Cyber Incident Management, Response, and Recovery Planning
Many transit agencies operate under different local, state, and federal regulations, which can create inconsistencies in cybersecurity protocols and incident response measures. Standardizing these regulations will help agencies:
- Identify and comply with federal cybersecurity mandates, such as those from the FTA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Understand reporting requirements for cyber incidents, ensuring that transit agencies quickly communicate threats to relevant authorities for coordinated responses.
- Develop an incident response framework that aligns with federal guidelines, helping agencies effectively contain, mitigate, and recover from cyberattacks.
Fare Collection Methods that Reduce Employee Assaults
This could provide standards or recommended practices to public transit agencies on implementing safe and efficient fare collection systems in the framework of protecting employees from potential assaults. This may include technical specifications for introducing contactless payment options such as mobile apps, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, and smart cards to reduce direct interactions between passengers and employees and cash handling. It could also cover the employment of dedicated fare enforcement officers trained in conflict resolution to handle potential disputes, and the installation of surveillance cameras at fare collection points and on transit vehicles to deter potential assaults and provide evidence if incidents occur. Additionally, it could emphasize the importance of providing clear signage and instructions on how to use fare collection systems to reduce confusion and frustration among passengers and offering regular training for employees on conflict resolution, customer service, and safety protocols.
Emergency Egress/Evacuation of Transit Vehicles
This may include the risks of injuries and fatalities associated with thermal events and specifically recognize and differentiate evacuation challenges of non-ambulatory versus ambulatory riders. It is also suggested to include specific provisions within the standards that address emergency egress and evacuation for individuals with disabilities and location concerns with emergency egress including tunnel environments. This should involve detailed requirements for accessible emergency exits, communication systems, and evacuation procedures tailored to the needs of non-ambulatory individuals.
Collision Avoidance Systems for Light Rail Vehicles and Streetcars
While some transit agencies have begun implementing collision avoidance technologies on a case-by-case basis, there is no universal standard for performance requirements, system capabilities, or implementation timelines. The development of industry-wide standards or best practices would ensure:
- Consistent safety improvements across all transit agencies rather than a patchwork of varied implementations.
- Cost-effectiveness by creating procurement guidelines that enable agencies to invest in proven, scalable technology.
- Integration with existing transit control systems to ensure seamless operation across different manufacturers and regions.
- Clear operator training and regulatory oversight to ensure systems are used correctly and maintained effectively.
Rail Transit Track Inspection & Maintenance
This could provide recommended practices and standards specific to track inspection and maintenance for rail transit systems that includes transit asset management plans for the unique trackwork found on transit systems. This could also be used to better understand track defects known as studs that are most prevalent on commuter and rail transit as opposed to heavy haul freight systems. A standardized switch maintenance program would ensure that all rail operators follow best practices for lubrication, wear monitoring, and real-time diagnostics, minimizing service disruptions and improving passenger safety. Consistent safety improvements across all transit agencies rather than a patchwork of varied implementations.
Hours of Service for Transit Bus Operators
There are no existing public transit bus hours of service standards, and this could standardize hours of service for bus operators to a maximum number of hours on duty and/or driving, maximum hours on-duty and/or driving per 24-hour period, maximum hours on-duty and/or driving hours, and/or minimum hours off between shifts. Suggested exemption for public transit systems that are currently operating under state or locally prescribed hours of service regulations and laws.
