The Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) quarterly meeting was held on Monday, February 24, 2024, at the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) in Tampa, 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, Tony Brandin, FDOT Transit Operations Manager and Brian Owens, Rail Safety and Administration Coordinator, who will be making a presentation during today’s meeting.
Agenda
An overview of today’s agenda was provided, giving insight into the day’s topics. The minutes of the last meeting held on September 24, 2024, during the FPTA Annual Conference in West Palm Beach were unanimously approved.
FDOT Update
Brian Owens, FDOT Rail Safety and Administration Coordinator
Brian Owens, Rail Safety and Administration Coordinator from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provided a dynamic PowerPoint regarding recent rail accidents. One of the reasons a focus on rail safety has increased is because Florida is third worst for train accidents in the nation with rail grade crossing accidents being highest nationwide. Brian stressed the potential dangers trains present because of the weight distribution of a train vs. the weight of other vehicles. Trains are unable to veer their direction, and they cannot stop with ease if something is in their pathway. Train-auto collisions can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Train derailments can be catastrophic with major consequences. He reminded the audience that “if you see tracks, think trains”. They are not always on schedule, and when you see a train approaching it is difficult to judge how much time before they are upon you. Never try to beat the train!
Driver’s Education does not teach on the dangers of passive railroad crossings. The state is trying to change that approach. You should always get out of your car if you find yourself stuck on a railroad crossing. Then, call the phone number on the crossing sign that identifies the location of the crossing. Railroad dispatch can then safely notify any approaching trains that the crossing is blocked, alleviating potential accidents. Do not stand next to a rail when a train is passing by; the overhang of payload can be up to 4’ beyond the side of the train. You may not be on the track, but the overhanging freight can still hit you. It is best to stay at least 15’ away from the rail. The presentation was well-received by the audience.
Operator Assaults – Benjamin Pearl, Sarasota The Breeze
Ben addressed how the PTASP requires an agency to provide de-escalation training for agency drivers and Maintenance staff. He expounded on other aspects and actions to prevent operator assaults. This includes
writing SOPs in such a way as to reduce driver stress and exposure to violence (fare evasion, eating on the bus, unconventional alignments, and wheeled devices).
Most agreed there are habitual challenging riders. Ben posed the question, should the agency demand these riders receive progressive and cumulative discipline to make the environment safer for the riders and the operators. He also asked, should the agency provide conflict avoidance re-training, and if so, what triggers re-training and how should the training be documented? He stressed that we should train operators to understand that they are not the ‘police’ on the bus, and they should only ask a customer once to comply with rules, to avoid future conflict. An operator’s job is simple – they transport people, we pick them up and we drop them off. If an operator encounters a habitual offender, call the police. Do not risk life or limb trying to make someone comply when they are engaging into a fight – let them go!
Ben then addressed how his agency conducts random driver observations (a lesson learned from the COTA team) to see how the operators might be managing stressful moments when behind the wheel. These practices include random observations of 4 drivers for 15 minutes each month, using the D&A randomizer to determine who will be observed, (including an alternate), supervisors are to do the observation and fill out an observation form, and follow up on positive and negative behaviors observed. There was good involvement from the audience with suggestions and comments as this topic is a common-ground issue for all. Everyone agreed that all agencies have ‘lines not to cross’ but you may need to bend the rules to avoid conflict and aggression. Hire for attitude, train for skill.
Operator Assaults – Chris Geraci, VP of System Safety & Chief Safety Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
Chris explained that JTA operates within five counties and works with three different unions, but their goal is to protect the frontline employees and mitigate assault risks. The FTA General Directive 24-1 requires actions regarding assaults on transit workers. However, only approximately 10% of all agencies have likely conducted a safety risk assessment on operators prior to the General Directive. The GD 24-1 identified seven mitigation measures for implementation reporting. They are operator area protective barriers, signage informing riders of surveillance/penalties, personal security awareness training, de-escalation training, video/audio surveillance, automatic vehicle location, and public awareness campaigns.
