In this study, researchers at the National Center for Transit Research performed a multi-topic comprehensive examination of bus operator-related critical safety and personal security issues. The goals of this research effort were to:
- Identify and discuss the organizational reporting structure related to safety departments and/or function within each of the 30 fixed route public transit agencies in Florida, with input also provided by transit agencies from across the U.S.;
- Identify and document model policies and practices that address the post event condition of bus operators and their ability to return to duty;
- Summarize the current practices related to driver’s licenses and criminal history background checks and identify model policies or procedures related to these record checks;
- Examine the training opportunities being provided by transit agencies and report the successes of these training programs on reducing the safety and security issues related to distracted driving and assaults; and
- Provide recommendations on how transit agencies can improve their training processes to be more effective in dealing with both the safety and security related issues discussed in this research.
