HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-14 Adopting Transit System Safety Program Plan and Security Program Plan - March 3, 2026CITY OF AVENTURA RESOLUTION NO. 2026-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM
PLAN (SSPP) AND THE SECURITY PROGRAM PLAN (SPP);
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, in 2025 the City of Aventura became a recipient of Florida Department
of Transportation (FDOT) grant funding in the amount of $877,316 to expand the City's
on -demand transit service; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 14-90, F.A.C., requires the adoption of a System Safety
Program Plan (SSPP) and a Security Program Plan (SPP) as a condition of compliance;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Rule 14-90.010, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), the
City must attest to compliance with Chapter 14-90, F.A.C.; and
WHEREAS, to fulfill these requirements and maintain eligibility for current and
future FDOT grant programs, staff recommends that the City Commission adopt the
SSPP and SPP plans
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Recitals. That each of the above -stated recitals are hereby adopted,
confirmed, and incorporated herein.
Section 2. Adoption. That the City Commission hereby adopts the System
Safety Program Plan (SSPP) and the Security Program Plan (SPP) to fulfill FDOT grant
requirements and maintain compliance and eligibility for funding.
Section 3. Authorization. That the City Commission authorizes the City
Manager to take all actions necessary to implement the intent of this Resolution.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Vice Mayor Bloom, who moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Orlinsky, and upon being put to a
vote, the vote was as follows:
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2026-14
Commissioner Clifford B. Ain Yes
Commissioner Gustavo Blachman Yes
Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland Yes
Commissioner Paul A. Kruss Yes
Commissioner Cindy Orlinsky Yes
Vice Mayor Amit Bloom Yes
Mayor Howard S. Weinberg Yes
PASSED AND ADOPTED this V day of March, 2026.
14,�,� 141,6�h
H WARD S. WEINBERG, ES
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ELLISA L. HORVA , MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
ROBERT MEYERS
CITY ATTORNEY
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN, P.L.
Page 2 of 2
Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP)
Last Adopted: March 3, 2026
City of Aventura
19200 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180
SSPP Document Activity Log
Date
Activity
(Review/Update/Addendum/
Adoption/Distribution)
Concerned Person
(Signature)
Remarks
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP)
Table of Contents
1. Management Safety Commitment and Policy Statement..........................................................5
2. System Safety Goals and SSPP...............................................................................................6
2.1. SSPP Control and Update Procedures...............................................................................7
3. Hazard and Security Plan(HSP)...............................................................................................8
4. System Description...................................................................................................................9
5. Organization Structure and System Safety Responsibilities...................................................10
5.1. City of Aventura Organization Chart.................................................................................10
5.2. City of Aventura System Safety Responsibilities by Position............................................11
5.3. System Safety Responsibilities of Contract Service Operator(s)......................................12
6. Qualification and Selection of Drivers.....................................................................................14
7. Driver Safety Training and Testing..........................................................................................16
7.1. Initial Driver Training and Testing.....................................................................................16
7.2. On-Going/Refresher Training and Testing........................................................................17
7.3. Remedial Training and Testing.........................................................................................17
7.4. NIMS Training...................................................................................................................17
8. Records Management.............................................................................................................18
9. Drug and Alcohol Program......................................................................................................19
10. Vehicle Maintenance Program.............................................................................................20
10.1. Daily Vehicle Inspections(DVI).....................................................................................21
10.2. Preventive Maintenance................................................................................................22
10.3. Bus Safety Inspections..................................................................................................23
11. Safety Data Acquisition & Analysis......................................................................................
24
12. Hazard Identification and Resolution...................................................................................25
12.1. Hazard Identification......................................................................................................26
12.2. Hazard Categorization...................................................................................................26
12.3. Hazard Resolution.........................................................................................................26
13. Event Investigation..............................................................................................................27
14. Medical Exams for Bus Transit System Drivers...................................................................28
15. Operating and Driving Requirements...................................................................................29
15.1. Wireless Communication...............................................................................................32
16. Vehicle Equipment Standards & Procurement Criteria........................................................ 34
17. Internal and External Safety Audits......................................................................................38
18. Certification.......................................................................................................................... 39
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 3
19. Appendices..........................................................................................................................40
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP)
1. Management Safety Commitment and Policy Statement
14-90.004 (1) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SSPP that complies with or exceeds
the established safety standards set forth in this rule chapter.
The City of Aventura is committed to providing safe, secure, clean, reliable, and efficient transportation
services to members of the community. This policy statement serves to express the City's commitment
to and involvement in providing and maintaining a safe and secure transit system.
Section 341.041, Florida Statutes (F.S.); Section 334.044(2), F.S.; and Section 341.061(2)(a), F.S.,
requires the establishment of minimum equipment and operational safety standards for all
governmentally owned bus transit systems; privately owned or operated bus transit systems operating
in this state which are financed wholly or partly by state funds; all bus transit systems created pursuant
to Chapter 427, F.S.; and all privately owned or operated bus transit systems under contract with any
of the aforementioned systems. Safety standards for bus transit systems are provided by Rule Chapter
14-90, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), hereinafter referred to as Rule 14-90. Bus transit systems
are required to develop, adopt, and comply with a System Safety Program Plan (SSPP), which meets
or exceeds, the established safety standards set forth in Rule 14-90.
In the interest of safety and security, and in order to comply with the statutory requirements, The City
of Aventura has developed and adopted this System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) that complies with
established safety standards set forth in Rule 14-90. The SSPP is intended to document all policies,
functions, responsibilities, etc. of the agency necessary to achieve a high degree of system safety and
applies to all areas of the transportation system, including procurement, administration, operations, and
maintenance.
The City of Aventura staff is responsible for maintaining a coordinated safety system in order to identify
and prevent unsafe acts and conditions that present a potential danger or threat to public safety. The
City has responsibility for maintaining and implementing the SSPP and complying with the policies,
procedures, and standards included in this document. All departments, personnel, and contract service
operators are charged with the responsibility of adhering to this SSPP. Any violation of safety and
security practices is subject to appropriate administrative action. The City Manager is ultimately
responsible for enforcing the SSPP and maintaining a safe and secure system.
Bryan Pegues
City Manager
Date
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 5
2. System Safety Goals and SSPP
According to 14-90.002(19), "System Safety Program Plan" or "SSPP" means a document developed and
adopted by the bus transit system detailing its policies, objectives, responsibilities, and procedures against
injuries or damage. 14-90.004(1)(a) specifies the safety elements and requirements that must be addressed
by the SSPP.
The City of Aventura has established the following goals for the system safety program:
• Achieve a high standard of system safety in all areas of the transportation system
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, systematic, and coordinated program to identify,
assess, and control all safety hazards
• Develop and maintain a high level of safety awareness among all employees through pre-
employment screening and systematic training and testing programs
• Establish safety standards for contract service operators and ensure compliance
• Ensure that system safety is integrated with daily operations through operational standards and
procedures, vehicle maintenance, inspections, record keeping, audits, quality assurance and
quality control
• Ensure that all vehicles and equipment operated by the agency meet established safety
standards
• Maintain a formal process for event investigation, emergency preparedness and response, and
handling security threats
• Ensure a drug free workplace
• Comply with all regulatory requirements.
