Federal Transit Administration Drug & Alcohol Testing - DOT Consortium
Federal Transit Administration Drug & Alcohol Testing - DOT Consortium

Federal Transit Administration Drug & Alcohol Testing - DOT Consortium

DOT Subway FTA


Public transit systems such as buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries receive financial and technical assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Aside from overseeing safety measures, the FTA is also involved in the development of new technologies. DOT-mandated drug and alcohol tests are a crucial component of the FTA's oversight. I Drug Screen's partner, Nationwide Testing Association, offers a DOT consortium program that will enable you to become compliant quickly and easily.

A Brief Summary of Title 49 Part 655

In addition to displaying and disseminating informational materials, an employer has an obligation to provide a telephone number for community service. One hour of training regarding the dangers and consequences of prohibited drug abuse on personal and professional health and safety, as well as the signs and symptoms that may indicate illicit drug use. Employers are required to provide employees with a copy of the company's drug- and alcohol-use policy with a receipt.

Covered employee

An individual who operates, maintains, controls, or dispatches a revenue vehicle, holds a Commercial Driver's License and is licensed to operate non-revenue vehicles, or is an armed security officer. Drug and alcohol testing is required for covered employees, including random testing. Employees who fail to comply with federal regulations may be terminated from their jobs if they fail to cooperate.



DOT FTA Bus

Types of Tests for Drugs & Alcohol

These are required - Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up.

***Pre-employment alcohol testing is optional***

Regulation 655.45 of the FTA

Employees performing safety-sensitive functions are subject to FTA regulation 655.45. According to CFR Part 655.4, a safety-sensitive function is any of the following duties performed by recipients, sub-recipients, operators, or contractors.


  • Controlling the dispatch and movement of revenue service vehicles
  • Operation of a non-revenue service vehicle, when required to be operated by a Commercial Driver's License holder
  • Involving the possession of a firearm for security purposes
  • Maintaining (including repairs, overhauls, and rebuilds) revenue service vehicles or equipment
  • Operation of revenue service vehicles, including when they are not in revenue service


The FTA identifies safety-sensitive positions based on the function performed rather than by listing specific job categories.


Additional Information

In addition to its drug and alcohol testing regulations for transit employees, the FTA also has regulations on substance abuse management programs. By preventing safety-sensitive employees from abusing drugs and alcohol, the program aims to protect the riding public's health and safety.

For an FTA agency, it is essential that the policy is reviewed and approved by the local governing board of the employer or operator, or another responsible individual with appropriate delegation of authority. In accordance with Section 655.12 of this subpart, employers shall distribute a policy statement that describes their policy on prohibited drug use and alcohol misuse at work, including the consequences associated with those acts. The policy statement shall contain all of the elements specified in section 655.15.

I Drug Screen partnered with Nationwide Testing Association to provide drug and alcohol testing compliance with training for DERs and supervisors to both large and small transit agencies. Contact us today for immediate service nationwide!

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