RULE CHAPTER 14-90 (FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE)
EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR BUS TRANSIT SYSTEMS
Rule No
Rule Title
Effective
Date
14-90.002
Definitions
8/7/2005
14-90.004
Bus Transit System Operational Standards
6/24/2008
14-90.0041
Medical Examinations for Bus Transit System Drivers
6/24/2008
14-90.006
Operational and Driving Requirements
6/24/2008
14-90.007
Vehicle Equipment Standards and Procurement Criteria
6/24/2008
14-90.009
Bus Safety Inspections
8/7/2005
14-90.010
Certification
8/7/2005
14-90.012
Safety and Security Inspections and Reviews
8/7/2005
14-90.002 Definitions.
(1) “Bus” means any motor vehicle other than a taxicab, designed, constructed, and used for the public transport of persons for compensation. For purposes of this rule chapter, a bus means a public-sector bus which is owned, operated, leased, or controlled by a bus transit system. Buses are designated in two categories:
(a) Type I. Over 22 feet in length, including bumpers.
(b) Type II. 22 feet or less in length, including bumpers. This category shall include paratransit type vehicles, such as minibuses, standard vans, modified vans, station wagons, and sedans.
(2) “Bus Transit System” means a community transportation coordinator; a public transit provider; a private contract transit provider which owns, operates, leases, or controls buses or taxicabs where such transportation consists of continuous or recurring transportation under the same contract; or a privately owned or operated transit provider that receives operational or capital funding from the Department and owns, operates, leases, or controls buses, other than nonpublic sector buses defined in Section 316.003, Florida Statutes, that provide transportation services available for use by the general riding public.
(3) “Community Transportation Coordinator” means a provider of transportation services or an entity that ensures such services are provided by another bus transit system.
(4) “Department” means the State of Florida Department of Transportation.
(5) “Drive” or “Operate” are terms which include all time spent at the controls of a bus in operation.
(6) “Driver” means any person trained and designated to drive a bus on a street or highway which is being used for the public transport of persons for compensation.
(7) “FMVSS” means Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect at the time the bus or component is manufactured.
(8) “For Compensation” means for money, property, or of anything of value whether paid, received, or realized, directly or indirectly.
(9) “Manufacturer” means the original producer of the chassis, the producer of any type of bus, or the producer of equipment installed on any bus for the purpose of transporting individuals with disabilities.
(10) “On Duty” means the status of the driver from the time he or she begins work, or is required to be in readiness to work, until the time the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. “On Duty” includes all time spent by the driver as follows:
(a) Waiting to be dispatched at bus transit system terminals, facilities, or other private or public property, unless the driver has been completely relieved from duty by the bus transit system.
(b) Inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any vehicle.
(c) Driving.
(d) Remaining in readiness to operate a vehicle (stand-by).
(e) Repairing, obtaining assistance, or remaining in attendance in or about a disabled vehicle.
(11) “Passenger” means a person who is on board, boarding, or alighting from a bus for the purposes of public transport.
(12) “Safe Condition” means a condition where hazards are reduced to the lowest level feasible through the most effective use of available resources and where substantial compliance exists with all safety rules, regulations, and requirements.
(13) “Safety Review” means an on-site assessment to determine if a bus transit system has adequate safety management controls in place and functioning that meet safety standards provided and incorporated by reference in this rule chapter.
(14) “Security” means freedom from harm resulting from intentional acts against passengers, employees, equipment, and facilities.
(15) “Security Program Plan (SPP)” means a document developed and adopted by the bus transit system detailing its policies, objectives, responsibilities, and procedures for the protection and defense of the system and persons from intentional acts of harm.
(16) “Security Review” means an on-site assessment to determine if a bus transit system has security management controls in place and functioning that meet security requirements provided in this rule chapter.
(17) “System Safety Program Plan (SSPP)” means a document developed and adopted by the bus transit system detailing its policies, objectives, responsibilities, and procedures against injuries or damage.
(18) “Taxicab” means any motor vehicle of nine passenger capacity or less, including the driver, engaged in the general transportation of persons for compensation on occasional trips, not on a regular schedule or between fixed termini or over regular routes, where such vehicle does not provide transportation services as a result of a contractual agreement with a bus transit system.
(19) “Trailer Bus” means a trailing or towed vehicle designed or used for the transportation of more than 10 persons, e.g., tram buses.
(20) “Unsafe Condition” means any thing or circumstance which endangers human life or property.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 11-10-92, 8-7-05.
