Center for Urban Transportation Research | University of South Florida A Strategic Approach - Workforce Development, Training, Engagement, and Research Lisa Staes, Director Transit Safety and Workforce Development October 28, 2015

2 Presentation Topics Transit Training and Workforce Development Programs Transit Training Product Development Applied Research Technical Support through Engagement – the Importance of Peer Networking Transit Technical Assistance Programs National Transit Safety Research and Assistance Center

3 Transit Training and Workforce Development  Certificate programs  Course offerings  Curriculum development  Conferences and Workshops  Leveraging technology

4 Drug and Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM) Certificate Program Purpose: – Raise awareness of the vital role that the DAPM has in an agency’s continued receipt of state and federal operating funds – Ensure that agencies throughout the state have knowledgeable administrative staff to prevent non-compliance – Broaden the depth of knowledge among current program managers

5 Florida Transit Operator Trainer Certificate Program Prepare Florida transit agency bus operator trainers to ensure excellence in transit training Partnership with Transportation Safety Institute Core courses focus on adult learning and safety Fatigue Awareness Curbing Transit Operator Distracted Driving/Wireless Distractions Training resource Managing for Performance – Safety, Customer Service, Conflict and Work Ethics Rule Chapter 14-90, Florida Administrative Code: A Review for You – A Course for Bus Transit Operators Over 50 certificates awarded to Florida transit training professionals

6 Certified Transit Technician Program Technical training Curriculum approved by DOE (14 courses) Graduates receive Post-Secondary Adult Vocational certification AND ASE Master Certification Includes hands on training – latest technologies Students who wish to further their education toward an AAS degree can receive up to 33 credit hours toward that degree

7 Transit Manager Certificate Program Offered through USF’s University College Leadership building sessions Established to expand opportunities to move into leadership positions within their agencies or within the industry Tracks offered for operations, maintenance, and administration Seminar series utilized to provide specific training from industry experts

8 Training Products – Computer Based Training (CBT) Modules  Chapter 14-90, Florida Administrative Code: A Review for You – A Course for Transit Bus Operators  FTA Curbing Transit Employee Distracted Driving  FDOT Wireless Distractions Training Resource Program  REACT – Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Testing Decision Refresher Training  Clean, Sober, and Safe  Disability Etiquette for Transit Operators

9 Training Products – Instructor-Led Classroom Training REACT: Supervisor Training Package (DVD and trainer/participant guides) Certified Transit Technician (15 courses) Policies, Procedures, and Work Rules – Best Practices Transit Dispatch and Supervisor Training Transit Mid-Level Management Short Course Prescription for Safety (DVD)

10 Training Products – Instructor-Led Classroom Training - Collaborations Managing for Performance - Safety, Customer Service, Conflict and Work Ethic: A Guide for Transit Operator Trainers (Pine & Associates) Conflict Avoidance – The Art of Maintaining Control: A Guide for Transit Operators (Pine & Associates) Instructor’s Course for Transit Trainers (Transportation Safety Institute)

11 Leveraging Technology Virtual Hands-On Training (VHOT) – This concept allows students to do real-time troubleshooting over the Internet while miles away at their worksite

12 Leveraging Technology (continued) Simulation Environments – This concept allows students (operator and technicians) to operate a bus in a simulated environment Facilitation-trainer and class discussion Trial and error Practice Relatively minimal consequences

13 Leveraging Technology (continued) e-Learning Environment Learning Management System (LMS) platform – Centralized and automated administration Self-service and self-guided services Instructor Led Training (ILT) Computer Based Training (CBT) Webinars Online Training (OT)

14 Workforce Development – Annual Offerings FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop Florida Statewide Annual Transit Safety Summit

15 October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015 Over 14,280 training contact hours to Florida’s Public Transportation Professionals

16 Technical Support through Engagement – the Importance of Peer Networking Florida Transit Safety Network Florida Operations Network Florida Transit Maintenance Consortium Florida Planning Network Florida Marketing Network

17 Applied Transit Safety-Related Research Strategies to Prevent, Reduce, and Mitigate Bus Collision Examination of Passenger Assaults on Bus Transit Systems Bus Operator Safety – Critical Issues Examination and Model Practices Examination of Rear-End Bus Collisions and Identification of Possible Solutions Evaluation of Camera-Based Systems to Reduce Transit Bus Side Collisions

18 Transit Technical Assistance Programs  Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) Program  Centralized paratransit vehicle procurement program  Vehicle inspections  Vehicle safety/component testing  Product evaluations  Performance standards  Vehicle repair and warranty resolution  Incident investigation (e.g. thermal events)

19 Transit Technical Assistance Programs  Substance Abuse Management Oversight, Training, and Technical Assistance Program  Compliance reviews  Substance Abuse Policy templates (pre- approved by FTA and FDOT)  Support to agencies in preparing for or responding to FTA Drug and Alcohol Program Audits (e.g. corrective action procedures)

20 Transit Technical Assistance Programs  Statewide Transit Technical Assistance and Training Program  DBE  Title VI  Preparing for FDOT Triennial Reviews  Developing System Safety Program Plans and Security Program Plans  Corrective Action Plans  Chapter 14-90, FAC compliance

21 National Transit Safety Research and Assistance Center Active Resource Website – Transit Safety-Related Research Repository – with links to TRID/TRB – Federal and state transit safety regulations and standards – Links to training sources and resources – News posts – Federal Register notices – Federal news/notification releases (FTA, FRA, FMCSA)

22 RESOURCE PROGRAM WEBSITES sam.cutr.usf.edu

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