FTA Issues Proposed Changes to Certification Training Program

“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct.26 announced a proposed update to the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program regulation that would “build upon existing training requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies and ensure that the training curriculum is more responsive to evolving industry needs.”

According to FTA, the proposed changes in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM), which were published today in the Federal Register, would “expand refresher training requirements for mandatory participants and allow for greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing industry training needs.” The NPRM, FTA adds, would also “streamline administrative requirements to help ensure individuals who serve in designated roles are enrolled in the program and complete training requirements on time.”

With the goal of a “well-crafted, impactful rule,” FTA is seeking public comment for rail transit and state safety oversight agency personnel to help “maintain effective, ongoing safety training for the industry.” Stakeholders will have 60 days to submit comments to the Federal Register docket.

According to FTA, the certification training program “sets requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies, such as workers in agency safety departments and oversight functions and staff at state safety oversight agencies.” The NPRM, FTA says, builds upon the Administration’s Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program Final Rule, which established a uniform curriculum for safety oversight training by including minimum requirements to enhance the technical proficiency of those who conduct safety audits and examinations and those directly responsible for safety oversight. This program, FTA says, complements safety training requirements for rail and bus transit workers in the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans regulation.

“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “We want every subway, light rail, and streetcar rider to feel confident the workers in charge of safety are trained effectively to carry out their important roles.”