14-90.004 Bus Transit System Operational Standards.
(1) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SSPP that complies, at a minimum, with 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.
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. 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 annually in accordance with established standards.
(d) Each bus transit system shall annually submit a safety certification to the Department verifying the following:
1. Adoption of an SSPP in accordance, at a minimum, with established standards set forth in this rule chapter.
2. Compliance with its adopted SSPP and that safety inspections have been performed at least annually on all buses operated by the bus transit system, by persons meeting the requirements of 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, is unsafe for passenger service or poses a potential danger to public safety.
(2) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SPP that complies, at a minimum, with 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. Conduct and participate in emergency preparedness drills and exercises.
10. Security requirements for private contract transit provider(s) that provide(s) 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(s) shall:
1. Establish minimum security requirements which apply to private contract transit provider(s).
2. Monitor and assure each private contract transit provider complies with established security requirements during the term of the contract.
(d) Disclosure. Bus transit systems are prohibited 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 selection, qualification, and training of all drivers. The criteria shall include the following:
(a) Driver qualifications and background checks with 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. At a minimum, 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 lift and other special equipment and driving conditions.
7. Defensive driving.
8. Passenger assistance and securement.
9. Handling of emergencies and security threats.
10. Security and threat awareness.
(e) Bus transit systems shall provide written operational and safety procedures to all bus drivers before driving on a street or highway unsupervised. These procedures and instructions shall address, at a minimum, 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 applicable federal and state 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 to perform repairs or maintenance services where it has been determined that such temporary operation does not create an unsafe operating condition 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 29 and a substance abuse management and testing program in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 and 655, October 1, 2004, 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 Maintenance. 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:
(a) That 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 in accordance with the standards developed and established, at a minimum, according to the bus manufacturer’s recommendations and requirements.
(b) That a recording and tracking system is established for the types of inspections, maintenance, and lubrication intervals, including the date or mileage when these services are due. Required maintenance inspections shall be more comprehensive than daily inspections performed by the driver.
(c) That 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) That 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 include at a minimum the following information:
1. Identification of the bus, including make, model, and license number or other means of positive identification and ownership.
2. Date, mileage, and type of inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or repair performed.
3. Date, mileage, and description of each inspection, maintenance, and lubrication intervals performed.
4. If not owned by the bus transit system, the name of any person or lessor furnishing any bus.
5. 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 bus(es), non-bus transit system vehicles, other bus system property or facilities, or any other property, except 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 must 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 a minimum of four years from the date of completion of the investigation.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 119.071, 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 11-10-92, 8-7-05, 6-24-08.
14-90.0041 Medical Examinations for Bus Transit System Drivers.
(1) Bus transit systems shall establish medical examination requirements for all applicants for driver positions and for existing drivers. The medical examination requirements shall include a pre-employment examination for applicants, an examination at least once every two years for existing drivers, and a return to duty examination for any driver prior to returning to duty after having been off duty for 30 or more days due to an illness, medical condition, or injury.
(2) Medical examinations may be performed and recorded according to qualification standards adopted by the bus transit system, provided the medical examination qualification standards adopted by the bus transit system meet or exceed those provided in Department Form Number 725-030-11, Medical Examination Report for Bus Transit System Driver, Rev. 07/05, hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of Form Number 725-030-11 are available from the Florida Department of Transportation, Public Transit Office, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 26, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450 or on-line at www.dot.state.fl.us/transit.
(3) Medical examinations shall be performed by a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner licensed or certified by the State of Florida. If medical examinations are performed by a Physician Assistant or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, they must be performed under the supervision or review of a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy.
(a) An ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed by the State of Florida may perform as much of the examination as pertains to visual acuity, field of vision, and color recognition.
(b) Upon completion of the examination, the medical examiner shall complete, sign, and date the medical examination report.
(4) Bus transit systems shall have on file proof of medical examination, i.e., a completed and signed medical examination report for each bus driver, dated within the past 24 months. Medical examination reports of employee bus drivers shall be maintained by the bus transit system for a minimum of four years from the date of the examination.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 334.044(12), 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 11-10-92, Amended 8-7-05, 6-24-08.
14-90.006 Operational and Driving Requirements.
(1) Bus transit systems shall not permit a driver to drive a bus when such driver’s license has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked. Bus transit systems shall require a driver who receives a notice that his or her license to operate a motor vehicle has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked to notify his or her employer of the contents of the notice immediately, no later than the end of the business day following the day he or she received the notice.