The purpose of this SSPP document is to:
• Establish and document system safety policies and procedures in compliance with Rule 14-90
• Establish a coordinated and documented process to implement the SSPP during the operations
of the system in order to achieve system safety goals
• Identify and delegate safety functions and responsibilities to units and personnel within the
organization and contract service operators
• Facilitate internal and external safety audits to identify, track, and resolve safety program
deficiencies.
In accordance with Rule 14-90 (included in Appendix A), the SSPP addresses the following safety
elements and requirements:
• Safety policies and responsibilities
• Vehicle and equipment standards and procurement criteria
• Operational standards and procedures
• Driver and employee selection
• Driving requirements
• Driver and employee training
• Vehicle maintenance
• Investigations of events
• Hazard identification and resolution
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 6
• Equipment for transporting wheelchairs
• Safety data acquisition and analysis
• Wireless communication plan and procedure
• 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 City of
Aventura.
2.1. SSPP Control and Update Procedures
According to 14-90.010, each bus transit system shall annually submit a safety and security certification to
the Department. One of the requirements that the certification shall attest is that the SSPP has been
reviewed to ensure that the document is up to date.
The City of Aventura administration will review the SSPP annually, update the document as necessary,
and implement the changes within a timeframe that will allow the agency to timely submit the annual
self -certification of compliance to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The annual review
of the SSPP will be conducted as part of an internal audit beginning October 1st of each calendar year
and ending prior to the end of the same calendar year. Necessary updates outside the annual update
window will be handled as SSPP addendums which will be incorporated in the body of the SSPP during
subsequent annual update.
All proposed changes will be documented by the management as proposed SSPP addendums and
distributed to all affected parties including employees and contract service operators. All parties must
comment within two weeks of the issuance of the proposed changes unless otherwise specified.
Following the approval of any modifications to the SSPP by The City Manager, staff will distribute the
SSPP addendum to all affected parties, with a cover memo highlighting the changes. All parties
receiving the updates are required to sign for its receipt and acknowledge their responsibility in
implementing the changes. Staff will document and retain the proof of SSPP receipt by all employees
during initial hire and subsequent updates. The City Commission will adopt the SSPP annually following
the internal audit and a copy of the adopted SSPP will be distributed to all employees and contract
service providers. A copy of the adopted SSPP will also be forwarded to the FDOT District Office.
Document reviews of the SSPP by the local agency, any subsequent updates, addendums, adoption,
and distribution activities will be documented in the SSPP Document Activity Log included in this
document.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 7
3. Hazard and Security Plan (HSP)
14-90.004(2) Each bus transit system shall develop and adopt an SPP that meets or exceeds the security
requirements set forth in this rule chapter. The SPP shall be adopted separately from the SSPP.
In accordance with Rule 14-90, The City of Aventura has adopted, and implemented a Hazard and
Security Plan (HSP), often referred to as the Security Program Plan (SPP), which covers the hazard
and security portion of the system safety program. The HSP contains information about prevention,
mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and associated organizational responsibilities. The
purpose of the HSP/SPP is to specify:
• Actions required of employees on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis to prevent or reduce
the likelihood of security and emergency events from occurring, and to mitigate the effects of
those events that do occur
• Measures needed to prepare for incidents occurring within the transportation system and in the
surrounding community
• Agency procedures that should be established to respond to security hazards and emergencies
that affect the system and its customers
• Formal processes to recover from routine security events or major emergencies
• Roles, responsibilities, and interagency coordination required to respond to a disaster or security
event.
The HSP/SPP addresses the following hazard and security elements and requirements:
• Security policies, goals, and objectives
• Organization, roles, and responsibilities
• Emergency management processes and procedures for mitigation, preparedness, response,
and recovery
• Procedures for investigation of events described under subsection 14-90.004(5), F.A.C.
• Procedures for the establishment of interfaces with emergency response organizations
• Procedures for interagency coordination with local law enforcement jurisdictions
• Employee security and threat awareness training programs
• Security data acquisition and analysis
• Emergency preparedness drills and exercises
• Requirements for private contract transit providers that engage in continuous or recurring
transportation services for compensation as a result of a contractual agreement with the bus
transit system.
• Procedures for SPP maintenance and distribution.
The HSP/SPP has been adopted separately from the SSPP. Bus transit systems are prohibited by
Section 119.071(3)(2), Florida Statutes, from publicly disclosing the SPP, as applicable under any
circumstance. The document is maintained in a secure location by the management and access to the
document is restricted to select agency personnel and appropriate FDOT personnel exercising
oversight in this area. On -site access to the HSP/SPP is granted to regulatory authorities (FDOT, FTA,
etc.) on as -needed basis. Select portions of the HSP/SPP may be shared with employees depending
on their job responsibilities.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 8
4. System Description
FDOT, (or its contractor), is required through its Bus Transit System Safety Program (Topic # 725-030-009-i)
to document system description during safety and security inspections and reviews. By electing to include your
system description in the SSPP, this information would then be readily accessible to FDOT to facilitate future
reviews.
Fixed Route Transit:
No. of Routes: 3
No. of Buses: 3
Operated by: Contract Service Operator (CSO, Beefree, LLC)
Maintained by: Contract Service Operator (CSO, Beefree, LLC)
Maintenance Location: CSO Site
On -Demand Transit:
No. of Routes: N/A
No. of Vehicles: 12
Operated by: Contract Service Operator (CSO, Beefree, LLC)
Maintained by: Contract Service Operator (CSO, Beefree, LLC)
Maintenance Location: CSO Site
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 9
5. Organization Structure and System Safety Responsibilities
According to 14-90.004, the SSPP must address safety system responsibilities as one of the safety elements.
The City Manager has the overall responsibility of safe and secure operations of The City of Aventura
and contract service operators. Each employee is required to carry out specific system safety
responsibilities, depending on his/her position, in compliance with the SSPP. The organization
information provided below describes each position and the reporting structure, the table in the following
page shows system safety responsibilities of each position.
5.1. City of Aventura Organization Chart
Position 1
Bryan Pegues
City Manager
Position 2
Jake Ozyman
Public Works/Transportation
Director
Position 3
Krystal Melendez
Maintenance Supervisor
Position 4
Jason Spiegel
CSO Administration and Management
Position 5
Freddy Frique
CSO Maintenance Manager
Position 6 Position 7 Position 8
CSO Mechanic CSO Driver CSO Dispatcher
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 10
5.2. City of Aventura System Safety Responsibilities by Position
City of Aventura Responsibility by
Contract Service
Position
Operator Responsibility
System Safety Task
Frequency
by Position
Position
Position
Position
Position
Position
1
2
3
4
5
Oversee and assure SSPP and HSP/SPP
Daily
X
X
X
X
compliance
Random inspections of Departments for safety
Quarterly/ As
compliance (pre -trip inspections, driver files,
X
maintenance records, etc.)needed
SSPP and HSP/SPP review, maintenance, and
Annual/ As
X
X
distribution
needed
Infra -agency coordination and safety meetings
Monthly
X
X
Inter -agency coordination (FDOT, law enforcement,
As needed
X
X
emergency response organizations, etc.
Facility inspection
Monthly
X
X
Employee safety training and testing and record
Initial hire/
X
X
keeping
Quarter)
Drug free workplace (policy maintenance, employee
Initial hire/
X
X
training and testing, etc.)
