Implementation Guidelines - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

INTRODUCTION
In February 1994, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published
regulations that prohibit illegal drug use and alcohol misuse by transit
employees and require transit agencies to test for prohibited drug use and
alcohol misuse. These regulations are 49 CFR Part 653, “Prevention of
Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations,” and 49 CFR Part 654,
“Prevention of Alcohol Misuse in Transit Operations.” In addition, the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) issued 49 CFR Part 40, “Procedures
for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs,” which
describes the testing procedures to be followed.
On December 18, 2000 the DOT significantly revised the Part 40 regulations
to update the rule and to address changes in technology, the testing industry,
and the DOT’s programs. Similarly, FTA updated, revised, and combined
its drug and alcohol testing rules (Parts 653 and 654 respectively) into a new
regulation, 49 CFR Part 655. The new Part 40 and Part 655 went into effect
on August 1, 2001.
To accompany the testing regulations, the FTA published Implementation
Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Regulations in Mass Transit. The
guidelines were written to assist transit agencies to develop drug and alcohol
testing programs that are based on the FTA and DOT rules. The guidelines
contain copies of the regulations, a list of certified laboratories, a conforming
products list, terms and definitions, frequently asked questions and answers,
and other useful information.
The Implementation Guidelines will be revised to reflect the rule changes
and a supplemental “Best Practices” manual will be published to assist
transit systems in complying with the new rules. The FTA also publishes the
FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates several times a year to inform
the transit industry technical amendments, FTA interpretations, and
clarifications to the rule.
In 1997, the FTA began auditing the drug and alcohol testing programs of
transit systems and state departments of transportation. The audits seek to
ensure that transit systems are complying with the drug and alcohol testing
regulations and identify which program elements must be changed in order
for the system to be in compliance.
The following checklist is designed to be used by transit agencies and state
DOTs. It will help transit managers to conduct a self-assessment to
determine if they are complying with the regulations, and it allows the
system to identify problem areas and subsequently implement corrective
actions as necessary. The information reflects modifications to the
Appendix J. Self-Assessment Checklist J-2 August 2002
INTRODUCTION