(2) Buses shall be operated at all times in compliance with applicable traffic regulations, ordinances, and laws of the jurisdiction in which they are being operated.
(3) A driver shall not be permitted or required to drive more than 12 hours in any one 24-hour period, or drive after having been on duty for 16 hours in any one 24-hour period. A driver shall not be permitted to drive until the requirement of a minimum eight consecutive hours off-duty has been fulfilled. A driver’s work period shall begin from the time he or she first reports for duty to his or her employer. A driver is permitted to exceed his or her regulated hours in order to reach a regularly established relief or dispatch point, provided the additional driving time does not exceed one hour.
(4) A driver shall not be permitted or required to be on duty more than 72 hours in any period of seven consecutive days; however, 24 consecutive hours off duty shall constitute the end of any such period of seven consecutive days. A driver who has reached the maximum 72 hours of on duty time during the seven consecutive days shall be required to have a minimum of 24 consecutive hours off duty prior to returning to on duty status.
(5) A driver is permitted to drive for more than the regulated hours for safety and protection of the public due to conditions such as adverse weather, disaster, security threat, a road or traffic condition, medical emergency, or an accident.
(6) Bus transit systems shall not permit or require any driver to drive a bus when his or her ability is impaired, or likely to be impaired, by fatigue, illness, or other causes, as to make it unsafe for the driver to begin or continue driving.
(7) Bus transit systems shall require pre-operational or daily inspection and reporting of all defects and deficiencies likely to affect safe operation or cause mechanical malfunctions.
(a) An inspection or test shall be made of the following parts and devices to ascertain that they are in safe condition and in good working order:
1. Service brakes.
2. Parking brakes.
3. Tires and wheels.
4. Steering.
5. Horn.
6. Lighting devices.
7. Windshield wipers.
8. Rear vision mirrors.
9. Passenger doors.
10. Exhaust system.
11. Equipment for transporting wheelchairs.
12. Safety, security, and emergency equipment.
(b) Bus transit systems shall review daily inspection reports and document corrective actions taken as a result of any deficiencies identified by daily inspections.
(c) Bus transit systems shall retain records of daily bus inspections and any corrective action documentation a minimum of two weeks.
(8) A bus with passenger doors in the open position shall not be operated with passengers aboard. The doors shall not be opened until the bus is stopped. A bus with inoperable passenger doors shall not be operated with passengers aboard, except to move a bus to a safe location.
(9) During darkness, interior lighting and lighting in stepwells on buses shall be sufficient for passengers to enter and exit safely.
(10) Passenger(s) shall not be permitted in the stepwell(s) of any bus while the bus is in motion, or to occupy an area forward of the standee line.
(11) Passenger(s) shall not be permitted to stand on buses not designed and constructed for that purpose.
(12) Buses shall not be refueled in a closed building. The fueling of buses when passengers are being carried shall be reduced to the minimum number of times necessary during such transportation.
(13) The bus transit system shall require the driver to be properly secured to the driver’s seat with a restraining belt at all times while the bus is in motion.
(14) Buses shall not be left unattended with passenger(s) aboard for longer than 15 minutes. The parking or holding brake device must be properly set at any time the bus is left unattended.
(15) Buses shall not be left unattended in an unsafe condition with passenger(s) aboard at any time.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 5-31-89, 11-10-92, 8-7-05, 6-24-08.
14-90.007 Vehicle Equipment Standards and Procurement Criteria.
(1) Every bus transit system shall ensure that buses procured and operated meet the following, at a minimum, as applicable:
(a) The capability and strength to carry the maximum allowed load and not exceed the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weighting, or tire rating.
(b) Structural integrity that mitigates or minimizes the adverse effects of collisions.
(c) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), 49 C.F.R. Part 571, Sections 102, 103, 104, 105, 108, 207, 209, 210, 217, 220, 221, 225, 302, 403, and 404, October 1, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference.
(2) Proof of strength and structural integrity tests on new buses procured shall be submitted by manufacturers or bus transit systems to the Department.
