The Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) quarterly meeting was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at GoPasco in Port Richey, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Paul Goyette, Program Manager of FTSON. Safety practices and emergency exits were demonstrated by the host agency.

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 who joined the meeting via MS Teams.

Agenda

An overview of today’s agenda was provided, giving insight of the day’s topics which included FDOT Updates on 14-90 Florida Administrative Code (FAC), Transit Worker Mental Health/PTSD, Group Security Items Discussion, and FTA Worker Assaults and Risk Assessment (PTASP), Drug and Alcohol Program Management Update. An update on upcoming events and training opportunities, the Transportation Operational Procedure
(TOP) 5310 only Training announcement, and an Apprenticeship Academy Update and items for open discussion including homelessness at bus stops/intermodals, De-escalation training for the Maintenance Departments,
and Transit Worker Assaults.

FDOT Updates on Rule 14-90, Florida Administrative Code (FAC)

Tony Brandin (FDOT) reported that new cut-away buses are beginning to roll off the assembly line. These buses should be received by early summer. He also shared that a fixed route trainer has been brought on board to demonstrate/show him what happens from the perspective of operators. This will give Tony insight into the daily activities and challenges frontline drivers are experiencing and allow Central Office to better understand the genuine needs of the agencies.

Referencing Tony’s comments about cut-aways, Paul (CUTR) denoted the cutaway chassis typically has a shorter wheelbase and front hood, which cuts down on the overall turning radius and improves driver visibility. The FDOT TRIPS Program oversees cutaways for Florida. Stephen Wachtler (CUTR) added that JTA is currently managing the contracts for fixed route (large) buses. This responsibility rotates every two years to a different (5309) agency. Stephen encouraged agencies to be involved with the new vehicle ordering process. Speak up with the needs, additions/modifications on the larger buses so these items can be included in purchase contract specifications.

Ashley Porter (FDOT) provided an update on the activities that have been going on in the process of updating Rule 14-90. The new draft of the Rule is under review. It has been streamlined, taking away any duplications, and will meet federal regulations. There have been numerous changes on the rail side. Once approved, CUTR will work to provide knowledge of the updates and provide training for the state to learn and become compliant with the new requirements and policies.

FTSON Chair/Co-Chair Updates

The FTSON chairs shared that a Maintenance Service Contract is being developed. This will standardize and offer needed language to protect agencies who are outsourcing their maintenance work to third parties. This agreement will be intricate when the Triennial Reviews are conducted at the agency, helping to demonstrate the agency is meeting requirements when utilizing third parties for repair and maintenance of agency vehicles.

It is time for FTSON co-chair nominations. The term of the current Chair is expiring, which according to the FTSON By-Laws allows the Co-Chair (Benjamin Pearl, SCAT) to move up to the position of Chair for the next two years. Nominations for a new Co-Chair, whose term is for two years, are open and can be made verbally, via email or phone. Elections will be held at the next FTSON meeting.

FTA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Updates Diana Byrnes, CSAPA

CSAPA expert Diana Byrnes (CUTR) provided updates on the status of oral fluid as an alternative specimen for drug testing, DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Final Rule was published on May 2, 2023, and became effective on June 1, 2023. Oral fluid is saliva and other oral fluid secretions and detects substances currently in the body similar to what a blood test does. It can be collected using a pad device placed in the mouth that is then transferred to a vial that is sealed and shipped to the lab for testing. Oral fluid captures ‘parent’ drug and some metabolites. It can detect very recent use and up to 2 days after use, offering numerous benefits for on-site drug testing by the employer. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must certify at least two laboratories, be approved by FDA, HHS and DOT and will be lab specific. Qualification training for collectors will be required. Approval has been delayed because of Fentanyl. Fentanyl will be added to the DOT testing panel but is running behind as it presents a danger (potentially fatal) during transmission. She asked the audience if anyone is currently training for Fentanyl awareness. She shared that service guide dogs who were exposed to Fentanyl being used by others had died from the exposure. The same situation has occurred with first responders (law enforcement, EMT, etc.). the dangers of Fentanyl present the issue of protecting the employee rights vs. mitigating safety risks. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the analysis methodology, confirmation cut-off levels and compatibility with oral fluid testing collection. Much work must be done regarding Fentanyl and the oral fluid testing devices. Lab certifications will change because of Fentanyl.

