5310 Only Bus System Safety Reviews Stephen Berry

5310 Only Bus System Safety Reviews Stephen Berry August 29, 2017 Center for Urban Transportation Research | University of South Florida

Agency System Safety Review Prepared for: Florida Department of Transportation Office of Modal Development Prepared by: 2

Pre Review Documents • • • Transportation Operating Procedure Driver Selection Policies and Procedures Employee/Driver Handbook Operational Standards and Procedures Organizational Chart Policies and Procedures for: – – – – Background checks Training (including curricula) Incident Investigation Drivers Hours License Checks Medical Exams Wireless Communications Plan 3

Operational Standards to be Reviewed • The Required Elements of the TOP to be Reviewed Include: – – – – – Vehicle Maintenance Qualification for the Selection of Drivers License Requirements and Checks Vehicle Driver Training, including wheelchair procedures Wireless Communication Plan, Policy, and Training Drug Free Workplace Requirements Drug and Alcohol Testing for CDL Drivers Investigations of Agency Incidents including Accidents Emergency Procedures 4

Maintenance • Policy Outlining How Drivers Conduct and Document Pre/Post Trip Inspections Qualification for Agency Drivers • Procedure for Selection, Qualification and Training of Drivers • Background Checks for Drivers • Requirement to have a CDL for any Vehicle Capable of Carrying 16 or more • Verification and Maintaining Copies of Each Drivers License 5

Operational and Driving Requirements • Policy on the Suspension, Revocation, or Cancellation of a License • Requirement to Obey all Traffic Laws and Ordinances • Policy for all CDL Drivers to have a Current Medical Certification 6

Driver Training • Driver Training Curricula to Include: – Vehicle Equipment and Familiarization – Vehicle and Equipment Inspections – Basic Vehicle Operations and Maneuvering – Boarding and Alighting Passengers – Operations of Wheelchair Lifts and other Special Equipment – Passenger Assistance and Securements – Defensive Driving – Distracted Driving – Handling of Emergencies 7

Wireless Communication Plan • Prohibiting the Use of Personal Wireless Communications Device While Vehicle is in Motion • All Personal Wireless Devices be Off • Policy on Wireless Communications Device Issued by Agency • Assurance that a Wireless Communication Device will not interfere with Safety Duties • Education on WCP Plan 8

Drug Free Workplace • Awareness Program to Address: – Dangers of Drugs in the Workplace – Agency Policy on Drug Free Workplace – Available Resources to Employees – Penalties • Notification that Employees are to Abide by Policy • Requirement to Notify Agency of Drug Conviction 9

Drug and Alcohol Testing for CDL Drivers • Policy for CDL Drivers to adhere to Federal Testing Procedures • Explanation of how the Agency Meets the Requirements Investigations of Incidents • Standards for when an Incident is Investigated • Documentation of the Investigative Policy • Retention of the Incident File 10

Emergency Procedures • Documentation on how to Handle Emergencies when away from the Agency Certification • TOP must be provided to FDOT District Office and Approved prior to Grant Award • Must be Provided to FDOT District Office biennially by February 15 th • Must have an Organizational Chart • Should be Signed and Dated by Agency Head 11

Explanation of Findings • • Deficiency Area of Concern Observation Corrective Action Plan 12

Typical Review Timeline Pre Review Conference Call Notice of Review -45 days Initial Report to Agency -21 Days -10 -14 Days +30 Days +60 Days Desktop Review Files Due Review Day!! Final Report Issued +74 Days Reply from Agency 13

Review Team Members Program Manager Stephen M. Berry, Deputy Director of Transit Safety and Workforce Development Lead Reviewers Roberta Yegidis, CCTM, CSSP Dean Kirkland-Mc. Millan, WSO-CSSD Reviewers Gennaro “Rino” Saliceto, WSO-CSSD/CSI(SL) Kent Smith, WSO-CSSD/CSS 14