14-90.004. Bus Transit System Operational Standards

(1) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SSPP that complies with or exceeds the established safety standards set forth in this rule chapter.

(a) The SSPP shall address the following safety elements and requirements:

1. Safety policies and responsibilities.

2. Vehicle and equipment standards and procurement criteria.

3. Operational standards and procedures.

4. Bus driver and employee selection.

5. Driving requirements.

6. Bus driver and employee training. As part of the driver training program, specific procedures, and training shall be implemented to instruct the driver on how to safely approach and depart from a transit bus stop to avoid contact with pedestians and other hazards.

7. Vehicle maintenance.

8. Investigations of events described under subsection 14-90.004(5), F.A.C.

9. Hazard identification and resolution.

10. Equipment for transporting wheelchairs.

11. Safety data acquisition and analysis.

12. A wireless communication plan and procedure that provides for the safe operation of the bus transit vehicle. The wireless communication plan and procedure shall assure that:

a. The use of a personal wireless communication device is prohibited while the transit vehicle is in motion, and

b. All personal wireless communications devices are turned off with any earpieces removed from the operator’s ear while occupying the driver’s seat.

13. A policy on the use of a wireless communications device issued to the operator by the bus transit system for business related purposes. Policies developed shall assure that:

a. Guidelines are developed that allow for the use of a wireless communications device in emergency situations, and

b. The use of a wireless communications device does not interfere with the operator’s safety related duties.

14. The Bus Transit System shall develop a driver educational training program addressing:

a. The proper use of a wireless communications device issued to the operator by the Bus Transit System while in the performance of their safety related duties, and

b. The hazards associated with driving and utilizing a wireless communications device.

15. Safety standards for private contract bus transit system(s) that provide(s) continuous or recurring transportation services for compensation as a result of a contractual agreement with the bus transit system.

(b) Each bus transit system shall implement and comply with the SSPP during the operation of the system.

(c) Each bus transit system shall require that all operable transit buses be inspected at least once per year in accordance with established standards.

(d) Each bus transit system shall submit an annual safety certification to the Department verifying the following:

1. Adoption of an SSPP, which meets or exceeds the established standards set forth in this rule chapter.

2. Compliance with its adopted SSPP and that safety inspections have been performed at least once a year on all buses operated by the bus transit system, by persons meeting the requirements set forth in Rule 14-90.009, F.A.C.

(e) Bus transit systems shall immediately suspend affected system service operations if, at any time, continued operation of the system, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public safety.

(2) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SPP that meets or exceeds the security requirements set forth in this rule chapter. The SPP shall be adopted separately from the SSPP.

(a) The SPP shall address the following security requirements:

1. Security policies, goals, and objectives.

2. Organization, roles, and responsibilities.

3. Emergency management processes and procedures for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

4. Procedures for investigation of events described under subsection 14-90.004(5), F.A.C.

5. Procedures for the establishment of interfaces with emergency response organizations.

6. Procedures for interagency coordination with local law enforcement jurisdictions.

7. Employee security and threat awareness training programs.

8. Security data acquisition and analysis.

9. Emergency preparedness drills and exercises.

10. Requirements for private contract transit providers that engage in continuous or recurring transportation services for compensation as a result of a contractual agreement with the bus transit system.

11. Procedures for SPP maintenance and distribution.

(b) Each bus transit system shall implement and comply with the SPP during the operation of the system.

(c) Bus transit systems that engage in a contract with a private contract transit provider shall:

1. Establish minimum security requirements which apply to private contract transit providers.

2. Monitor and assure that each private contract transit provider complies with established security requirements during the term of the contract.

(d) Bus transit systems are prohibited by Section 119.071(3)(a), F.S., from publicly disclosing the SPP or the security portion of the SSPP, as applicable, under any circumstance.

(3) Bus transit systems shall establish criteria and procedures for the selection, qualification, and training of all drivers. The criteria shall include the following:

(a) Driver qualifications and background checks meeting minimum hiring standards.

(b) Driving and criminal background checks for all new drivers.

(c) Verification and documentation of valid driver licenses for all employees who drive buses.

