FTA Seeking Input on New Training Requirements to Improve Rail Safety Oversight

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 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. 

“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.”

FTA's Proposed Changes

The proposed changes in the NPRM would expand refresher training requirements for mandatory participants and allow for greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing industry training needs.

The NPRM 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.

The FTA is seeking public comment for rail transit and state safety oversight agency personnel to help maintain effective, ongoing safety training for the industry.

FTA’s proposed changes to the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program regulation would expand training requirements and streamline administrative processes. 

The proposed changes to the training program were published in the Federal Register in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). 

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 builds upon the FTA 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 complements safety training requirements for rail and bus transit workers in the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans regulation.

Stakeholders will have 60 days to submit comments to the Federal Register comment docket.