Quarter)
Driver license validity check and record maintenance
Initial hire/
Quarter)
X
X
Administrative/Human Resource safety actions
As needed
X
X
X
On an
Safety and security data acquisition and analysis
ongoing
X
X
X
basis
Medical examination of drivers and record keeping
Initial hire/
biennium
X
X
X
Vehicle and equipment procurement
As needed
X
X
Pre -trip inspections and record keeping
Daily
X
X
X
Vehicle maintenance and record keeping
Daily
X
X
X
X
Annual safety inspections and record keeping
Annual
X
X
X
X
Event investigation and record keeping
As needed
X
X
X
Investigate safety complaints
As needed
X
X
X
Pre -employment screening
Initial hire
X
X
Employee time recording and maintenance
Daily
X
Internal safety audits
Annual/As
X
X
X
X
needed
Facilitate external safety audits
As needed
X
X
Records maintenance, retention, and distribution
Daily/As
needed
X
X
X
X
Contractor safety and security compliance oversight
Daily
X
X
Hazard identification and resolution
Daily
X
X
X
X
Compliance with SSPP
Daily
X
X
X
X
Self -certification of safety compliance
Annual
X
X
X
X
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP)
5.3. System Safety Responsibilities of Contract Service Operator(s)
14-90.004 requires establishing safety and security requirements for private contract service providers that
provide continuous or recurring transportation services for compensation as a result of a contractual
agreement with the bus transit system. The Rule also requires monitoring and assurance that each private
contract transit provider complies with established safety and security requirements during the term of the
contract. In the event that transit service is contracted or subcontracted through private service operators,
the local transit agency must respond to these requirements. Agencies not currently contracting with private
providers may wish however to consider incorporating this section in their SSPP for future provisions.
The City of Aventura requires all contract service operators to fully comply with the established safety
standards set forth in Rule 14-90. Contract operators have the option to either adopt and implement
the SSPP and HSP/SPP of The City of Aventura, or develop, adopt, and implement their own program
plans, but must ensure compliance with Rule 14-90. If the contract service operator opts to develop
their own SSPP and HSP/SPP, the program plans must be reviewed and approved by The City of
Aventura prior to initiation of service. In addition, each contractor/subcontractor shall submit a safety
and security certification to The City of Aventura no later than January 31, annually for the prior calendar
year period. The certification shall attest to the following:
• The adoption of an SSPP and an HSP/SPP in accordance with established standards set forth
in Rule 14-90.
• Compliance with its adopted SSPP and HSP/SPP.
• Performance of safety inspections on all buses operated by the system in accordance with Rule
14-90.
• Reviews of the SSPP and HSP/SPP have been conducted to ensure they are up to date.
The certification shall include:
• The name and address of the contractor/subcontractor, and the name and address of the
entity(ies) who performed bus safety inspections and security assessments during the prior
calendar year, if different from that of the contractor/subcontractor.
• A statement signed by an officer or person directly responsible for management of the
contractor/subcontractor attesting to compliance with Rule 14-90.
Contractors/subcontractors are subject to audits and inspections on an announced or unannounced
basis at the discretion of The City of Aventura, or its contractor, will conduct safety and security reviews
of contract operators, at least once every three years, to ascertain compliance with the provisions of
Rule 14-90. The City of Aventura will prepare and submit a report of the audit to the affected contract
operator within 30 business days of completion of the review containing the following:
• Identification of the findings, including a detailed description of any deficiency.
• Required corrective action and a schedule for implementation of the corrective action to be taken
for each deficiency.
• Any required suspension of bus transit system service should The City of Aventura determine
the continued operation of the service, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public
safety.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 12
If the contract operator fails to correct specific deficiency(ies) in accordance with Rule 14-90 and the
established implementation schedule, The City of Aventura will notify the MOT District Office and
initiate actions to dismiss the contract.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 13
6. Qualification and Selection of Drivers
14-90.004(3) requires bus transit systems establish criteria and procedures for the selection, qualification,
and training of all drivers. The criteria shall include the following:
(a) Driver qualifications and background checks meeting 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.
(e) Bus transit systems shall provide written operational and safety procedures to all bus drivers before
driving on streets or highways unsupervised.
(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 in order to perform repairs or maintenance
services when it has been determined that such temporary operation does not create unsafe operating
conditions 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 32 and a substance abuse management and testing program in accordance with 49 C.F.R.
Parts 40 and 655, October 1, 2009, 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.
The City of Aventura is responsible for providing monitoring and oversight to ensure that the following
minimum standards are met by the contract service operator when hiring new drivers.
Must possess a valid Florida driving license of appropriate class
Criminal background check (with local law enforcement and the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement) and driving records check including, but not limited to, the following items:
o Driving records
o Instant Social Security Number validations
o Instant identification of applicant's county of residence for the past seven years
o County felony criminal history checks for up to three counties per applicant and other
criminal records checks
o Education verification
o Employment reference checks
o Personal reference check
o Workers' Compensation claims
• Complete employment application.
• Successful completion of pre -employment physical including an eye examination and drug
screening test.
• Signed acknowledgement of receipt and agreement to comply with drug -free workplace policy.
• Signed acknowledgment of receipt and agreement to comply with SSPP.
• Successful completion of required orientation, 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.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 14
• Signed acknowledgment of receipt and compliance with the following written operational and
safety procedures before driving on a street or highway unsupervised.
o Communication and handling of unsafe conditions, security threats, and emergencies.
o Familiarization and operation of safety and emergency equipment, wheelchair lift
equipment, and restraining devices.
o Application and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and
regulations.
• Drivers are required to write and submit a daily bus inspection report pursuant to Rule 14-90.006,
F.A.C.
• Personnel licensed and authorized by the bus transit system to drive, move, or road test a bus
in order to perform repairs or maintenance services when it has been determined that such
temporary operation does not create unsafe operating conditions or create a hazard to public
safety are not bound to the following two provisions:
o 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.
o Bus transit systems shall provide written operational and safety procedures to all bus
drivers before driving on streets or highways unsupervised.
Noncompliance with any regulatory or agency specific requirement may result in an employee
administrative action up to and including suspension or termination of employment. It is the policy of
The City of Aventura to screen applicants to eliminate those that pose a safety or security threat to the
agency or who would not be capable of carrying out agency safety and security policies.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 15
7. Driver Safety Training and Testing
14-90.004(3) establishes driver training and testing requirements 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.
All employees and drivers of The City of Aventura and all Contract Service Providers are required to
complete all training and testing requirements 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. The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for monitoring and documenting all training
and testing activities utilizing a certification process. Noncompliance with any regulatory or agency
specific guideline or requirement may result in suspension or termination of employment. This section
of the SSPP discusses the training and testing programs to be administered by the Contract Service
Operator and monitored by The City of Aventura Maintenance Supervisor.
7.1. Initial Driver Training and Testing
Upon hire and prior to being placed into road service, all drivers are required to complete Computer
Based 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.
7. Defensive driving.
8. Passenger assistance and securement.
9. Handling of emergencies and security threats.
10. Security and threat awareness.
11. Driving conditions.
As part of the driver training program, specific procedures have been incorporated within computer
training Module 4 (Basic operations and maneuvering) to instruct the driver on how to safely approach
and depart from a transit bus stop to avoid contact with pedestrians and other hazards.
In addition, new drivers are required to successfully undergo a road test with an experienced driver. A
new -hire check -off list must be completed to ensure the employee has received all required 14-90
training and information before being authorized for over -the -road service.
