What resources are available as a Florida Transit Agency?

The COTA program provides a variety of technical resources and tools to assist transit agencies with meeting state and federal regulations. Some of these resources include developing templates that transit agencies can use as a guide to develop policy plans and procedures required by FDOT, creating sample forms that meet FDOT minimum standards, distributing Triennial Review workbooks to prepare agencies for upcoming reviews, providing presentations at training workshops and conferences and articles describing best practices to help improve system efficiency.

Safety, Security and Operations Resources

Security Program Plan (SPP) (.docx)

This is a template for the development of the SPP that is required by Chapter 14-90.001, F.A.C. for transit agencies receiving FTA Section 5307 and/or 5311 funding. This template includes the minimum elements required by FDOT and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) (PDF)

This is a template for the development of the PTASP that is required by federal statute 49 C.F.R. Part 673 for transit agencies that receive federal funding for capital equipment and/or operations. This template includes the minimum elements required by FDOT and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices. PTASP is a requirement for 5307 agencies.

Wireless Communication Template (.docx)

This is a template for the development of a Wireless Communications Plan that is required by Chapter 14-90.004, F.A.C. for transit agencies receiving FTA Section 5307 and/or 5310, 5311 funding. This template includes the minimum elements required by FDOT and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Florida Small and Rural Transit Agency Bus Operator Training Program

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida was directed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to develop a model Bus Operator Training Program for use by Florida’s small and rural transit agencies.

TOP Template

This is a template for the development of the Transportation Operating Plan (TOP) that is required by FDOT. The TOP details the 5310 agency’s safety, security and maintenance policies. The following template includes the minimum elements and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Hazard Risk Assessment Matrix (Image)

Utilize this matrix to develop a hazard risk assessment for 3 or more wheelchair positions.

Components of an Investigation Report (PDF)

This document provides and outline for agencies to use while developing and implementing their agency specific accident/incident policy and procedure. The outline serves as a guide to ensure that the agency includes all of the components to be compliant.

Maintenance Resources

In-house Maintenance Plan Template

This is a template for the development of the Vehicle Maintenance Plan that is required by Chapter 14-90.004, F.A.C. The template includes the minimum maintenance plan elements required by FDOT for agencies with their own in-house maintenance shop and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Outsource Maintenance Plan Template

This is a template for the development of the Vehicle Maintenance Plan that is required by Chapter 14-90.004, F.A.C. The template includes the minimum maintenance plan elements required by FDOT for agencies who outsource all of their vehicle maintenance and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Facility/Equipment Maintenance Plan Template

This is a template for the development of the Facility and Equipment Maintenance Plan required by FDOT for agencies with in-house maintenance shops. The template includes a table for the agency to list their maintenance shop equipment inventory, a table for the agency to detail their facility and maintenance shop equipment inspection schedule and provides prompts for the agency to incorporate their own unique practices.

Outsource Maintenance Service Agreement Template

This is a template for the development of a service agreement with the outsource maintenance provider conducting your preventative maintenance inspections. The template includes sample language for the agreement and includes minimum maintenance standards required by FDOT for inspecting Type II vehicles.

Pre-trip/post-trip Inspection Forms

Sample pre-trip/post-trip inspection forms that meet FDOT’s minimum standards.

PM Safety Inspection Forms

Sample PM safety inspection forms that meet FDOT’s minimum standards.

Pre-trip Inspection Video

This video presents guidelines that transit agencies can use when developing their own pre-trip/post-trip inspection procedures. These guidelines serve as a sample of best practice methods for inspecting vehicle components generally found on Type II vehicles.

Triennial Maintenance Review Video

This video presents a sample vehicle safety inspection performed during a transit agency’s Triennial Maintenance Review. The video features general methodology used for inspecting vehicle components found on a Type II vehicle. It should be noted that this example inspection is not all inclusive, as the vehicle components examined during a vehicle safety inspection are ultimately determined by the type of vehicle being inspected.

Preventative Maintenance Guide

The purpose of the Preventative Maintenance Guide is to provide Agencies with a resource to assist with developing comprehensive PM programs that emphasize passenger safety useful life of the vehicle by featuring a combination of basic guidelines, industry standards and technical support in public transit vehicle maintenance.

Workbooks

5307/5311 Workbooks (.docx)

These workbooks are examples of the resources used by the COTA team when conducting Triennial Reviews of 5307/5311 agencies. They include sample staff interview questions and information that is collected and analyzed during 5307/5311 reviews.

5310 Workbooks (.docx)

These workbooks are examples of the resources used by the COTA team when conducting Triennial Reviews of 5310 agencies. They include sample staff interview questions and information that is collected and analyzed during 5310 reviews.

Other FDOT Sponsored Programs
Florida Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS)

Florida TRIPS is a multifaceted program that leverages a statewide pooled procurement model to research, specification development, procure, negotiate, inspection service, performance testing and delivery of quality cost effective and safe public transit goods and services for Florida’s transit dependent community. This program also aids Florida transit agencies and municipalities with regulatory guidance and training.

Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

Florida RTAP is a broad program that provides training, continuing education, and technical assistance to those who provide or assist in the provision of public transportation services in rural and small urban communities in order to promote the coordinated delivery of safe, efficient, and effective transit services.

Florida Transit Technician Program (FTTP)

The Florida Department of Transportation is proud to coordinate and administer the Florida Transit Technician Program through Lively Technical College. FTTP offers an array of quality training opportunities for agency technicians in all major systems of the transit bus.

Florida Association of Paratransit Technicians (FAPT)

The Florida Association of Paratransit Technicians is an organization comprised of Florida paratransit agency personnel including 5310 agencies. The primary purpose of the organization is to facilitate communication among agencies to improve maintenance related practices and procedures ensuring a safe mode of public transit, The Association also provides input into paratransit training efforts and assists FDOT when requested.

Lively Paratransit Instructional Program (LPIP)

The program purpose is to provide state of the art industry level training to Florida paratransit technicians. LPIP will provide paratransit technicians with quality training and information to facilitate improved performance and efficiency in the public transit area. .

Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON)

The purpose is to provide resources and a platform for discussion of safety and operational challenges, opportunities, and initiatives impacting public transportation providers in Florida.

Statewide Transit Training and Technical Assistance (STTAT)

The goals of the program are to ensure the highest level of productivity among transit professionals, promote and encourage management and operational efficiencies, promote and ensure safety and security at Florida's public transit properties, and ensure the provision of more cost-effective transit services.

Substance Abuse Management Oversight and Technical Assistance

The goal of this program provides Florida’s grantees and sub-grantees of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding with training materials, training sessions, program implementation aids, FTA approved policy templates and regulatory guidance on the FTA and United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations concerning the testing of safety-sensitive employees for prohibited drug use and alcohol misuse.

Partners
Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA)

FPTA is a nonprofit association whose members include every major public transit agency in Florida as well as interested citizens and businesses.

Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged

The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a coordinated state-wide effort which groups riders together for a shared ride service. Transportation services are available in all 67 Florida counties for those who are eligible and have no access to transportation. Federal, State and Local agencies join together to provide necessary transportation to medical appointments, employment, educational and other life sustaining services.