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    1. Safety & Security

    AVTA Compliant With Federally-Mandated Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

    June 5, 2018
    The Federal Transit Administration recently conducted an audit of the mandated-FTA drug and alcohol testing programs of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority and found the agency to be in full compliance.

    The Federal Transit Administration recently conducted an audit of the mandated-FTA drug and alcohol testing programs of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority and found the agency to be in full compliance. The mandate, which was made in accordance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, is intended to help prevent accidents, injuries or fatalities associated with prohibited drug use and alcohol misuse in the transportation industry.

    As part of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, all employees or contractors who perform safety-sensitive functions must comply with the testing program, which includes any employees or contractors repairing, rebuilding, or overhauling a vehicle as well as anyone performing hands-on maintenance on the systems. Under the program, pre- employment screening is mandatory and all regulated employees or contractors are subject to random testing.

    In addition to drug and alcohol testing, the multi-faceted program requirements include the implementation of a workplace policy statement, ongoing training and education, and advising on rehabilitation and treatment programs as well as extensive record keeping procedures.

    “The FTA sets forth strict drug and alcohol testing guidelines to ensure public safety. Passing their audit year after year to ensure our compliance is a testament to the cooperation and dedication of the entire AVTA team,” said AVTA Board Chairman Marvin Crist.

    To assist transit agencies in implementing these regulations, the FTA and DOT have developed a complement of technical assistance tools to help ensure program compliance. This includes procedural manuals and reports, videos, seminars, training workshops and web-based resources. AVTA management personnel attend FTA-sponsored educational conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest protocols, and safety meetings for the drivers are conducted on a regular basis by Transdev, the agency's contracted service provider.

    “Diligence is the key to maintaining a successful drug and alcohol testing program,” said AVTA CEO Len Engel. “The safety of our passengers is our top priority and this is just one of the many commitments we make every day to maintain our safe, reliable fleet.”