After successful completion of each training and testing module, the Contract Service Operator is
required to document and record the satisfactory completion of the employee's training and submit to
the Maintenance Supervisor. Certificates of completion will be maintained in the driver files for a
minimum of 4 years.
All newly hired employees are also provided instructional training by the Contract Service Operator
which is monitored by the Maintenance Supervisor per agency's HSP/SPP. Drivers are given instruction
in The City of Aventura rules and standard operating procedures in the following areas:
• General rules: General rules of the agency including employee conduct codes
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 16
• Personal appearance and conduct: Covers uniforms, grooming, and employee conduct.
• Customer service: Covers expectations of employees when dealing with the public; includes
instruction on how and to whom to report security incidents, and types of individuals or situations
to be aware of and report.
• Traffic laws: Covers applicable traffic -related laws and regulations, drug and alcohol testing, and
drug and alcohol use restrictions.
• Americans with Disabilities Act requirements: Provides instruction in complying with ADA
requirements and providing service to disabled patrons.
• Radio procedures: Provides instruction on radio procedure for both routine and emergency radio
traffic. Includes instruction on reporting crimes, suspicious acts, and potentially hazardous
situations.
• Report writing: Provides instruction on report writing, and reporting requirements.
• Substance abuse policy: Implements a drug and alcohol testing program.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards: Covers blood borne
pathogens and other occupational exposure to health hazards.
The Maintenance Supervisor will oversee the CSO in developing and maintaining a Training Manual
for new hire training and testing of employees as part of the Safety Training Program. The manual will
contain training course content, curriculum, lesson plans, testing requirements, etc. All training and
testing activities will also be adequately documented by the Maintenance Supervisor.
7.2. On-Going/Refresher Training and Testing
The Maintenance Supervisor will oversee the CSO in developing and maintaining a Training Manual
for on -going and refresher training and testing of employees. The manual will contain training course
content, curriculum, lesson plans, testing requirements, etc. On-going/refresher training and testing
sessions will be conducted as necessary to remain compliant with Rule 14-90. The drivers are required
to attend training and testing in all areas specified by Rule 14-90 at least once every three years. All
training and testing activities are to be recorded and retained in files for a minimum of four years.
7.3. Remedial Training and Testing
The Contract Service Operator will employ remedial training for drivers who have been involved in a
serious collision or have developed unsafe driving behavior or other driving problems. Other causes for
remedial training may include persistent customer complaints, supervisor recommendations, or a result
of ongoing evaluations. Depending on the circumstances, the Maintenance Supervisor will determine
the appropriate remedial training and testing, the results of which will also be documented and retained
in files.
7.4. NIMS Training
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a consistent nationwide template to
enable all government, private -sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during
domestic incidents (http-//www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/). The NIMS system requires that transit
agencies comply with a number of specific activities to ensure personnel who will be conducting
activities in response to emergencies use the standard Incident Command System (ICS).
The City of Aventura HSP/SPP requires that management and staff take available NIMS training to
understand this requirement and to coordinate regularly with outside organizations to prepare for
coordinated responses to incidents. In addition, all employees will be provided security training and
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 17
drills every six months to ensure they are familiar with emergency policies. All training and testing
activities will also be recorded and retained in files.
8. Records Management
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 18
14-90 requires that system safety documents be maintained and retained by the agency for at least four
years. Records of daily bus inspections and any corrective action documentation must be retained by the
agency for a minimum of two weeks.
The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for implementing a record management program that
includes maintenance, retention, distribution, and safe disposal of all safety and security records of the
agency in compliance with state and federal regulations.
All safety and security documents of the agency (SSPP, HSP/SPP, etc.) will be periodically revised, as
needed, to ensure that they are up to date. Revisions and updates will be communicated with
employees, contractors, and regulatory agencies as they occur or as deemed necessary by the
management, depending on the nature of the revision or update. The HSP/SPP is considered a
confidential document and will be retained in a secure location by management.
The City of Aventura will maintain and retain the following records for at least four years:
• Records of bus driver background checks and qualifications
• Detailed descriptions of training administered and completed by each bus driver
• A record of each bus driver's duty status which will include total days worked, on -duty hours,
driving hours, and time of reporting on and off duty each day
• Event investigation reports, corrective action plans, and related supporting documentation
• Records of preventive maintenance, regular maintenance, inspections, lubrication, and repairs
performed for each bus
• Records of annual safety inspections and documentation of any required corrective actions
• Completed and signed medical examination reports for each bus driver
In addition, the Contract Service Operator will retain records of daily bus inspections and any corrective
action documentation for a minimum of two weeks.
An organized paper and electronic filing system will be maintained by the agency, adequately backed
up to prevent potential loss of information. All sensitive personnel records will be protected from public
access. When ready for disposal, both paper and electronic data will be disposed of in a secure manner
ensuring that critical information is protected.
9. Drug and Alcohol Program
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 19
According to 14-90.004, each bus transit system shall establish a drug -free workplace policy statement in
accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 32 and a substance abuse management and testing program in accordance
with 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 and 655, October 1, 2009.
The City of Aventura has established a Zero Tolerance Substance Abuse Policy Statement in
accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 32 and a substance abuse management and testing program in
accordance with 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 and 655, October 1, 2009, a copy of which is included in Appendix
B. The Substance Abuse Program Manager is responsible for ensuring the implementation of a drug
and alcohol testing program for all safety -sensitive employees as identified and described within the
subject policy.
The intent of the policy is to:
• Assure that employees are not impaired in their ability to perform assigned duties in a safe,
productive, and healthy manner; and
• Create a workplace environment free from the adverse effects of drug and alcohol abuse or
misuse; and
• Prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled
substances; and
• Encourage employees to seek professional assistance when substance abuse adversely affects
their ability to perform their assigned duties.
Violation of this substance abuse policy is subject to disciplinary actions.
10. Vehicle Maintenance Program
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 20
14-90.004 (4) 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 that:
(a) 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 to standards that meet or
exceed the bus manufacturer's recommendations and requirements.
(b) A recording and tracking system is established for the types of inspections, maintenance, and lubrication
intervals documenting the date or mileage when these services are due. Required maintenance inspections
shall be more comprehensive than daily inspections performed by the driver.
(c) 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) 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, at a minimum, provide the following
information:
1. Identification of the bus, the make, model, and license number, or other means of positive identification
and ownership.
2. Date, mileage, description, and each type of inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or repair performed.
3. If not owned by the bus transit system, the name of any person furnishing a bus.
4. The name and address of any entity or contractor performing an inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or
repair.
The function of the maintenance plan is to provide a consistent systematic program to properly maintain
and service vehicles to meet or exceed the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. The
contract service operator vehicle maintenance program will ensure 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 to standards that meet or exceed the bus
manufacturer's recommendations and requirements. The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for
ensuring that a Maintenance Plan consistent with 14-90 has been developed and implemented by the
CSO and that all vehicles operated are regularly and systematically inspected, maintained, and
lubricated according to the agency's Maintenance Plan and Preventative Maintenance Guidelines
(included in Appendix C and Appendix D, respectively).
