The Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) quarterly meeting was held on Monday, March 30, 2026, 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, CPR trained attendees were recognized, and emergency exits were demonstrated by the host.

Welcome, Introductions and Roll Call

Roll call was conducted, and a warm welcome was extended to guests and attendees. FDOT Central Office was represented by Tony Brandin, FDOT Transit Operations Manager and Andre Rosedale, FDOT Transportation Data Training Coordinator. Tony spoke to the audience and thanked them for the hard work they do every day. He expressed thoughts on the FTSON meetings-in-person vs. the virtual meetings approach for the FTSON.

Agenda

Anoverviewoftoday’sagendawasprovided,givinginsightintotheday’stopics.

Approval of Minutes from Last Meeting

The minutes of the last meeting held on September 4, 2025, during the FPTA Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida were unanimously approved. It was noted that all meeting and summit minutes are stored on the FTSON website.

FDOT Outreach Short Overview – Paul Goyette, CUTR

Paul shared several points regarding the functions of the FTSON including updating the annual Roadeo testing. The test has not been updated in a while and needs to be more challenging. He discussed the FTSON Chair and Co-Chair positions, and announced it is time to submit candidates for nomination/election of the FTSON Co-chair for the next term which is 2-years. The Co-Chair will automatically move into the Chair’s position for the next term. Election will occur in August.

Security Items for Discussion – Paul Goyette, CUTR

Paul gave a reminder that even though an agency’s security plans are not to be shared, now is a good time to review your agency’s SSP. Dean (CUTR) stated that the security plan is a living document, not a shelf document.  You must state what actions you will take written within the document, AND you must notate and document what tasks you perform to implement the actions stated within the document. The plan should be adhered to and updated as often as times and incidents require. You should be living/working out the security plan. Serious discussion from numerous people ensued regarding several incidents around the state, including the fatal incident at HART a few years ago. Brian (HART) and Ivan (Palm Beach) shared how the events unfolded that day, and how they learned through social media of the attack. Theo (PSTA) called HART immediately to find out if the fatal attack was isolated, which it was. Otherwise, he would have been ready to put PSTA into an initiative-taking emergency status. Instead, he sent out messages to all PSTA operators that the incident was isolated and not to worry. All agreed that there are often indicators that give clues to potential hazards that are on the horizon, pay attention to these things. We should not ignore or dismiss even minor signs; they can be the key to mitigating a major incident.

In was noted that the USA is currently involved in a war with a foreign country. Since Central Command (CentCOM Military Base) is here in Tampa (MacDill AFB), HART and PSTA are more vigilant for potential Lonewolf or other types of terrorism activities. We are at a heightened alert due to these times. All agencies should be on the lookout for potential safety and security incidents-something small could be something big. Ivan (Palm Beach) shared they are also at high alert as the President of America resides in his (Palm Beach) county. Palm Tran is doing extra training reminding staff to be more vigilant.

Ivan (Palm Beach) spoke about the Base Assessment provided by the TSA free of charge to assist agencies to build/prepare/prevent security infractions. Rosemary (CUTR) added that TSA will conduct a drill at your agency to help with learning by example. Also, document everything TSA performs at your agency, and training and exercises your agency conducts (i.e., Active Shooter training, etc.) for the Triennial Review. Paul said to ‘get in front’ of the possibilities. Dean (CUTR) reminded the audience that the FTSON was created for the very reason that we are discussing today – that is to learn from each other, to share experiences and best practices, and be the very best (and safest) we can be. Joe (SRA) reminded everyone to build relationships with law enforcement so they can/will know your agency operations/policies and will be able to respond better if ever the need arises. It also creates a relationship for your agency to assist law enforcement if they ever need to call upon you. We need to be connected with each other!

Ivan (Palm Tran) asked if anyone has an Open Carry policy; several agencies do. It was recommended to adopt the county’s policy thereby being in accordance with the county. There is a difference between someone who is ‘brandishing/flaunting their weapon’ and someone who may be legally carrying a weapon and observed by a passenger. It is legal to carry on the bus, but we must be careful about weapons brought on board.

Florida Statute Rule 790: This rule governs the possession, use, sale, and regulation of firearms, weapons, and destructive devices in the state.

Richard (HART) noted there is a difference between open carry and concealed carry. It is not against the law to carry into a business even though their corporate policy may be no weapons upon property. The business can ask you to leave the property because you are carrying, but you haven’t violated the law, only their policy. Agency reps stated there had been no incidents with open carry since it had been enacted into Florida law in 2023. Paul (CUTR) recommended the book, Florida Firearms, Law, Use and Ownership by Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. for everyone’s edification on firearms policy in Florida.

Leslie (Sunrise Group ) shared that Tampa Bay Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition (TBHPMPC) provides a great opportunity to learn how acute care facilities respond to disasters and medical surge incidents, including activating their emergency plans, incident command teams and even decontamination teams. It is a great way to learn, and build relationships with other (law enforcement, emergency, medical, etc.) agencies. She encouraged anyone who can participate in this annual exercise to do so.

Upcoming Training Opportunities  – Stephanie Lewis, CUTR

Stephanie (CUTR) shared information about upcoming transit training and special events. She previewed sessions being presented at the FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Workshop in June, including Advanced Air Mobility. A list of scheduled events includes:

Registration for all classes can be made through the LMS at www.transportationlearning.org. An email to register for the Professional Development Workshop will be forthcoming.

