Improving Safety in Transit Webinar
Improving safety is a top priority for transit agencies. In this webinar to be held 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, lead authors Lisa Staes and Jodi Godfrey of the Center for Urban Transportation Research will discuss their work to collect current practices and document effective training initiatives, including bus operator training programs. The authors developed case studies from 10 transit agencies as part of their research, documented in Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 126: Successful Practices and Training Initiatives to Reduce Accidents and Incidents at Transit Agencies.
The webinar will focus on approaches that address safety hazards, including technology applications, infrastructure modifications, and programs and initiatives such as driver incentive programs and close call/near miss reporting. Transit agencies address safety incidents with expanded and issue-focused new operator training, targeted refresher training, technology applications, safety campaigns and promotions, safety bulletins, and safety performance awards. Strategies like reducing the number of staff per trainer and giving operators more time behind the wheel during trainings made a difference. Harnessing technology, such as automated incident map generators, can pinpoint locations of concern.
A number of successful safety programs are attributed to a commitment to safety throughout the organization, including operators, maintenance, management, and supervisory staff. Cases studies included in the report:
- Charlotte Area Transit
- City of Madison Metro Transit
- Greater Bridgeport Transit
- Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
- Jacksonville Transportation Authority
- Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
- King County Metro
- Solano County Transit
- Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon
- Utah Transit Authority
This webinar is hosted through the National Transit Institute (NTI). FTA sponsors both NTI and TCRP to develop and apply innovative solutions and adapt technologies and approaches that help meet the demands placed on the nation’s public transit systems.