DERs will need to create a ‘standing order’ with their collection sites regarding the methodology to be used when problems arise in collections (i.e., shy bladder, recollections, and events that require immediate second collection under direct observation, etc.). When there is not enough pee collected, move on to the second (oral) testing. Diana concluded her informative presentation with a ‘State of the State’ 2023 Drug Testing Statistics.
Stats show positive improvement from 2022 to 2023. She noted that it is time for a new contract with laboratories. She invited everyone to share items they might need to include in the RFQ and contract; bids will be sent out by mid-Summer. A new vendor will be announced in October 2024. We should anticipate an increase in the cost of drug testing (currently $35 per test) so let your agency know to budget accordingly. A Q&A was opened to the floor regarding the information provided.

Items for Open Discussion – Paul Goyette

Program Manager Goyette facilitated a lively open floor discussion regarding Transit Worker Mental Health, Transit Security, Transit Worker Assaults, and De-Escalation Training. The Mental Health discussion included agency success stories and how the agencies are utilizing social services and/or the DAV, which is a valuable resource for drivers. PSTA is doing web-based training and has approached Pinellas County and other known agencies who are addressing mental health issues to find proven ways to implement assistance for their employees. PSTA shared that the county has implemented a direct phone number, 811 as opposed to 911, for law enforcement. CUTR, at the behest of agencies and FDOT, will develop training to prepare transit employees how to respond appropriately and safely to persons with mental health challenges and/or disorders. Research for the training is underway.

Review findings determine mental health is related to security infractions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers support to the transit industry. A BASE assessment can show the agency where there are weak points, and share tools and strategies to strengthen transit security.

The PTASP requires each transit agency to conduct a safety risk assessment related to assaults on transit workers on the public transportation system they operate by using the Safety Management Systems (SMS) processes outlined in their Agency Safety Plan. Each agency is required to identify safety risk mitigations or strategies based on their own safety risk assessment.

As required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), each agency serving a large, urbanized area must involve the joint labor-management Safety Committee when identifying safety risk mitigations. They must also provide information to the FTA on how they assess, mitigate, and monitor the safety risks related to assaults on transit workers within 60 days of issuance. BIL requires de-escalation training for maintenance workers. To compliment and help reduce assaults, operators may need additional training on how to deal with the stress and anxiety that comes with the aspects of their profession. A list of FTA De-Escalation training resources was provided to the group.

Also discussed were service-related concerns such as homeless riding, where riders remain on the bus utilizing transit as their personal shelter. Agency representatives were asked if homeless riding is becoming a concern. Does it relate to safety and security, and has any agency developed policies related to this rising routine?

Upcoming Transit Training Opportunities – Stephanie Lewis, CUTR

• Substance Abuse Management and Program Compliance (FT00465-A), March 13-15, 2024
• How to Conduct A Bus Collision Investigation-A Short Course, March 25-26, 2024
• SMS Principles for Transit (FT00564), April 30 – May 2, 2024
• How to Conduct A Bus Collision Investigation-A Short Course, June 11-12, 2024

Upcoming Statewide Events

• Florida Triple Crown Roadeo, April 19-20, 2024
• FTSON Annual Transit Safety and Operations Summit, June 3, 2024
• FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop, June 4-5, 2024
• FPTA/CTD Annual Conference+Expo, September 22-25, 2024

Apprenticeship Academy Update Stephanie Lewis, CUTR

The inaugural class of the Apprenticeship Academy was held on January 30-31, 2024. Hosted in partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transit Training and Technical Assistance Program, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), and the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Workforce Center (TWC), the academy includes both bus operator and technician apprenticeship programs. The objectives include forming a joint apprenticeship committee to establish contact with local workforce boards for potential funding opportunities and establish contact with regional representatives from the Florida Department of Education, Office of Apprenticeship. The academy’s objective is to institute a strong mentoring program and develop an apprenticeship agreement with corresponding work process schedule, creating education and workforce development partnerships. It will offer access to funding available for registered apprenticeship programs and recruiting apprentices.

Class participants from Management and Frontline workforce (or, in a union environment, union leaders familiar with the work) were from HART, PalmTran, Miami-Dade DTPW, Broward County, VOTRAN and City of Gainesville-RTS. The Academy will accept a maximum of thirty participants. For additional information please contact Stephanie Lewis at zavacki@usf.edu.

Final Thoughts

The floor was opened to any additional comments or questions from the attendees. Thanks were expressed to the attendees and the presenters. The meeting was adjourned at 11:52 am.
The FTSON will meet again at the Annual Transit Safety and Operations Summit in Tampa on June 3, 2024.