(3) In addition to the above, every bus operated in this state shall be equipped as follows:
(a) Mirrors. There must be two exterior rear vision mirrors, one at each side. The mirrors shall be firmly attached to the outside of the bus and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear along both sides of the vehicle. Each exterior rear vision mirror, on Type I buses shall have a minimum reflective surface of 50 square inches and the right (curbside) mirror shall be located on the bus so that the lowest part of the mirror and its mounting is a minimum 80 inches above the ground. All Type I buses shall, in addition to the above requirement, be equipped with an inside rear vision mirror capable of giving the driver a clear view of seated or standing passengers. Buses having a passenger exit door that is located inconveniently for the driver’s visual control shall be equipped with additional interior mirror(s), enabling the driver to view the passenger exit door. The exterior right (curbside) rear vision mirror and its mounting on Type I buses may be located lower than 80 inches from the ground, provided such buses are used exclusively for paratransit services, as defined in Section 341.031, Florida Statutes. In lieu of interior mirrors, trailer buses and articulated buses may be equipped with closed circuit video systems or adult monitors in voice control with the driver.
(b) Wiring and Battery. Electrical wiring shall be maintained so as not to come in contact with moving parts, or heated surfaces, or be subject to chafing or abrasion which may cause insulation to become worn. Every Type I bus manufactured on or after February 7, 1988, shall be equipped with a storage battery(ies) electrical power main disconnect switch. The disconnect switch shall be practicably located in an accessible location adjacent to or near to the battery(ies) and be legibly and permanently marked for identification. Every storage battery on each public-sector bus shall be mounted with proper retainment devices in a compartment which provides adequate ventilation and drainage.
(c) Brake Interlock Systems. All Type I buses having a rear exit door shall be equipped with a rear exit door/brake interlock that automatically applies the brake(s) upon driver activation of the rear exit door to the open position. Interlock brake application shall remain activated until deactivation by the driver and the rear exit door returns to the closed position. The rear exit door interlock on such buses shall be equipped with an identified override switch enabling emergency release of the interlock function, which shall not be located within reach of the seated driver. Air pressure application to the brake(s) during interlock operation, on buses equipped with rear exit door/brake interlock, shall be regulated at the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
(4) Standee Line and Warning. Every bus designed and constructed to allow standees shall be plainly marked with a line of contrasting color at least two inches wide or be equipped with some other means to indicate that any passenger is prohibited from occupying a space forward of a perpendicular plane drawn through the rear of the driver’s seat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bus. A sign shall be posted at or near the front of the bus stating that it is a violation for a bus to be operated with passengers occupying an area forward of the line.
(5) Handrails and Stanchions. Every bus designed and constructed to allow standees shall be equipped with overhead grab rails for standee passengers. Overhead grab rails shall be continuous, except for a gap at the rear exit door, and terminate into vertical stanchions or turn up into a ceiling fastener. Every Type I and Type II bus designed for carrying more than 16 passengers shall be equipped with grab handles, stanchions, or bars at least 10 inches long and installed to permit safe on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and boarding and unboarding by elderly and handicapped persons. Type I buses shall be equipped with a safety bar and panel directly behind each entry and exit stepwell.
(6) Flooring, Steps, and Thresholds. Flooring, steps, and thresholds on all buses shall have slip resistant surfaces without protruding or sharp edges, lips, or overhangs, to prevent tripping hazards. All step edges and thresholds shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of the step or edge which contrasts with the step tread and riser, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
(7) Doors. Power activated doors on all buses shall be equipped with a manual device designed to release door closing pressure.
(8) Emergency Exits. All buses shall have an emergency exit door, or in lieu thereof, shall be provided with emergency escape push-out windows. Each emergency escape window shall be in a form of a parallelogram with dimensions of not less than 18" by 24", and each shall contain an area of not less than 432 square inches. There shall be a sufficient number of such push-out or kick-out windows in each vehicle to provide a total escape area equivalent to 67 square inches per seat, including the driver’s seat. No less than 40% of the total escape area shall be on one side of the vehicle. Emergency escape kick-out or push-out windows and emergency exit doors shall be conspicuously marked by a sign or light and shall always be kept in good working order so that they may be readily opened in an emergency. All such windows and doors shall not be obstructed by bars or other such means located either inside or outside so as to hinder escape. Buses equipped with an auxiliary door for emergency exit shall be equipped with an audible alarm and light indicating to the driver when a door is ajar or opened while the engine is running. Supplemental security locks operable by a key are prohibited on emergency exit doors unless these security locks are equipped and connected with an ignition interlock system or an audio visual alarm located in the driver’s compartment. Any supplemental security lock system used on emergency exits shall be kept unlocked whenever a bus is in operation.
