The Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) Annual Transit Safety and Operations Summit was held on Monday, June 9, 2025, 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 Manager Tony Brandin, FDOT Transit Operations Manager. FTSON Chair, Benjamin Pearl (Breeze Sarasota County) and Co-chair Chris Geraci (a 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 into the day’s topics which included:

• FTSON Overview
• Mitigating Operator Assaults
• Operator Buy-In Accident Mitigation
• ADA Regulations and Human Factors
• Florida Hurricanes – Lessons Learned
• Are You Ready? Panel Discussion
• Navigating Public Transit with Visual Impairment
• Training Needs – New Operator and Safety Supervisor Training
• Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

FTSON Overview

This is the 11^th year of the Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) Annual Safety and Operations Summit. 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 affecting 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.

FTSON supports all of Florida’s transit agencies, regardless of 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. Paul encouraged those who are interested in chairing the FTSON for a two-year term to ‘put their name into the ring’.

Mitigating Operator Assaults: Chris Geraci, VP of System Safety & Chief Safety Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

Chris gave an overview of how large the service area of JTA is; in addition to the fixed route/BRT service, JTA also operates Connexion Paratransit, Skyway APM, the St. John’s River Ferry, the Ultimate Urban Circulator, and JTA MobilityWorks. He gave statistics on the FTA General Directive regarding safety risk assessments on transit worker assaults. There was a spike in disorderly conduct and assault reports in 2023, but that is presently trending downward. JTA believes this is due to ongoing security initiatives they have taken which include marked security vehicle patrols, enhanced trespass/exclusion processes, and leveraged technology such as CCTV cameras. Additionally, security window film, ballistic transaction windows, solar light and camera trailers. JTA has taken proactive protective measures for personal security awareness training and the Threat and Vulnerability Assessment training.

JTA security staff has also produced New Code of Conduct and ‘Stop Bus Operator Assault’ Interior Cards and installed passenger awareness monitors. Employees have access to the JTA See & Say App, and utilize On-Duty, invested Law Enforcement Officers. They use a duress button and an ‘Emergency’ head-sign when needed. One of the biggest actions has been to utilize a GIS Crime Mapping within 100’ of JTA bus stops and to have a working commitment from the Jacksonville Sherrif’s Office, the District Attorney and the State Attorney’s Office supporting JTA in mitigating assaults on their operators. Chris fielded numerous questions from the audience after the presentation.

Operator Buy-In for Accident Mitigation: David Frayer, Sarasota Breeze Transit

David took a unique approach by involving the audience for an interactive ‘Operator Buy-In for Accident Mitigation presentation. He stressed the importance of building upon successful communication and identifying deficiencies in past presentations. It is important to clearly define mitigation (reducing the risk of loss from the occurrence of any undesirable event) and the ‘responsible’ parties, for example, accident vs. incident. We should make every accident and incident a positive learning experience.

The first rule of accident mitigation is to own your responsibility. Presenting ‘data’ can become a chart of boredom. Instead, talk real numbers, help the operators understand their part and give them defensive driving tools. Throw some humor into these reviews and be sure you end on a positive note!

In conclusion, teamwork makes the dream work. To communicate the goals of mitigation, the operators must feel you are on their side. YOU are there to give them the tools for success, not to beat them down. At the end of this enthusiastic presentation, the audience understood “WE” are in for the WIN!

Transit ADA Regulations and Human Factors: Paul Goyette (CUTR) and Lina Aragon (PalmTran)

Paul and Lina gave a presentation chock-full of information for ADA Regulations for Transit. In-depth points of knowledge related to 49 CFR Part 37 were discussed, with examples. They addressed the common shortfalls such as correct stop announcements (even with automation, if some ask for a particular stop), reasonable accommodation (help with fare or needing a specific drop-off location if the marked stop is not suitable),

aiding individuals with disabilities with boarding or alighting, challenging individuals with service animals, not securing mobility devices per the agency policy, and not transporting individuals using wheelchairs promptly if the W/C stations are full.

By utilizing ‘The Why’, The How’ and ‘The Who’ comprehensive approach, they explained the importance of knowing what is in your key documents (FTA Circular, the ADA Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Titles II and VI of the Civil Rights Act, and Chapter 14.90 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). You should know your funding sources and the requirements of each on the federal, state and local levels. Of course, know your community and their needs (hospitals, dialysis centers, shelter workshops, senior The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a history or record of such an impairment, or a perception by others of such an impairment.

