PTASP Checklist for Bus Transit

Comprehensive compliance checklist for Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) requirements to ensure safety management system implementation and FTA regulatory compliance.

FTA COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT

This checklist covers FTA 49 CFR Part 673 requirements for Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans. All transit agencies receiving federal funding must establish and implement a comprehensive PTASP to maintain compliance and ensure passenger safety.

Safety Management System (SMS) Framework

  • Establish safety management policy with executive commitment and accountability.
  • Define safety performance targets and metrics aligned with National Public Transportation Safety Plan.
  • Assign safety accountabilities and responsibilities to all organizational levels.
  • Document safety management processes and procedures in PTASP.
  • Implement employee safety reporting system without fear of retaliation.
  • Establish safety committee with employee representation and regular meetings.
  • Ensure Chief Safety Officer or designee has direct access to general manager/CEO.

Safety Risk Management

  • Conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments for all transit operations.
  • Identify and analyze potential hazards in system design, operations, and maintenance.
  • Establish risk evaluation criteria and acceptable safety performance levels.
  • Implement risk mitigation strategies with documented timelines and responsibilities.
  • Monitor and review safety risk controls for effectiveness and continuous improvement.
  • Document all safety risk management activities in centralized database.
  • Conduct safety risk assessments for significant service changes or new technology.

Safety Assurance

  • Establish safety performance monitoring and measurement processes.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of facilities, vehicles, and operations.
  • Monitor safety performance indicators and compare against established targets.
  • Investigate safety events, incidents, and accidents with root cause analysis.
  • Track corrective action implementation and verify effectiveness.
  • Conduct management safety reviews at least annually to assess SMS effectiveness.
  • Document all safety assurance activities with trending and analysis reports.

Safety Promotion

  • Develop and implement comprehensive safety training programs for all personnel.
  • Provide safety competency training specific to job functions and responsibilities.
  • Establish safety communication program with regular updates and awareness campaigns.
  • Maintain training records and ensure recurrent training schedules are followed.
  • Promote safety culture through leadership engagement and employee participation.
  • Document safety promotion activities and measure effectiveness through feedback.
  • Ensure safety information is accessible to all employees in appropriate languages.

PTASP Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain current PTASP document with annual reviews and updates as required.
  • Ensure PTASP addresses all four SMS components per FTA requirements.
  • Submit PTASP and annual updates to FTA and state oversight agencies.
  • Coordinate PTASP with state safety oversight program requirements.
  • Document compliance with applicable federal and state safety regulations.
  • Maintain records of PTASP implementation activities and performance monitoring.
  • Ensure PTASP is accessible to employees and stakeholders as appropriate.

Vehicle Safety & Maintenance Compliance

  • Establish vehicle maintenance safety procedures aligned with manufacturer specifications.
  • Conduct regular safety-critical system inspections and preventive maintenance.
  • Document all maintenance activities with safety implications in maintenance management system.
  • Ensure vehicle operators conduct pre-trip safety inspections and report defects.
  • Implement vehicle defect reporting and tracking system with priority classifications.
  • Maintain vehicle safety equipment including emergency exits, fire suppression, and communications.
  • Verify compliance with ADA accessibility requirements and safety features.

Operations Safety Procedures

  • Establish standard operating procedures for all revenue and non-revenue operations.
  • Implement operator certification and training programs with safety competency requirements.
  • Conduct regular safety briefings and communications with operations personnel.
  • Monitor operations for safety rule compliance through supervision and technology.
  • Establish fatigue management policies for operators with hours of service limits.
  • Implement drug and alcohol testing programs per FTA requirements.
  • Document safety-related operational procedures and ensure consistent implementation.

Emergency Management & Response

  • Develop comprehensive emergency response procedures for various incident types.
  • Establish coordination protocols with local emergency responders and agencies.
  • Conduct regular emergency response drills and exercises with performance evaluation.
  • Train all personnel on emergency procedures appropriate to their roles.
  • Maintain emergency response equipment and communication systems in ready status.
  • Document emergency response activities and conduct post-incident reviews.
  • Update emergency procedures based on lessons learned and changing conditions.

Data Collection & Performance Monitoring

  • Collect and report safety data to National Transit Database (NTD) as required.
  • Monitor safety performance indicators including accidents, injuries, and near-misses.
  • Establish data collection procedures for consistent and accurate safety reporting.
  • Analyze safety trends and patterns to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Report safety events to FTA and state oversight agencies within required timeframes.
  • Maintain data quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Use safety data to support risk assessment and management decision-making.

Contractor & Vendor Safety Management

  • Establish safety requirements for contractors and vendors in procurement documents.
  • Verify contractor safety qualifications and insurance coverage before contract award.
  • Monitor contractor safety performance during contract execution.
  • Ensure contractors comply with agency safety policies and procedures.
  • Include safety performance criteria in contractor evaluation processes.
  • Document contractor safety management activities and performance.
  • Coordinate contractor safety activities with overall agency SMS implementation.
Use Checklist Online