiana where the plant produces, develops and tests air conditioning systems in a fabrication shop for transit buses. Recognizing the performance and life of an Air Conditioning system is crucial on a bus, especially in Florida, he gave some valuable information. The A/C will perform poorly when the filters are dirty, but ensuring the return air filters are cleaned on a regular basis, the A/C system will perform better.

Chris gave information on the major components of an AC system. The NDS controller is typically found in the driver box. A Standard Preventive Maintenance Guideline was shared with the group, as well as direct contact information for the Service Manager/Training Coordinator, the Warranty Manager, Warranty Specialist and the Valeo Headquarters.

Summit 15-Minute Break

Apprenticeship Overview Maintenance and Bus Operator – Brian Abrams, HART; Fabio Londono, Miami Dade DTPW; and Roy Darnold, Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS)

The representatives from each agency gave insight into how their agency is developing and implementing an Operator Apprenticeship program. Recognizing the benefits of an apprenticeship program, HART, who has approximately 600 operators, is presently working with the Transit Workforce Center’s American Transit Training and Apprenticeship Innovators Network. HART is considering having levels of Operator I, Operator II and Operator III. The registered apprenticeships will be at least a year in length.

At Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS), the union leaders came up with a plan similar to the Transit Workforce Center apprenticeship program. RTS took applications from those who wanted to enter the apprenticeship program and selected five mentors for the program. The main focus of the program is to increase retention with operators and give pride to the operator for the jobs they perform. The minimum qualifications are created by RTS. An Apprenticeship patch is provided to those who are taking part in the program to generate pride and respect from peers and customers.

Fabio Londono from Miami Dade DTPW shared an in-depth PowerPoint on their Apprenticeship Maintenance Technician Program. The key insights of the program are setting up a structured apprenticeship program that gives clear progression paths and training standards, there are also classification issues like single classification for Bus Maintenance Technicians, no monetary incentives for advancement, and technicians receive annual raises until reaching top pay. They have proposed four tiers of technicians (Apprentice, Tech I, Tech II, and Maintenance Technician Lead).

Recently, DTPW added two additional basic training components. In total, the comprehensive new hire technician training includes 1) Orientation, 2) Pneumatic Systems and Brakes , 3) Steering and Suspension , 4) Engines, 5) Transmissions , 6) Electrical, 7) Special Equipment and 8) PM Inspections. Hands-on assessments and written tests demonstrate progress and advancement through training. A Joint Apprenticeship Committee has been formed to ensure there are no conflicts in job duties between Bus Maintenance Technician Lead and Bus Maintenance Instructor, as well as other program operating policies.

A charter has been presented and member selection has occurred. They have monthly meetings and have decision-making votes by majority of the quorum. Funding sources include grants and other funding options. The next steps for the apprenticeship program will be finalizing the training outline, continuing union discussions, securing funding, and implementing the program.

Developing Community Based Public Safety Programs – Keith Leighton, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

The COTA Risk Assessment division is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to fulfilling our mission of ensuring a safe and secure transit system for all. Their combined expertise and diverse backgrounds allow them to work diligently to identify and mitigate potential risks, making certain to maintain the highest standards of safety throughout COTA operations. Strategic Response Specialists are change agents who have specific responsibilities within the community to increase safety and security while serving vulnerable populations and proactively addressing issues including unhoused people, substance misuse, and mental health concerns. COTA has built community partnerships with hospitals, public health departments, special improvement districts the VA, the City of Columbus and more than 30 other community organizations to lessen security issues.

Collaboration between Task Force members and the Strategic Response Specialists team has been especially impactful in connecting unhoused individuals with community resources such as warming/cooling stations, overnight lodging during extreme weather, winter clothing drive. These achievements demonstrate the positive impact we are making in addressing the needs of the unhoused community. Keith played two heart-stirring videos of individuals who had directly benefited from the COTA community outreach. He closed by saying “we provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.”

PTASP BIL Updates, Transit Contractor Oversight and New Bipartisan Infrastructure Law/FTA, PTASP Updates and FDOT Required Contractor Oversight (TOP and SSPP)

Paul Goyette and Gennaro Saliceto, CUTR

A list of acronyms was provided which included:

• BIL: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
• CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NPTSP: National Public Transportation Safety Plan
• NTD: National Transit Database
• PTASP: Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan
• PTSCP: Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program
• SMS: Safety Management System
• SSO: State Safety Oversight
• SSPP: System Safety Program Plan
• UZA: Urbanized Areas

A review of the new requirements for PTASP, BIL and NPTSP included the new must meet requirements of 49 U.S. Code § 5329 and 49 CFR Part 673, the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, Frontline Worker Requirements, Safety Plans, Safety Committees and aligning safety plans with CDC Requirements for infectious diseases. Also addressed were the Risk Reduction Performance Targets (Large 5307 3yr average), new Safety Performance Measures and De-escalation Training for Safety, Operations and Maintenance personnel.

Large UZA 5307 (200,000 or more) must have a Joint Labor-Management Safety Committee (equal number of representatives) to help develop a risk reduction program for operator assaults, accidents, approve updates, identifying risk-based mitigation strategies. This Safety Committee is responsible for approving the PTASP before Board Approval (49 U.S.C 5329(d) (1) (4) (5) (iii) (I) (III) (A)). If your agency serves large and small UZA, then rules for the larger UZA apply. Small UZA 5307 (fewer than 200,000) must have a Safety Committee or receive pre-certification through the FTA grant process. Verbiage that indicates how the agency uses the SMS process must be coupled with CDC guidance.

