FTA Announces Final Rule Updating Its Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a final rule updating FTA’s Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program. These updates maintain a uniform safety training curriculum and minimum requirements for rail transit and state safety personnel, building upon existing training requirements for safety professionals.

The certification training program sets requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies as well as those with oversight functions at State Safety Oversight Agencies. The training program updates are the result of months of work by Biden-Harris Administration leaders and in response to comments filed by stakeholders, including transit agencies.

“In the first major update to the safety certification training program regulation since 2018, FTA improved the recertification process and refined communication procedures to manage the program more effectively,” according to a press release. “As part of the revisions, FTA is providing greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing training needs as the industry evolves. The updated rule also streamlines administrative requirements to help ensure everyone who needs to receive training does so.”

This update builds upon the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program rule issued in 2018, which established a uniform curriculum for safety oversight training as well as minimum requirements to enhance the technical proficiency of those who conduct safety audits and examinations.

FTA will provide technical assistance to transit agencies to help implement the regulation. Sign up for email alerts to receive the latest updates.