(d) Training and testing to demonstrate and ensure adequate skills and capabilities to safely operate each type of bus or bus combination before driving on a street or highway unsupervised. As a minimum requirement, drivers shall be given explicit instructional and procedural training and testing in the following areas:

1. Bus transit system safety and operational policies and procedures.

2. Operational bus and equipment inspections.

3. Bus equipment familiarization.

4. Basic operations and maneuvering.

5. Boarding and alighting passengers.

6. Operation of wheelchair lifts and other special equipment.

7. Defensive driving.

8. Passenger assistance and securement.

9. Handling of emergencies and security threats.

10. Security and threat awareness.

11. Driving conditions.

(e) Bus transit systems shall provide written operational and safety procedures to all bus drivers before driving on streets or highways unsupervised. At a minimum, these procedures and instructions shall address the following:

1. Communication and handling of unsafe conditions, security threats, and emergencies.

2. Familiarization and operation of safety and emergency equipment, wheelchair lift equipment, and restraining devices.

3. Application and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

(f) The provisions in paragraphs (d) and (e), above, shall not apply to personnel licensed and authorized by the bus transit system to drive, move, or road test a bus in order to perform repairs or maintenance services when it has been determined that such temporary operation does not create unsafe operating conditions or create a hazard to public safety.

(g) Bus transit systems shall maintain the following records for at least four years:

1. Records of bus driver background checks and qualifications.

2. Detailed descriptions of training administered and completed by each bus driver.

3. A record of each bus driver’s duty status which shall include total days worked, on-duty hours, driving hours, and time of reporting on and off duty each day.

(h) Each bus transit system shall establish a drug-free workplace policy statement in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 32 and a substance abuse management and testing program in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 and 655, October 1, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference.

(i) Bus transit systems shall require that drivers write and submit a daily bus inspection report pursuant to Rule 14-90.006, F.A.C.

(4) Bus transit systems shall establish a maintenance plan and procedures for preventative and routine maintenance for all buses operated. The maintenance plan and procedures shall assure that:

(a) All buses operated, and all parts and accessories on such buses, including those specified in Rule 14-90.007, F.A.C., and any additional parts and accessories which may affect safety of operation, including frame and frame assemblies, suspension systems, axles and attaching parts, wheels and rims, and steering systems, are regularly and systematically inspected, maintained, and lubricated to standards that meet or exceed the bus manufacturer’s recommendations and requirements.

(b) A recording and tracking system is established for the types of inspections, maintenance, and lubrication intervals documenting the date or mileage when these services are due. Required maintenance inspections shall be more comprehensive than daily inspections performed by the driver.

(c) Proper preventive maintenance is performed when a bus is assigned away from the system’s regular maintenance facility or when maintenance services are performed under contract.

(d) Records are maintained and provide written documentation of preventive maintenance, regular maintenance, inspections, lubrication, and repairs performed for each bus under their control. Such records shall be maintained by the bus transit system for at least four years and, at a minimum, provide the following information:

1. Identification of the bus, the make, model, and license number, or other means of positive identification and ownership.

2. Date, mileage, description, and each type of inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or repair performed.

3. If not owned by the bus transit system, the name of any person furnishing a bus.

4. The name and address of any entity or contractor performing an inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or repair.

(5) Each bus transit system shall investigate, or cause to be investigated, any event involving a bus or taking place on bus transit system controlled property resulting in a fatality, injury, or property damage as follows:

(a) A fatality, where an individual is confirmed dead within 30 days of a bus transit system related event, excluding suicides and deaths from illnesses.

(b) Injuries requiring immediate medical attention away from the scene for two or more individuals.

(c) Property damage to bus transit system buses, non-bus transit system vehicles, other bus system property or facilities, or any other property. The bus transit system shall have the discretion to investigate events resulting in property damage less than $1,000.

(d) Evacuation of a bus due to a life safety event where there is imminent danger to passengers on the bus, excluding evacuations due to operational issues.

(6) Each investigation shall be documented in a final report that includes a description of investigation activities, identified causal factors, and any identified corrective action plan.

(a) Each corrective action plan shall identify the action to be taken by the bus transit system and the schedule for its implementation.

(b) The bus transit system shall monitor and track the implementation of each corrective action plan.

(7) Investigation reports, corrective action plans, and related supporting documentation shall be maintained by the bus transit system for a minimum of four years from the date of completion of the investigation.

Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2) FS. Law Implemented 119.071, 341.041(3), 341.061(1)(b), 341.061(2)(a) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 11-10-92, 8-7-05, 6-24-08, 9-16-10.