The FTA has identified the following five areas of safety focus to guide the implementation of the Federal Public Transportation Safety Program, and new Safety Performance Measures for both large and small agencies which utilizes agency safety data submitted to the National Transit Database (NTD). Fourteen (14) safety performance measures for ALL transit providers subject to the PTASP rule were identified. These safety performance measures and risk reduction focus areas for the large agencies can be found at https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-programs/safety/national-public-transportation-safety-plan.

Agencies also have responsibilities for contractor oversight. The grantee (the entity accepting the Federal or state funds) is ultimately responsible for all its contractors. This includes developing a relationship with contractor or vendor, the agency personnel and contractor staff understanding Federal and State rules and monitoring the contractor or vendor to verify compliance. The agency must also be able to demonstrate (develop a log of work performed) contractor or vendor is meeting or exceeding all FDOT; Rule 14-90, FAC; TOP; and SMP rules and guidance. Corrective actions for non-compliance must also be documented.

Lunch Break

Transit Worker and Rider Assaults Data Presentation and Countermeasures – Jodi Godfrey, CUTR

Ms. Staes and Ms. Godfrey gave a brief data presentation showing transit assaults on all modes of transportation. The data was based on assault injuries by person, who were waiting on transit, riding transit or the transit operator, and whether the assault occurred on rail or on transit buses. They added that CUTR is currently working on two research projects; one for the FTA and one for the Mineta UTC related to assault causation and the roles mental health and behavioral health distress in these trends. To conduct these projects, Ms. Staes and Ms. Godfrey will be traveling across the United States to visit sixteen different agencies in person. It should be noted that just as we have causal density, we likewise have countermeasure density. De-escalation training coupled with sensitivity training is showing promise, but no one strategy alone can eliminate or significantly reduce assaults.

Agency perspectives and recommendations show that a universal definition of assault is needed. Additionally, standardized training is needed to identify signs and symptoms of mental health. The presence of security personnel (armed and unarmed) is recommended. Separation of operators from the fare collection process and gaining federally supported and mandated criminal repercussions for assaults on transit operators is needed. Some agencies are beginning their own community campaigns to make the public aware of the issues at hand to help develop cultural strategies to prevent, interrupt and address gender-based harassment and violence on transit. They are also addressing homelessness. Mental health clinicians and homeless outreach coordinators are working with transit police to ease the increase of transit assaults. They provide a capable guardian.

Other agencies are creating unarmed outreach/ambassador programs. These programs offer trauma-informed and rider assistance solutions and crisis intervention services. Increased presence of transit security officers helped to mitigate violent situations. They have learned that perception of surveillance (camera) can deter violence. There has been a decrease in security incidents and drug-related events from January 2023 to January 2024. Reduce fear and risk perceptions include improved lighting, removing obstacles on platforms/stations that can conceal individuals, using transparent enclosures at stops/seating/waiting areas, and keeping stations and platforms maintained and clean. Statistics indicate transit workers are prone to involvement in traumatic events leading to higher rates of PTSD compared to the general public. Follow-up mental health support through EAP training is needed for this vulnerable population.

The presentation provided concluding thoughts on how the industry would benefit from national legislation which would provide increased penalties to those who assault transit workers. The presenters asked attendees to participate in a 30-minute survey on trends and mitigation measures at https://usf.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0DLqeT2MRZPlMea. A list of FTA and other resources on enhanced transit safety and crime prevention initiatives was provided.

Summit 15-Minute Break

Civil Rights Regulations for Transit – Paul Valenti, Esq., St. Petersburg College

Practicing attorney Paul Valenti, who has 20+ years of legal experience in Human and Civil Rights, with 10+ years of experience with civil rights in transit and transportation, including serving as EEO, ADA, and Title VI Officer for Lee Tran/Lee County spoke to the audience about Civil Rights and transit. He gave insight to how Title 49, Subtitle A, Part 37 relates to the transit industry. This includes employment, entities, services of state and local governments, and places of public accommodation. He covered points of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and important considerations. Mr. Valenti also discussed the basic protection of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Topics such as EEOC, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and recipients/sub-recipients of Federal Funds were expounded upon. It is important to understand the natural origin of discrimination and environmental justice. Title VI ensures equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices. This includes ambit discrimination based on national language limitations. He recommended that agencies have a Title VI officer or expert on the agency staff.

Mr. Valenti spoke on illegal workplace harassment, the most common being sexual harassment. By providing scenarios, he was able to further define situations that may seem harmless but are actually harassment. There should be zero tolerance for threats of violence, actual violence and instilling fear. If any of these three things occur, call 911.

An employer’s obligation should be neutral, fair, and objective when investigating harassment allegations. When substantiated, taking “appropriate” corrective action such as discipline, coaching/counseling through training, or termination. To be noted, Civil rights statutes have anti-retaliation provisions, protecting filing of a complaint or ”opposing” discrimination, participation in an investigation and/or assisting someone in asserting their rights. An  open session for questions and answers after the Civil Rights Regulations for Transit presentation was extended to the audience.

Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

As the Summit wrapped up, the floor was opened for discussion. There were no comments or questions from the Summit attendees. Paul Goyette gave a special thank you to all presenters and to the Florida Department of Transportation for their continued support of the FTSON.

Paul provided a preview of the FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop which begins tomorrow, June 4-5, 2024. He especially highlighted the safety, operations, and emergency management sessions which will be held during the Workshop.

With there being no further business, the Summit was adjourned at 3:56 p.m.