FTA announces RFI on transit worker safety

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking the input of transit industry personnel, researchers, contractors, government entities, transit users and other interested parties to make American transit safer for millions of frontline staff. 

FTA has announced a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting public input on potential transit worker safety mitigations, including potential minimum safety standards for Roadway Worker Protection programs and operator assault prevention. 

"Safety is paramount in the transit industry, and the Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring we are doing everything we can to ensure approaches for the workers who make our transit systems possible," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. 

FTA expanded its safety oversight capabilities in 2019, when it established an internal Safety Risk Management (SRM) process to identify, assess, mitigate and monitor safety concerns affecting the transit industry. The SRM process helps FTA determine effective and appropriate risk mitigations, such as technical assistance or regulatory responses, to support transit agencies in cultivating safer environments for their workers and riders.

FTA is calling on transit agencies and everyone interested in transit to review the RFI and provide input. 

The RFI closes Nov. 23, 2021.