New Driver License Number Configuration/CDL Self Certification  – Brian Abrams, HART

Brian Abrams (HART) shared new and very important information regarding driver license number configurations. The State of Florida recently implemented and/or announced several updates to driver’s licensing and CDL processes and compliance requirements. Below is a summary of the most significant updates and anticipated impacts.

1. Statewide Driver License Number Changes: The State of Florida remains in the process of transitioning and reissuing driver license numbers for all license holders.

• All license holders will receive a one-time updated license number upon renewal or replacement.

2. CDL Medical Card Self-Certification Process Change: The prior online medical self-certification website for CDL medical cards has been discontinued. Self-certification must now be completed:

• In person at a Florida Tax Collector’s Office, or
• Through the Florida CDL Help Desk (850-617-2606).
• CDL holders can no longer complete medical self-certification online.
• Increased risk of delays if CDL holders do not proactively manage renewals or choose the correct self-certification category.

3. Non-Domiciled (Temporary) CDL Designation & Expiration Requirements: The State is adding a new “non-domiciled” designation to certain CDLs. Some licenses may currently reflect “Temporary.” This designation may apply to individuals who are not permanent U.S. residents but are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Under this framework:

• Non-domiciled (or temporary) CDLs may have expiration dates aligned with the individual’s status.

• The CDL holder must provide the Tax Collector with updated visa or work authorization documentation to maintain the CDL prior to expiration.

• These CDLs will carry shorter validity periods based on immigration status.

• Workforce planning must account for status-based expiration timelines.
• Failure to provide updated documentation may result in disqualification.

4. Written and Driving Exams – English Only: All driver’s license written knowledge exams and skills/road tests are now administered exclusively in English.

• No alternative language testing options are available.
• Candidates must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.
• This applies to all classes of licenses including CDLs.

5. CDL Area Compliance Officers – Random Post-Test Re-Examination: The State will begin deploying CDL Area Compliance Officers who may:

• Randomly meet with the CDL test applicant and tester at the conclusion of a CDL test.
• Conduct a full or partial re-test for quality assurance purposes.
• Testing outcomes may change after completion.
• Potential delays in credential issuance.
• The Compliance Officer’s score will override the original tester’s score.

6. State & Federal CDL Compliance Audits: States are currently undergoing increased audit scrutiny for CDL compliance. If discrepancies are identified in testing or issuance:

• CDL holders and States may be formally notified.

• Retesting of previously issued CDLs may be required by a specified due date.

14-90 Status Update – André Rosedale, FDOT

André shared FDOT is undergoing an update on the Rule Chapter 14-90 Equipment and Operational Safety Standards for Bus Transit Systems for rewriting, updating language, clarifying definitions and requirements, and modernizing the Chapter. Dean Kirkland-McMillan (CUTR) has been very helpful in sharing information to assist with this process, which is intensive. Monica (Liberty County) asked that the ‘little agencies’ are included in the changes. A copy of the proposed changes will be shared with the group for input prior to the final update. Brian (HART) asked if post-trip outlines will be included in the new version of the 14-90; presently it is not in the Operational Guide although it is in the Maintenance Guide. Federal guidelines do not include public transit post trip although all other vehicles are included. Dean responded that post-trip will be included in the new 14-90.

Ivan (PalmTran) asked about minimum hours guidelines for maintenance staff. Presently there are not restrictions on Maintenance even though they contribute to operational safety. If they are tired (working unlimited hours), mistakes mean failures/safety issues of the vehicle. David (The Breeze) asked about hometown trolleys (trolley lookalikes). They are built on a different chassis than transit buses and have air pressure safety buttons which deploy differently than buses in a catastrophic air loss. Paul (CUTR) explained that when the trolleys are bought underneath the TRIPS program, there are protections in place through the state contracts. This needs to be further explored as it is a safety issue for passengers, and numerous agencies are operating hometown trolleys. André shared that this is outside of the 14-90 but agreed it should be addressed.

Bus Operator Barriers, Feedback from the Agencies – Jason Venturella

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the presentation on was rescheduled for a later date.

Disseminating Accident/Safety Event Mitigation Data – David Frayer, Sarasota County Breeze Transit

Last year at the PDW, David presented an accident mitigation database list he had designed for The Breeze. He shared the specific categories and breakdowns of safety event mitigation data. Today, he gave an update of how this data is essential to what we do. He noted that what you see in the video does not always match what is in the written report. By utilizing the database David has designed, it demonstrates how to correct several safety issues and assist with mitigation. The database allows a clearer picture of what happened in organizational incidents, and how to reduce safety events. The Breeze is able to re-train certain areas, creating a safer environment. The data shows improvements in operations, and reductions in accidents. Also noted, sometimes changes in schedules put the operator under pressure; this scenario can create incidents. Paul (CUTR) noted that the PTASP describes the SMS, but this database breaks down the components of SMS at work, drilling down to the root cause. We all need to be looking at risk, identifying the risk and mitigating it down.

Final Thoughts

The floor was open to any additional comments or questions from the attendees. Remember the Co-Chair nominations, the PDW and Summit, and reach out to Molly (CUTR) for travel assistance. Tony asked the group if the meeting in-person helped to resource and benefit from the information shared. Virtual meetings have brought about a decline in engagement. FDOT wants the meeting to be in person; to learn, share, and put together great things by sharing your cohorts. Tony expressed appreciation to everyone once again for their participation with the FTSON, and thanked André for being actively engaged. The meeting was adjourned at 11:56 am.