Dear Colleague:
As the new Administrator for the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), it is my pleasure to announce initiatives underway for the Model
Transit Bus Safety and Security Program. In partnership with the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO), the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and the
Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), FTA has
developed a fresh approach to deliver its voluntary program to all bus
transit agencies across this Nation.
The new program direction continues along the path of the valuable
progress and exceptional work over the last few years by our bus safety
and security partners. Whether through the development and dissemination
of standards, recommended practices and web-based resources by State
Departments of Transportation (DOT), the delivery of training programs
by CTAA and the National Rural Transit Assistance Program, the conduct
of bus safety and security reviews by APTA, or the implementation of
safety and security program elements at bus transit agencies around the
Nation, our industry partners have been working to enhance the safety
and security of our bus transit passengers and employees.
In conjunction with AAHSTO, APTA and CTAA, FTA is now ready to move
forward with significant changes that will enhance the effectiveness of
the program for all bus transit agencies regardless of size and
resources. FTA has designated a new Program Manager for the Bus Safety
and Security Program, and also selected a new contractor to support the
next phase of program development. In addition, recent steps have been
taken to ensure increased coordination with the bus transit industry and
a closer working relationship with its bus safety and security partners.
On July 18, 2006, FTA conducted a meeting with AASHTO, APTA and CTAA
to kick-off the next phase of the program. This meeting provided an
opportunity to discuss needs and requirements, and to clarify priorities
for the program. Above all, FTA and its partners identified strategies
for moving ahead to enhance the effectiveness of the program and its
utility to the bus transit industry. These new strategies are detailed
in the enclosed document.
Efforts are underway to establish a working group of 15-20
representative stakeholders from the bus transit community, as well as
Federal representatives from the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA). The purpose of the working group is to improve program
coordination and feedback on developed technical assistance materials
before they are sent to a wide-scale audience. I believe effective
communication in any program is essential to success. The working group
will provide the forum through which FTA can sustain ongoing
communication with Bus Safety and Security Program stakeholders and
ensure the usefulness of program activities.
The objective is to ensure an effective program that provides useful
information and practical assistance in the development and
implementation of safety and security activities. Feedback and research
indicates that the greatest need for support and guidance is currently
with the small and rural bus transit agencies. It is critical that this
new effort satisfies those needs. As such, FTA and its partners
recognize the importance of State DOT’s and their current working
relationship with small and rural bus transit agencies. The goal is to
provide useful information in a targeted and very practical manner that
builds on the successes State DOT’s have achieved thus far.
To conclude, FTA and its bus safety and security partners are hopeful
that you will continue in your support of the program. We all share a
common goal and your ideas, comments and suggestions are encouraged and
will receive consideration. We understand that additional questions may
be raised to FTA and its bus safety and security partners as a result of
this letter and the enclosed Model Transit Bus Safety and Security
Program Strategies, and we want to assure you that answers will be
forthcoming in additional outreach efforts.
Sincerely,
James S. Simpson, Administrator
Federal Transit Administration
John Horsley, Executive Director
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
William W. Millar, President
American Public Transportation Association
Dale J. Marsico, Executive Director
Community Transportation Association of America
Enclosure
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