COVID-19 Science Update

To help inform the COVID-19 response and help stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 research, CDC has created a series called COVID-19 Science Update.  The first of its kind for a CDC emergency response, this series provides brief summaries of new COVID-19 related studies on many topics, including epidemiology, clinical treatment and management, laboratory science, and modeling.  These summaries are released Tuesdays and Fridays and include overview of key findings, methods, and implications.  Updated January 29, 2021.  

READ THE weekly SUMMARIES

OATS TRANSIT PLACES 2ND IN NATIONAL RTAP 2021 PHOTO CONTEST

OATS TRANSIT, MACON, MISSOURI (Photograph by Robin Seavey)
In a world where there's a pandemic going on, let's not forget that there's a whole world out there, right outside your window.  You'd be a fool to miss it.  Sometimes, we need to stop and admire the beauty and just breathe instead of worrying about all the bad that's going on in the world.

NTI ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION FOR TRANSIT OPERATORS (DIRECT DELIVERY)
UPCOMING DELIVERIES 

• Thursday, February 17, 2022:  1:00 pm - 4:30 pm EASTERN Time 
  To view an abbreviated course recording please click here.  

Description:
The goal of this course is to give bus operators in the transit industry the knowledge and skills needed to reduce the likelihood of assault incidents from occurring.  Prevention methods covered include defining assault, discussing the types of incidents that could be considered assault and recognizing key vulnerability factors.  Prevention strategies focus on communication and response skills, and the value of reporting incidents.  In addition, the training includes information on the importance of seeking assistance to recover from assault incidents.
Audience:  Transit operators, road supervisors, transit police, supervisors and labor representatives. 
Length:  3.5 hours, online virtual course
Contact:  Amy Gornik (abadaracco@nti.rutgers.edu) 

CTAA CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND DE-ESCALATION FOR TRANSIT DRIVERS AND SUPERVISOR
With appreciation, CTAA thanks the New Mexico Department of Transportation (Transit and Rail Division), for providing transit agencies in every state with free access to this course.  Also to Ream Lazaro, long time nationally recognized transit industry safety, security and training expert.  
Agenda:  The Risk; De-escalation Strategies; Signs of Escalating Conflict; Responding to Danger; Review of Key Points
Cost:  $0
Enroll Now

MPTA EDUCATION SERIES: IN THE WEEDS:  CHALLENGES, CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICE COORDINATION
JANUARY 26, 2022, 9:00 AM TO 10:00 AM CST (ZOOM)
According to the Federal Transit Authority, Mobility Management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinated transportation services to customers, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with lower incomes.  Mobility management focuses on meeting individual customer needs through a broad transportation network -- public transit, private operators, cycling and walking, volunteer drivers, and others -- working together with customers, planners, and stakeholders to deliver the transportation options that best meet the community's needs.
RSVP REQUIRED - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! 

NTI VIOLENCE IN THE TRANSIT WORKPLACE - PREVENTION, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY (TRAIN THE TRAINER)
UPCOMING DELIVERIES

• Thursday, February 10, 2022:  1:00 pm - 4:30 pm EASTERN Time Register here
• Thursday, March 10, 2022:  1:00 pm - 4:30 pm EASTERN Time Register here

Description: 
The goal of this course is to provide participants with knowledge and skills to deliver training to transit agency personnel on how to prevent, respond to and recover from workplace violence.  Prevention methods covered include implementing system and personal security measures, recognizing and reporting the warning signs of potentially violent behavior and using effective interpersonal skills for dealing with different, difficult and dangerous people.  Response strategies focus on self-preservation and the importance of accurate reporting.  The recovery module addresses the stress associated workplace violence and what employees can do to address the impact of it on themselves and co-workers.
Audience:  Transit employees, supervisors and labor representatives.
Length:  3.5 hours
Contact:  Amy Gornik, (abadaracco@nti.rutgers.edu)

FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM MIS OVERVIEW TRAINING
As a reminder, the FTA Drug and Alcohol Program will host two 90-minute training sessions to provide an overview of Management Information Systems (MIS) instructions and expectations.  Each webinar will present the same content.  The training presenter will also take questions from attendees and provide a live demonstration of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System website.

• Register to participate on February 16, 2022, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST / 8:30 am - 10:00 am PST
• Register to participate on March 1, 2022, at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST / 10:00 am - 11:30 am PST

Questions?  Contact Iyon Rosario, FTA Senior Drug and Alcohol Program Manager, Office of Transit Safety and Oversight

FEDERAL MASK REQUIREMENT EXTENDED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (12/03/2021)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, through March 18, 2022.  TSA's initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1, 2021,  with an initial expiration date of May 11, 2021.  It was first extended through September 13, 2021, and then to January 18, 2022. 

While this announcement extends the date of enforcement, all other aspects of the requirement remain unchanged, including exemptions and civil penalties.  TSA also issued a statement on the face mask extension.  Learn more about FTA's guidance to the transit industry on the Federal mask requirement for public transit at the FTA Transit Mask Up webpage.  

FTA DRUG AND ALCOHOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021 ISSUE 73
A new issue of the FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates Newsletter is now available.  Issue 73 includes information on MIS Training and much more.  Last updated:  Thursday, December 16, 2021.  Newsletter-Issue-73-508.pdf