(9) Tires and Wheels. Tires shall be properly inflated in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
(a) No bus shall be operated with a tread groove pattern depth:
1. Less than 4/32 (1/8) of an inch, measured at any point on a major tread groove for tires on the steering axle of all buses. The measurements shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.
2. Less than 2/32 (1/16) of an inch, measured at any point on a major tread groove for all other tires of all buses. The measurements shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.
(b) No bus shall be operated with recapped, regrooved, or retreaded tires on the steering axle.
(c) Wheels shall be visibly free from cracks and distortion and shall not have missing, cracked, or broken mounting lugs.
(10) Suspension. The suspension system of all buses, including springs, air bags, and all other suspension parts as applicable, shall be free from cracks, leaks, or any other defect which would or may cause its impairment or failure to function properly.
(11) Steering and Front Axle. The steering system of all buses shall have no indication of leaks which would or may cause its impairment to function properly, and shall be free from cracks and excessive wear of components that would or may cause excessive free play or loose motion in the steering system or above normal effort in steering control.
(12) Seat Belts. Every bus shall be equipped with an adjustable driver’s restraining belt in compliance with the requirements of FMVSS 209, “Seat Belt Assemblies” (49 C.F.R. 571.209) and FMVSS 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages” (49 C.F.R. 571.210).
(13) Safety Equipment. Every bus shall be equipped with one fully charged dry chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, having at least a 1A:BC rating and bearing the label of Underwriter’s Laboratory, Inc.
(a) Each fire extinguisher shall be securely mounted on the bus in a conspicuous place or a clearly marked compartment and be readily accessible.
(b) Each fire extinguisher shall be maintained in efficient operating condition and equipped with some means of determining if it is fully charged.
(c) Every Type I bus shall be equipped with portable red reflector warning devices in compliance with Section 316.300, Florida Statutes.
(14) Buses used for the purpose of transporting individuals with disabilities shall meet the requirements set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 38, October 1, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference, and the following:
(a) Installation of a wheelchair lift or ramp shall not cause the manufacturer’s GVWR, gross axle weight rating, or tire rating to be exceeded.
(b) Except in locations within 3 1/2 inches of the bus floor, all readily accessible exposed edges or other hazardous protrusions of parts of wheelchair lift assemblies or ramps that are located in the passenger compartment shall be padded with energy absorbing material to mitigate injury in normal use and in case of a collision. This requirement shall also apply to parts of the bus associated with the operation of the lift or ramp.
(c) The controls for operating the lift shall be at a location where the bus driver or lift attendant has a full view, unobstructed by passengers, of the lift platform, its entrance and exit, and the wheelchair passenger, either directly or with partial assistance of mirrors. Lifts located entirely to the rear of the driver’s seat shall not be operable from the driver’s seat, but shall have an override control at the driver’s position that can be activated to prevent the lift from being operated by the other controls (except for emergency manual operation upon power failure).
(d) The installation of the wheelchair lift or ramp and its controls and the method of attachment in the bus body or chassis shall not diminish the structural integrity of the bus nor cause a hazardous imbalance of the bus. No part of the assembly, when installed and stowed, shall extend laterally beyond the normal side contour of the bus nor vertically beyond the lowest part of the rim of the wheel closest to the lift.
(e) Each wheelchair lift or ramp assembly shall be legibly and permanently marked by the manufacturer or installer with the following minimum information:
1. The manufacturer’s name and address.
2. The month and year of manufacture.
3. A certificate that the wheelchair lift or ramp securement devices, and their installation, conform to State of Florida requirements applicable to accessible buses.
(15) Wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement devices, and restraints shall be inspected and maintained as required in this rule chapter. Instructions for normal and emergency operation of the lift or ramp shall be carried or displayed in every bus.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 11-10-92, 8-2-94, 8-7-05, 6-24-08.
14-90.009 Bus Safety Inspections.
(1) Each bus transit system shall require that all buses operated by such bus transit system, and all buses operated by a private contract transit provider, be inspected at least annually in accordance with bus inspection procedures set forth in this rule.
(2) It shall be the bus transit system’s responsibility to ensure that each individual performing a bus safety inspection is qualified as follows:
(a) Understands the requirements set forth in this rule chapter and can identify defective components.
(b) Is knowledgeable of and has mastered the methods, procedures, tools, and equipment used when performing an inspection.