10.1. Daily Vehicle Inspections (DVI)
Drivers are required to perform daily vehicle inspections prior to operating the assigned vehicle, during
routes, and after all route schedules are completed. The pre -trip inspection includes an inspection of
the following parts and devices to ascertain that they are in safe condition and in good working order:
• Service brakes
• Parking brakes
• Tires and wheels
• Steering
• Horn
• Lighting devices
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 21
• Passenger doors
• Exhaust system
• Equipment for transporting wheelchairs
• Safety, security, and emergency equipment
During the scheduled trips and at the end of the day, the operator will note any additional findings and
submit the daily vehicle inspection forms. The process and form/s to be utilized for daily vehicle
inspections is included in agency's preventative maintenance guidelines. The daily vehicle inspection
forms must be complete with the operator's signature and a check in each box to document that the
items are "OK" or a defect is noted in the comments section. If the driver finds any mechanical or other
problems that could compromise the safety of the vehicle at any point, the drivers will immediately
inform the Maintenance Manager of the CSO and the vehicle will not be scheduled for service until
repaired. Failure to report deficiencies by drivers may result in an administrative action taken against
the employee.
The Maintenance Manager of the CSO will review the daily inspections and document the corrective
actions taken as a result of any deficiencies identified by the operator. Daily inspection records will be
retained for a minimum of two weeks. The Maintenance Manager of the CSO and the Maintenance
Supervisor will periodically conduct vehicle inspections behind the drivers who have completed the
vehicle inspections to ensure that the daily vehicle inspections are adequately performed. Once defects
are noted they will be prioritized and sorted into categories for repairs. Once a defect is noted on the
inspection form and repaired, the documentation will be attached to the work/repair order and filed in
the maintenance files.
10.2. Preventive Maintenance
A preventative maintenance schedule is implemented to inspect for safety hazards and to maintain
vehicles in a manner conforming to safety regulations. The Contract Service Operator will perform
scheduled preventive maintenance on all vehicles at every 6,000-mile interval following the sequence
"A"-"B"-"A"-"C", according to the agency's maintenance plan. As preventative maintenance inspections
are scheduled by projected mileage, the agency will allow ±500 mile deviations in mileage interval, so
long as the actual mileage interval meets the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
Inspection "A" will be performed every 6,000 miles, inspection "B" will be performed every 12,000 miles,
and inspection "C" will be performed every 24,000 miles on each vehicle. Safety inspections are part
of the maintenance inspections and will be performed at least once every year with inspection type "C"
on each vehicle. When a vehicle is due for an inspection, it will be taken out of service until the
inspection is completed. This allows a series of repairs to be carried out while minimizing costs and
optimizing the number of operational vehicles. If a vehicle is "down" for an extended period of time due
to unavoidable circumstances, preventative maintenance will be temporarily suspended until the
vehicle can be returned to service. However, the annual inspection will be conducted on all vehicles
regardless of "up/down" status and/or mileage accrued.
The Maintenance Manager and the Maintenance Supervisor will regularly perform Quality Control
(QC)/Quality Assurance (QA) checks to ensure that the inspections and repairs, both in-house and
contracted, are completed and documented properly. Each vehicle will have a written record
documenting preventive maintenance, regular maintenance, inspections, lubrication and repairs
performed. Such records will be maintained for at least four years and include, at a minimum, the
following information:
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 22
• Identification of the bus, the make, model, and license number or other means of positive
identification and ownership
• Date, mileage, description, and each type of inspection, maintenance, lubrication, or repair
performed
• If not owned by The City of Aventura, the name of any person furnishing a bus
• The name and address of any entity or contractor performing an inspection, maintenance,
lubrication, or repair
For tracking purposes, a maintenance log will be kept containing vehicle ID, make and type of vehicle,
year, model, special equipment, inspections, maintenance and lubrication intervals, and date or
mileage when services are due.
10.3. Bus Safety Inspections
Safety inspections are part of the maintenance inspections and are performed at least once every year
on all buses operated by The City of Aventura and contracted service providers. The Maintenance
Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that each individual performing a bus safety inspection is
qualified as follows:
• Understands the requirements set forth in Rule 14-90 and can identify defective components.
• Is knowledgeable of and has mastered the methods, procedures, tools, and equipment used
when performing an inspection.
• 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.
Each bus receiving a safety inspection shall be checked for compliance with the requirements for safety
devices and equipment as referenced or specified by Rule 14-90. Specific operable equipment and
devices as required by Rule 14-90 include the following as applicable to Type I and II buses:
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Mirrors
• Wiring and batteries
• Service and parking brakes
• Warning devices
• Directional signals
• Hazard warning signals
• Lighting systems and signaling devices
• Handrails and stanchions
• Standee line and warning
• Doors and brake interlock devices
• Step -wells and flooring
• Emergency exits
• Tires and wheels
• Suspension system
• Steering system
• Exhaust system
• Seat belts
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 23
• Safety equipment
• Equipment for transporting wheelchairs
• Working speedometer
A safety inspection report will be prepared by the individual(s) performing the inspection and will include
the following:
• Identification of the individual(s) performing the inspection
• Identification of the bus transit system operating the bus
• The date of the inspection
• Identification of the bus inspected
• Identification of the equipment and devices inspected including the identification of equipment
and devices found deficient or defective
• Identification of corrective action(s) for any deficient or defective items found and date(s) of
completion of corrective action(s)
Records of annual safety inspections and documentation of any required corrective actions will be
retained for a minimum of four years for compliance review.
11. Safety Data Acquisition & Analysis
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 24
According to 14-90.004, the SSPP must address safety data acquisiton and analysis as one of the safety
elements.
Understanding safety data is an important step towards allocating important and scarce resources to
implement safety program elements. Safety data relative to transit provider operations can be used to
determine safety trends in system operation. The following data will be collected and retained by The
City of Aventura on an ongoing basis:
• Accident and incident data
• Maintenance data including daily vehicle inspection forms
• Passenger claims and complaints
• Records of crimes and rule violations occurring in and around the transit agency
The data will be analyzed by The City of Aventura staff both qualitatively and quantitatively for safety
hazard identification, resolution and risk management purposes. The analysis will be conducted in
Microsoft Excel software and will account for frequency, severity, causal factors, and acceptability of
occurrences. The analysis results will be useful for identifying necessary actions to minimize safety
risks. Analysis of safety data will also help improve system performance, not only in respect to safety,
but also in overall delivery of service to the public. In addition, trend analyses of safety data can help
determine the effectiveness of safety initiatives that have been implemented. The results of such
analysis will be shared with agency staff and law enforcement agencies on, at minimum, an annual
basis for awareness and support.
12. Hazard Identification and Resolution
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 25
According to 14-90.004, the SSPP must address hazard identification and resolution as one of the safety
elements.
Hazard management is a mechanism by which hazards are identified, analyzed for potential impact on
the operating system, and resolved in a manner acceptable to the management and regulatory
agencies. The City of Aventura hazard management consists of three primary components — hazard
identification, hazard categorization, and hazard resolution.
12.1. Hazard Identification
By means of safety data acquisition and analysis The City of Aventura Staff in coordination with the
Contract Service Operator will identify system hazards on an ongoing basis.
12.2. Hazard Categorization
Once the key system hazards have been identified, the Maintenance Supervisor will categorize the
hazards based on severity and probability of occurrence.