For paratransit, being disabled is not the same as being legally disabled or receiving disability social security centers, and minority communities. There are obvious disabilities like blindness, amputees, and mobility. There are also the not so obvious like deafness, epilepsy, learning disabilities and heart conditions. Transportation entities are required to make reasonable modifications and/or accommodations to policies, practices, and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure that their programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For example, positioning the bus for loading and unloading in a location without obstructions, such as construction.

Fixed route Paratransit, and Mobility on Demand should have core training for everyone, not just the drivers. There are applications and eligibility to service delivery regulations found in FTA ADA Circular C4710.1 which all agencies should be knowledgeable and compliant with. Broward County DOT has a Rider’s Guide/Welcome Package to share with riders that helps guide riders with their recertification needs, how to make reservations, and the routes and vehicles used for appointments, curb-to-curb, vehicle type and capacity, service delivery and regulations of governing bodies.

In conclusion, always think in two ways: Internal Customer and External Customer, remember The Why, The How, The Who, know your regulations, budget, staff, core definitions and remember the difference between your different services: Fixed Route, Paratransit, Choice programs, Mobility on Demand. Broaden your training – and include all staff! A question-and-answer period followed the information packed presentation.

Summit 15-Minute Break

Florida Hurricanes Lessons Learned: Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County Government and Jane Grogg, Sarasota County Breeze Transit

Sarasota County, Florida has had 48 disasters declared since 1953 and are quite experienced when it comes to preparing, responding and recovery. There are other disasters, but hurricanes are a common occurrence. Being prepared begins locally, before FEMA is involved, so it is especially important to know your Emergency Operations Center’s team long before an occurrence is on the horizon. This includes local responders, NGOs, state/tribal resources, state-to-state and regional resources, and federal resources. Coordination with state agencies including the FDEM, Department of Health, FDOT, Division of Law Enforcement, DCF, Military Affairs, Department of Commerce, Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Overall, Sarasota County can fit approximately 150 personnel in the EOC.

At Sarasota County, included in the Emergency Support Functions team is the Mass Care Branch  (transportation/transit). Mass Care has rally points, should know transportation dependent residents and special needs shelters. They may need to work in high water rescue and assist with post-storm re-home. Flood zones can be fresh water as well as ocean water. The west coast of Florida has a low shallow shelf along the Gulf shoreline, which allows for substantial inland flooding. The east coast has deeper water (ocean vs. gulf) does not have flooding like the gulf shores.

Sarasota County utilizes a program called HURREVAC which allows them to plan and project approaching storms, giving them a reasonable time of arrival and departure time of wind. This allows the agency to plan/time medical needs (i.e., dialysis) runs and evacuate workers who must stay on the job until the latest time possible. HURREVAC coordinates with the National Hurricane Center as well as state and local partners.

A statistical overview with video was given of the impacts of Hurricanes Debby/August 2024, Helene/September 2024, and Milton/October 2024. All three storms hit within a short window of time. Grounds were saturated; cleanup and restoration from the first two storms were not completed for lack of time. Substantial, costly damage was felt across the region and new encounters like battery fires from e-vehicles became another item on the list.

Sandra and Jane gave a comprehensive Pre-season Planning list. They spoke with knowledge, and most importantly, from experience. They want to take the lessons learned from three substantial impacts of the 2024 hurricane season to make our state more prepared and safer for the seasonal occurrences of Florida hurricanes.

Lunch Break

“Are You Ready?” Panel Discussion: Martin Catala (CUTR), Jonathan Robertson (CUTR), Monica Welles (Liberty County), Darlene Lollie (Hernando County), Lamar Hobbs (Bay Way), Ben Pearl (Sarasota County Breeze)

The moderator introduced the panelists for the session which included Martin Catala (CUTR), Jonathan Robertson (CUTR), Monica Welles (Liberty County), Darlene Lollie (Hernando County), Lamar Hobbs (Bay Way), and Ben Pearl (Sarasota County Breeze). They represented the Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network, the Florida Transit Planning Network, Hernando County, Sarasota County, Liberty County and Bay County. The panelists provided experiences and insights of the things that could and did happen during hurricane events – the unexpected that training and textbooks had not addressed. 2024 brought the only known Cat 4 hurricane to the Big Bend since 1851. Pinellas County bus operators found themselves being first responders. They learned that old-school road maps were all they could lean upon as GPS was out, and often roads and/or road signs were completely washed away, as were landmark buildings, trees and familiar sights.

