FTA updates safety training requirements

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a final rule updating its public transportation safety certification training program.

In the first major update to the safety certification training program regulation since 2018, the FTA improved the recertification process and refined communication procedures to more effectively manage the program. The regulation issued six years ago established a uniform curriculum for safety oversight training and minimum requirements to enhance the technical proficiency of those who conduct safety audits and examinations. 

The updates maintain a uniform safety training curriculum and minimum requirements for transit-rail and state safety personnel, building upon existing training requirements for safety professionals, FTA officials said in a press release.

The certification training program sets requirements for safety professionals at transit-rail agencies as well as those with oversight functions at state safety oversight agencies. The training program updates incorporate comments filed by various stakeholders, including transit agencies.

“The training requirements will further prepare the state and local officials responsible for overseeing safety on subways, light-rail [systems] and streetcars to effectively carry out their important roles,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.