Hazard severity is a subjective measure of hazard, supported by factual data, and will be categorized
as follows —
• Catastrophic — Death or system loss
• Critical — Severe injury, severe occupational illness, or major system damage
• Marginal — Minor injury, minor occupational illness, or minor system damage
• Negligible — less than minor injury, occupational illness, or system damage
Hazard probability is a subjective measure of likelihood that a specific hazard will occur and will be
categorized as follows —
• Frequent — Likely to occur frequently
• Probable — Likely to occur several times
• Occasional — Likely to occur sometime
• Remote — Unlikely but possible to occur
• Improbable — So unlikely that it can be rejected from consideration
12.3. Hazard Resolution
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 26
Once the hazards are identified and categorized, subsequent analysis will be undertaken to resolve the
issue and minimize risk associated with the identified hazard. A hazard resolution matrix will be
developed combining hazard severity and hazard frequency, as shown in the matrix on the following
page, to identify the level of acceptance for a specific hazard/risk.
Hazard Resolution
Catastrophic
Critical
Marginal
Negligible
Matrix
Frequent
Unacceptable
Unacceptable
Unacceptable
Acceptable with
reservation
Probable
Unacceptable
Unacceptable
Undesirable
Acceptable with
reservation
Occasional
Unacceptable
Undesirable
Undesirable
Acceptable
Remote
Undesirable
Undesirable
Acceptable with
Acceptable
reservation
Improbable
cceptable with
cceptable with
cceptable with
cceptable
reservation
reservation
reservation
The results of the analysis will be shared by the Transportation Department Staff with The City Manager
on an ongoing basis to identify appropriate actions. All "unacceptable" hazards must be eliminated, and
measures will be taken for the remaining risk acceptance categories to minimize risk. The results of
such analysis will be shared with agency staff and law enforcement agencies on a quarterly basis for
awareness and support.
13. Event Investigation
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 27
14-90.004 establishes the requirements for investigating events involving a bus or taking place on bus transit
system controlled property resulting in a fatality, injury, or property damage.
For the purpose of this SSPP, events are considered accidents or incidents that involve a transit CSO
vehicle or take place on The City of Aventura controlled property. An "accident" is an event that causes
damage to a vehicle, individual, or property while the vehicle is in motion. It may involve a single vehicle
or multiple vehicles. An "incident" is defined as an event that causes damage to a vehicle, individual,
or property, which is not an accident.
Any event involving a bus or taking place on property controlled by a transit system and resulting in a
fatality, injury, or property damage will be investigated by City of Aventura. All events included but not
limited to the following, will be investigated:
• A fatality, where an individual is confirmed dead within 30 days of a bus transit system related
event, excluding suicides and deaths from illnesses.
• Injuries requiring immediate medical attention away from the scene for two or more individuals.
• Property damage to bus transit system buses, non -bus transit system vehicles, other bus system
property or facilities, or any other property. The City of Aventura will have the discretion to
investigate events resulting in property damage less than $1,000.
• 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.
In case of all events, drivers are required to contact the local law enforcement, dispatcher, and
emergency medical services (as required) immediately. Supervisors will be sent to the scene
depending on the severity of the event at the discretion of the Maintenance Supervisor. Each
investigation will be documented in a final report that includes a description of the investigation
activities, identified causal factors, and any identified corrective action plan. Each corrective action plan
will identify the action to be taken by the bus transit system and the schedule for its implementation.
The Maintenance Supervisor will monitor and track the implementation of each corrective action plan.
Investigation reports, corrective action plans, and related supporting documentation will be maintained
by the Maintenance Supervisor for a minimum of four years from the date of completion of the
investigation.
14. Medical Exams for Bus Transit System Drivers
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 28
14-90.0041 requires that bus transit systems establish medical examination requirements for all applicants
to driver positions and for existing drivers. The 14-90 requirements relating to this section are noted below
and presented as general text. The points noted below in black text are all requirements under 14-90. To
avoid redundancy of re -stating the requirements twice, (both here in this header box and in the general text
which would follow below), we are deferring to the general text below which accurately states the 14-90
requirements.
This section of the SSPP establishes The City of Aventura medical examination requirements for all
applicants for driver positions and for existing drivers.
• Medical examination requirements 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.
• Medical examinations will be performed and recorded according to FDOT Form Number 725-
030-11, Medical Examination Report for Bus Transit System Driver, Rev. 05/09, included in
Appendix E.
• Medical examinations will 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.
• An ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed by the State of Florida may perform as much of the
medical examination as it pertains to visual acuity, field of vision, and color recognition.
• Upon completion of the medical examination, the examiner shall complete, sign, and date the
medical examination form and maintain the original at his or her office.
• Upon completion of the medical examination, the examiner shall complete, sign, and date the
medical examination certificate and provide a copy to The City of Aventura.
• Upon completion of the medical examination the driver shall provide their driver license number,
signature, and date on the medical examination certificate.
• Completed and signed medical examination certificate for each bus driver, dated within the past
24 months, will be maintained on file for a minimum of four years from the date of the
examination.
• The City of Aventura will not allow a driver to operate a transit bus without having on file a
completed medical examination certificate dated within the past 24 months.
According to 14-90.0041, bus transit systems may adopt medical examination qualification standards that meet
or exceed those provided in Department Form Number 725-030-11. If the transit agency decides to adopt
qualification standards other than those listed in Department Form Number 725-030-11, the adopted
standard's medical examination certificate or a signed letter from the medical examiner attesting to the
completion of a medical examination shall be given to the transit agency in lieu of the Department's medical
examination certificate. The adopted standards medical certification or letter must provide all of the
information required on the Department's medical examination certificate.
15. Operating and Driving Requirements
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 29
14-90.006 requires that bus transit systems establish operational and driving requirements. The 14-90
requirements relating to this section are noted below and presented as general text. The points noted below
in black text are all requirements under 14-90. To avoid redundancy of re -stating the requirements twice,
(both here in this header box and in the general text which would follow below), we are deferring to the
general text below which accurately states the 14-90 requirements.
The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for overall compliance with all operating and driving
requirements of the SSPP.
It is the responsibility of every Contract Service Operator employee who performs driving and/or
operational duties to strictly adhere to the following requirements:
• Under no circumstances is a driver allowed to operate a vehicle without having the appropriate
and valid driver's license in his or her possession.
• Drivers are not permitted to drive a bus when his or her driver license has been suspended,
cancelled, or revoked. A driver who receives a notice that his or her license to operate a motor
vehicle has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked is required to notify his or her supervisor of
the contents of the notice immediately, if possible, otherwise no later than the end of the business
day following the day he or she received the notice. Violation of this policy may result in
disciplinary actions including suspension or termination of employment.
• The City of Aventura staff will annually check Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) for all drivers for
investigating information on license suspensions, revocations, accidents, traffic violations,
unpaid summons, etc. The City of Aventura staff will also check driver license status of each
driver utilizing the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website -
https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/DLCheck/main.isp.
• Buses must be operated at all times in compliance with applicable traffic regulations, ordinances,
and laws of the jurisdiction in which they are being operated.
• Rule 14-90 defines "On Duty" and "Off Duty" status of drivers as follows —
o "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.
o "Off -Duty" means any time the driver is not on duty, required to be in readiness to work,
or under any responsibility to perform work. Such time shall not be counted towards the
maximum allowed on -duty hours within a 24-hour period.
• Drivers are not permitted to drive more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, or drive after having
been on duty for 16 hours in a 24-hour period. A driver is not permitted to drive until the
requirement of a minimum eight consecutive hours of off -duty time has been fulfilled. A driver's
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 30
work period begins 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.