Stories of what the hurricanes had left in their wake and what transit personnel did to overcome the challenges kept the audience engaged. The panelists gave strong, emotional insight. The lessons they learned were a battle cry to everyone to be prepared: pre-storm, during the storm, and post-the storms. They also addressed suspension of regular service, public awareness of the agency’s plans in advance, when to resume service, and what kind of post-event service may be needed. It’s especially important to collaborate and rely upon FDOT Central Office during this kind of event.

Train your staff, research best practices, coordinate and collaborate with state and local officials – know their names and phone numbers, plan ahead, have procedures in place that the staff knows well, and get supplies of what you need ahead of time! Liberty County’s Monica Welles added that it is good to know ham operators in your area.

The panelists also addressed the responsibilities of the agency’s staff and operators. Train your EO team, plus train key people who are underneath the team. Everyone in the agency needs to know their roles, and how the agency will operate during the event. The panelists asked the audience the following: 1) what did you learn from the 2024 hurricane season, 2) what were your challenges during preparation, 3) what were the challenges during the event, 4) what were your challenges during previous storms, 5) did you prepare a Situational Report post the event?, and 6) has your Emergency Plan been revised with the lessons you learned and the challenges you encountered.

The discussion ended with a statement from Bay County’s Lamar Hobb, “nobody knows what to do unless you have been there before. There is no time for negotiation with the forces of Mother Nature.”

Navigating Public Transit with Visual Impairment – Rhonda Warren, Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision Client/Transit Rider

Special guest Rhonda Warren gave personal insight into using public transportation as a vision-impaired rider. As true as it may be that transit operators train to respond to the needs ADA passengers, we never truly know what it is like from their perspective. Ms. Warren spoke about her personal experiences. Overall, she is dependent upon public transit and loves the transit system. But she was open to telling what it is like to hear the sound of the bus approaching – and then the sounds of it passing her by where she would wait for the next bus. She talked about trying to get to the bus stops where there are no sidewalks and she walks through un-mowed grass along the non-maintained side of the roads. Or, where bus stops (seating) are placed too close to the roadway and you can feel the wind from the vehicles passing her by, sometimes so close she is fearful they will run over her feet.

Ms. Warren brought her seeing eye guide dog along with her. Together, they demonstrated numerous ways he helps her with daily tasks, especially when it comes to walking to/from the bus stop, getting on the bus, knowing the proper bus stop to get on/off, and shopping at their arrived destination. It was an amazing experience, especially to hear what does and sometimes does not work for people with disabilities.

With great compassion, Ms. Warren expressed that she hoped her words and actions would allow us to experience transit from her non-visual perspective. She also expressed her thoughts on positive changes that could be made within the transit community (procedures, practices, and legislation) to make it a better world for those riders who are visually impaired.

15-Minute Break

Operational and Safety Supervisor/Manager Training Guideline Development – Stephanie Lewis, CUTR

Recently, after numerous requests, FPTA created an Ad hoc Committee to discuss training needs and existing training courses for Transit Operational and Safety Supervisor/Managers. Several agencies participated in the discussion including Big Bend Transit, PalmTran, St. Lucie County, Space Coast Area Transit Indian River Transit and JTA. CUTR and FDOT also took part in the February and March meetings.

Presently, we have access to the Supervisor and Leadership Training for Florida’s Transit Agencies, APTA Recommended Practices for Transit Supervisor Training, Principles for Effective Management and Supervision, Introduction to Transit Operations Planning and the Transit Supervisor Certification (FT00454). Stephanie then conducted a QR survey with the audience for feedback. The survey showed there are gaps in our current training for mid-management. She shared the recommended training guidelines for new bus operators (fixed route) which were developed in 2014 and the recommended training guidelines for new bus operators (paratransit/rural) developed in 2018.

The audience was broken into groups to build a framework for new transit manager training using the APTA Standards as a guideline. The categories were: regulatory, agency specific/labor contract, technical skills, financial, safety and security, Emergency Management, and soft skills. After the breakout groups had identified items related to their category, the group spokesperson shared the items the group felt should be included in the new supervisor training to the audience.

Using the information gathered through the breakout groups, a committee of operations and safety personnel will be formed. They will gather virtually to support the development of mid-management training guidelines. A new training course will be developed to reinforce the topics of the guidelines and will be presented during the FPTA Annual Conference in a follow-up session.

Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

As the Summit was wrapped up, the floor was open 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 10-11, 2025. With there being no further business, the Summit was adjourned at 3:52 p.m