(c) Has at least one year of training and/or experience as a mechanic or inspector in a vehicle maintenance program and has sufficient general knowledge of buses owned and operated by the bus transit system to recognize deficiencies or mechanical defects.
(3) Each bus receiving a safety inspection shall be checked for compliance with the safety devices and equipment requirements as referenced or specified herein. Specific operable equipment and devices as required by this rule chapter include the following (as applicable to Type I and II bus(es)):
(a) Horn.
(b) Windshield wipers.
(c) Mirrors.
(d) Wiring and battery(ies).
(e) Service and parking brakes.
(f) Warning devices.
(g) Directional signals.
(h) Hazard warning signals.
(i) Lighting systems and signaling devices.
(j) Handrails and stanchions.
(k) Standee line and warning.
(l) Doors and interlock devices.
(m) Stepwells and flooring.
(n) Emergency exits
(o) Tires and wheels.
(p) Suspension system.
(q) Steering system.
(r) Exhaust system.
(s) Seat belts.
(t) Safety equipment.
(u) Equipment for transporting wheelchairs.
(4) A safety inspection report shall be prepared by the individual(s) performing the inspection which shall include the following:
(a) Identification of the individual(s) performing the inspection.
(b) Identification of the bus transit system operating the bus.
(c) The date of the inspection.
(d) Identification of the bus inspected.
(e) Identification of the equipment and devices inspected including the identification of equipment and devices found deficient or defective.
(f) Identification of corrective action(s) for deficient or defective items and date(s) of completion of corrective action(s).
(5) Records of annual safety inspections and documentation of any required corrective actions shall be retained a minimum of four years by the bus transit system for compliance review.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 11-10-92, 8-7-05.
14-90.010 Certification.
(1) Each bus transit system shall annually submit a safety and security certification to the Department. The certification shall be submitted no later than February 15, annually for the prior calendar year period. The certification shall attest to the following:
(a) The adoption of an SSPP and an SPP in accordance, at a minimum, with established standards set forth in this rule chapter.
(b) Compliance with its adopted SSPP and SPP.
(c) Performance of safety inspections on all buses operated by the system in accordance with this rule chapter.
(d) Reviews of the SSPP and SPP have been conducted to ensure they are up to date.
(2) The certification shall include:
(a) The name and address of the bus transit system, and the name and address of the entity(ies) which has (have) performed bus safety inspections and security assessments, if different from that of the bus transit system.
(b) A statement signed by an officer or person directly responsible for management of the bus transit system attesting to compliance with this rule chapter.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 334.044(28), 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 9-7-87, Amended 8-7-05.
14-90.012 Safety and Security Inspections and Reviews.
(1) The Department, or its designee, is authorized to conduct inspections of bus transit systems to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule chapter.
(2) The Department, or its designee, is authorized to conduct a safety and security review of any bus transit system which the Department believes to be in noncompliance with its SSPP or SPP and providing passenger service operations in an unsafe manner, or there is evidence of an immediate danger to public safety. The Department shall prepare and submit a report of the review to the affected bus transit system. The report shall be submitted to the bus transit system within three business days of completion of the review and contain the following:
(a) Identification of the findings, including a detailed description of the deficiency(ies).
(b) Required corrective action(s) and schedule for implementation of corrective action(s).
(c) Any requirements for suspension of bus transit system service should the Department determine the continued operation of the service, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public safety.
(3) The Department shall initiate the following actions to suspend the affected bus transit system service if a specific deficiency(ies) or unsafe condition(s) exists to the extent that the continued operation of the system, or a portion thereof, is not safe for passenger service or is posing a potential danger or threat to public safety.
(a) Immediately notify the affected bus transit system of the unsafe condition(s), followed by a certified letter describing the specific deficiency(ies) or unsafe conditions. The notification shall include the following:
1. Required corrective actions for specific deficiency(ies) or unsafe condition(s).
2. Requirements for the bus transit system to certify in writing to the Department of completion of required corrective action(s) in accordance with an established implementation schedule.
(b) Conduct an on-site review of the bus transit system to verify correction of specific deficiency(ies) in accordance with this rule and the established implementation schedule.
(c) Suspend affected passenger service operations if the bus transit system fails to correct specific deficiency(ies) in accordance with this rule and the established implementation schedule.
Specific Authority 334.044(2), 341.061(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 316.610, 334.044(28), 341.041(3), 341.061(2) FS. History–New 11-10-92, Amended 8-7-05.
Local 1701 Sarasota, Fl