• Drivers are not permitted to be on duty more than 72 hours in any period of seven consecutive
days; however, any 24 consecutive hours of off duty time 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 is required to have a minimum of 24 consecutive hours
of off duty time prior to returning to on duty status.
• A driver is permitted to drive for more than the regulated hours for the safety and protection of
the public when conditions such as adverse weather, disaster, security threat, a road or traffic
condition, medical emergency, or an accident occur.
• Drivers are not permitted to drive a bus when his or her ability is impaired, or likely to be impaired,
by fatigue, illness, or other causes, likely to create an unsafe condition.
• Drivers will not report for duty or operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any
other substance, legal or illegal, that may impair driving ability. All employees are required to
comply with agency's Substance Abuse Policy.
• Drivers are required to conduct daily vehicle inspections and reporting of all defects and
deficiencies likely to affect safe operation or cause mechanical malfunctions.
• Drivers are required to immediately report any defect or deficiency that may affect safe
operations or cause mechanical malfunctions. Any defect or deficiency found shall be properly
documented on a Daily Vehicle Inspection (DVI) form and should be submitted to the
Maintenance Manager of the CSO.
• The Maintenance Manager of the CSO will review daily inspection reports and document
corrective actions taken as a result of any deficiencies identified by daily inspections.
• A bus with any passenger doors in the open position will not be operated with passengers
aboard. The doors will not be opened until the bus is stopped. A bus with any inoperable
passenger door will not be operated with passengers aboard, except to move a bus to a safe
location.
• Drivers will ensure that during darkness, interior lighting and lighting in stepwells on buses shall
be sufficient for passengers to enter and exit safely. Adherence to pre -trip inspection
requirements help insure the ability of this requirement to be met.
• Passengers will not be permitted in the stepwells of any bus while the bus is in motion, or to
occupy an area forward of the standee line.
• Passengers will not be permitted to stand on buses not designed and constructed for that
purpose.
• Buses will not be refueled in a closed building. The fueling of buses when passengers are being
carried will be reduced to the minimum number of times necessary during such transportation.
• Drivers are required to be properly secured to the driver's seat with a restraining belt at all times
while the bus is in motion.
• Buses will not be left unattended with passengers aboard for longer than 15 minutes. The parking
or holding brake device will be properly set at any time the bus is left unattended.
• Buses will not be left unattended in an unsafe condition with passengers aboard at any time.
• Drivers are prohibited from leaving keys in the vehicle for any reason at any time the bus is left
unattended.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 31
• Transit vehicles will not be used at any time for uses other than those that are authorized and
permitted according to state and federal program requirements.
Noncompliance with these requirements may result in disciplinary actions including suspension or
termination of employment.
15.1. Wireless Communication
According to 14-90.004, bus transit systems must implement a wireless communication plan and procedure
that provides for the safe operation of the bus transit vehicle. The wireless communication plan and procedure
shall assure that:
a. The use of a personal wireless communication device is prohibited while the transit vehicle is in motion,
and
b. All personal wireless communications devices are turned off with any earpieces removed from the
operator's ear while occupying the driver's seat.
A policy on the use of a wireless communications device issued to the operator by the bus transit system for
business related purposes must be developed that assure:
a. Guidelines are developed that allow for the use of a wireless communications device in emergency
situations, and
b. The use of a wireless communications device does not interfere with the operators safety related duties.
Also, bus transit systems shall develop a driver educational training program addressing:
a. The proper use of a wireless communications device issued to the operator by the Bus Transit System
while in the performance of their safety related duties, and
b. The hazards associated with driving and utilizing a wireless communications device.
"Wireless communication device" means an electronic or electrical device capable of remote
communication. Examples include cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and portable
computers (commonly called laptop computers). "Personal wireless communications device" means an
electronic or electrical device that was not provided by the bus transit system for business purposes.
"Use of a wireless communication device" means use of a mobile telephone or other electronic or
electrical device, hands-on or hands -free, to conduct an oral communication; to place or receive a
telephone call; to send or read electronic mail or a text message; to play a game; to navigate the
Internet; to play, view, or listen to a video; to play, view, or listen to a television broadcast; to play or
listen to music; to execute a computational function, or to perform any other function that is not
necessary for the health or safety of the person and that entails the risk of distracting the employee
from a safety -critical task. Use of an electronic or electrical device that enhances the individual's
physical ability to perform, such as a hearing aid, is not included in this definition.
The City of Aventura requires all drivers to fully comply with the following wireless communication
policies —
Policies on the use of a personal wireless communication device:
• The use of a personal wireless communication device is prohibited while the transit vehicle is in
motion.
• All personal wireless communication devices must be turned off with any earpieces removed
from the operator's ear while occupying the driver's seat.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 32
• In an emergency, if a driver is unable to use the radio (e.g., driver is separated from the vehicle
due to a need to evacuate, or the radio is inoperable because it is beyond the radio coverage
area, or other malfunction), a personal cellular phone may be used to contact the agency. In
such situation the driver must park the vehicle in a safe place off the road and call the direct line
to the dispatcher.
• Drivers are not permitted to use any wireless communication device issued by the bus transit
system while the transit vehicle is in motion except brief radio communications with the
dispatcher. If the driver must use the radio for a long duration, he/she must stop the vehicle in a
safe place off the road.
• The use of a wireless communication device is prohibited while loading or unloading a
wheelchair patron or while conducting any other safety related duty that require the driver's
undivided attention. If wireless communication is necessary, the driverwill use a company issued
wireless communication device before or upon completion of the safety related task.
• Employees are permitted to use wireless communication devices issued by the bus transit
system in the following situations —
o A driver needing to communicate with the dispatcher and vise -versa.
o A driver requesting medical or emergency assistance.
o A driver reporting an illegal activity, a traffic accident, a road hazard, or a safety or security
threat.
The City of Aventura and the Contract Service Operator requires all employees to follow the radio
operating procedures included in Appendix F. In addition, the Contract Service Operator has developed
a driver educational training and testing program on the proper use of a wireless communications
device while in the performance of safety related duties and hazards associated with driving and
utilizing these devices. The wireless communications device training and testing is included in Module
1 (Bus Transit System Safety and Operational Policies and Procedures) of the Computer Based
Training and Testing program which all drivers are required to complete upon hire, before driving on a
street or highway unsupervised.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 33
16. Vehicle Equipment Standards & Procurement Criteria
14-90.007 establishes the vehicle equipment standards and procurement criteria. The 14-90 requirements
relating to this section are noted below and presented as general text. The points noted below in black text
are all requirements under 14-90. To avoid redundancy of re -stating the requirements twice (both here in
this header box and in the general text which would follow below), we are deferring to the general text below
which accurately states the 14-90 requirements.
The Contract Service Operator will procure vehicles utilizing the Transit Research -Inspection -
Procurement Services (TRIPS) program, formerly known as the Florida Vehicle Procurement Program
(FVPP), and other State Programs strictly adhering to the vehicle equipment standards and
procurement criteria specified in 14-90.007.
• All buses procured and operated must meet the following minimum standards, as applicable:
o 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.
o Structural integrity that mitigates or minimizes the adverse effects of collisions.
o Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), 49 C.F.R. Part 571, Sections 102,
103, 104, 105, 108, 207, 209, 210, 217, 302, 403, and 404, October 1, 2008, hereby
incorporated by reference.
• Proof of strength and structural integrity tests on new buses procured will be submitted by
manufacturers or bus transit systems to the Department.