Ongoing security initiatives at JTA were discussed. Marked security vehicles patrolling throughout the system, enhanced trespass/exclusion process to make problematic people leave the property, leveraging technology as a force multiplier, and exercises conducted with all operational areas are effective. Using safety/security window film, ballistic transaction (cash) windows, solar light and camera trailers, and proactive protective measures like personal security awareness training and Threat and Vulnerability Assessments (TVA) for the JTA board members and VIPs are implemented.
Other actions JTA has implemented include a new Code of Conduct and ‘Stop Bus Operator Assault’ interior cards, enhanced trespass process, passenger awareness monitors, on-duty, invested law enforcement officers, and duress button and emergency head-signs. They have conjoined Dispatch with JTA Security which allows a Safety Officer to react quickly when an operator notifies Dispatch of an issue. CCTV integration with JSO Real-Time Crime Center and GIS Crime Mapping within 100’ of JTA bus stops are serving as direct security resources. The Sherrif’s Department works with JTA in a unique way by having officers “hop on” and “hop off” the bus during routine routes. Their visual presence has provided a positive impact. One of the most important and meaningful accomplishments for JTA has been a commitment from Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office to fully investigate and prosecute offenders. JTA continually is searching and implementing other projects to keep their frontline employees safe while they serve their community.
Conversations of ADA and Transit – David Frayer, Sarasota Couty The Breeze
David presented questions to the audience regarding practices for boarding and alighting the bus. He then began a series of questions to engage a conversation with the audience. What issues do you commonly face with passengers who require a mobility device while boarding and alighting, and how much assistance should the operator have to provide to a passenger with special needs? He then provided the legal answers to those questions found in 49 CFR, Subpart G, Part 37 Section 37.165(f).
Conversations of ADA and Transit ensued of what If a driver is unable to perform the tasks required of the job (not strong enough, device does not fit on your bus ramp, etc.). The transportation provider will need to determine if accommodation should be provided to assist this driver to fully meet job requirements. David asked another set of questions: what issues do you commonly face with walkers, strollers, aisleways, and do passengers with a mobility device require seat belts? In recent years, some people with mobility disabilities have begun using less traditional mobility devices such as golf cars or Segways®. These devices are called “other power- driven mobility device” (OPDMD) in the rule. The open conversation covered factors to be considered such as type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device.
Finally, the conversation turned to the future of ADA basics, and how public transit can and must be prepared for the future challenges. It was a thought-provoking conversation with the audience.
Upcoming Training Opportunities – Stephanie Lewis, CUTR
Stephanie (CUTR) shared information about upcoming transit training and special events which include:
- Substance Abuse Management and Program Compliance (FT00465 -A)
February 18-20, 2025 | PSTA | Saint Petersburg, FL
- Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies (FT00456)*
March 25-28, 2025 | CUTR | Tampa, FL
- Supervisor and Leadership Training for Florida Transit Agencies
April 8-9, 2025 | CUTR | Tampa, FL
- Active Shooter Preparedness Training for Rural Transit Systems (Train-the-Trainer)
April 23, 2025 | JTrans | Marianna, FL
- Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making
May 6-8, 2025 | CUTR | Tampa, FL
- Instructors Course for Transit Trainers (FT00562 -A)
June 23-27, 2025 | LYNX | Orlando, FL
Registration for all classes can be made through the LMS at http://www.transportationlearning.org.
Statewide Training Events
- 2025 Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo: February 14-15, 2025 | City of Gainesville Regional Transit System, Gainesville, FL
- FTSON Transit Safety and Operations Summit: June 9, 2025 | USF Embassy Suites, Tampa, FL
- FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop: June 10-11, 2025 | USF Embassy Suites | Tampa, FL
Final Thoughts
The floor was open to any additional comments or questions from the attendees. Appreciation was expressed to everyone once again for their participation with the FTSON. The meeting was adjourned at 11:48 am.