• In addition, every bus operated by the agency will be equipped as follows:
o Mirrors. There shall 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. Neither the
mirror nor the mounting shall protrude farther than the widest part of the vehicle body
except to the extent necessary to produce a field of view meeting or exceeding the
requirements of this section. All Type I buses shall, in addition to the above requirements,
be equipped with an inside rear vision mirror capable of giving the driver a clear view of
seated and standing passengers. Buses having a passenger exit door that is located
inconveniently for the driver's visual control shall be equipped with additional interior
mirrors to enable the driver to view the passenger exit door. 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.
o Wiring and Batteries. Electrical wiring shall be maintained so as not to come in contact
with moving parts, 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 electrical power main disconnect switch. The
disconnect switch shall be practicably located in an accessible location adjacent to or
near to the battery and be legibly and permanently marked for identification. Every
storage battery on a public -sector bus shall be mounted with proper retainment devices
in a compartment which provides adequate ventilation and drainage.
o 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 upon driver activation
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 34
of the rear exit door to the open position. Brake interlock application shall remain activated
until deactivated by the driver and the rear exit door returns to the closed position. The
rear exit door brake interlock on such buses shall be equipped with an identified override
switch enabling emergency release of the brake interlock function. The override -switch,
shall not be located within reach of the seated driver. Air pressure application to the brake
during brake interlock operation, on buses equipped with rear exit door/brake interlock,
shall be regulated at the equipment's original manufacturer's specifications.
o 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 all passengers are 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.
o Handrails and Stanchions. Every bus designed and constructed to allow standees shall
be equipped with overhead handrails for standee passengers. Overhead handrails 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 handrails, stanchions, or bars at least 10
inches long and installed to permit safe on -board circulation, seating and standing
assistance, and boarding and alighting by elderly and handicapped persons. Type I buses
shall be equipped with a safety bar and panel directly behind each entry and exit stepwell.
o Flooring, Steps, and Thresholds. Flooring, steps, and thresholds on all buses shall have
slip resistant surfaces without protruding or sharp edges, lips, or overhangs, in order 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.
o Doors. Power activated doors on all buses shall be equipped with a manual device
designed to release door closing pressure.
o 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 the form of a parallelogram with dimensions 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 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 with 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 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.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 35
o 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:
i. 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.
ii. 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 distortions and shall not have missing,
cracked, or broken mounting lugs.
o Suspension. The suspension system of all buses, including springs, air bags, and all other
suspension parts, shall be free from cracks, leaks, or any other defect which may cause
its impairment or failure to function properly.
o 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 may cause excessive free play or loose
motion in the steering system or above normal effort in steering control.
o 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 October 1, 2008, and FMVSS 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" 49 C. F.
R. 571.210 October 1,2008, hereby incorporated by reference.
o 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. The fire extinguishers shall be maintained as follows:
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.
o Persons with Disabilities. 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, 2008,
hereby incorporated by reference, as well as 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
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 36
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 or 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 information:
i. The manufacturer's name and address.
ii. The month and year of manufacture.
iii. A certificate that the wheelchair lift or ramp securement devices, and their
installation, conform to State of Florida requirements applicable to
accessible buses.
o Wheelchairs. Wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement devices, and restraints shall be
inspected and maintained as required by this rule chapter. Instructions for normal and
emergency operation of the lift or ramp shall be carried or displayed in every bus.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 37
17. Internal and External Safety Audits
According to 14-90:
• Each bus transit system shall implement and comply with the SSPP during the operation of the
system
• Each bus transit system shall implement and comply with the SPP during the operation of the system
• Bus transit systems shall immediately suspend affected system service operations if, at any time,
continued operation of the system, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public safety
• The Department, or its contractor, shall conduct safety and security review of bus transit system to
ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule chapter.
The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for conducting announced and unannounced internal safety
audits of The City of Aventura units and contract operators. Annual internal safety audits will be
conducted starting October 1 st of each calendar year and ending prior to the end of the same calendar
year utilizing the internal audit checklist included in Appendix G. The annual audit results will be
documented by the Maintenance Supervisor in a report containing the following:
• Identification of the findings, including a detailed description of any deficiency.
• Required corrective action and a schedule for implementation of the corrective action to be taken
for each deficiency.
• Any required suspension of bus transit system service should The City of Aventura determine
the continued operation of the service, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public
safety.
In addition, announced and unannounced periodic internal audits will be conducted by the Maintenance
Supervisor to ensure compliance with all of the objectives and requirements of SSPP and Rule 14-90.
Safety audits of vehicles and records will be conducted on random basis, at least once every quarter.
Facility inspection will be conducted once every month to identify and resolve potential safety and
security hazards. The Maintenance Supervisor will regularly perform Quality Control (QC)/Quality
Assurance (QA) checks to ensure that safety compliance, both in-house and contracted, is achieved at
all times. Contractors/subcontractors are subject to audits and inspections on an announced or
unannounced basis at the discretion of The City of Aventura staff. The City of Aventura, or its contractor,
will conduct safety and security reviews of contract service operators, at least once every three years,
to ascertain compliance with the provisions of Rule 14-90.
The City of Aventura staff will work closely with regulatory agencies (FDOT, FTA, etc.) when external
audit notifications are received and allocate resources, as necessary, to facilitate the audits.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 38
18. Certification
14-90.010 establishes the certification requirements that the agencies must follow when submitting annual
safety and security certification to the Department. The 14-90 requirements relating to this section are noted
below and presented as general text. The points noted below in black text are all requirements under 14-
90. To avoid redundancy of re -stating the requirements twice (both here in this header box and in the general
text which would follow below), we are deferring to the general text below which accurately states the 14-90
requirements.
The City Manager will submit an annual safety and security certification to the FDOT utilizing the self -
certification form included in Appendix H. The certification will be submitted no later than February 15,
for the prior calendar year period unless otherwise required by FDOT. The certification will attest to the
following:
• The adoption of an SSPP and an SPP in accordance with established standards set forth in Rule
14-90.
• Compliance with the adopted SSPP and SPP.
• Performance of safety inspections on all buses operated by the system in accordance with Rule
14-90.
• Reviews of the SSPP and SPP have been conducted to ensure they are up to date.
The certification will also include:
• The name and address of the Contract Service Operator Operations Center and the name and
address of the entity(ies) who performed bus safety inspections and security assessments
during the prior calendar year, if different from the Contract Service Operator Operations Center.
• A statement signed by The City Manager responsible for the management and oversight of The
Contract Service Operator attesting to compliance with Rule 14-90.
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 39
19. Appendices
Appendix A: Rule Chapter 14-90, F.A.C.
Appendix B: Substance Abuse Policy
Appendix C: Maintenance Plan
Appendix D:
Preventative Maintenance Guidelines
Appendix E:
Medical Examination Form 725-030-011
Appendix F:
Radio Operating Procedures
Appendix G:
Internal Safety Audit Checklist
Appendix H:
Bus Transit System Annual Safety and Security Certification Form
Appendix I:
SSPP Addendums (placeholder for future updates)
City of Aventura Transit System Safety and Program Plan (SSPP) 40
Security Program Plan (SPP)
This entire document is considered Security Sensitive Information. It is not to be disseminated in any
form without the written consent of the City Manager. The only exceptions to this policy are for
emergency responders, FDOT or their contractor's review.
Last Adopted: March 3, 2026
City of Aventura
19200 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180