DOT agency
FTA (Federal Transit Administration)
Regulation
49 CFR Part 40 & 49 CFR Part 655
Format
In-person & telehealth, Pennsylvania-wide
Who this is for
- Bus and rail operators
- Mechanics performing safety-sensitive maintenance
- Controllers and dispatchers
- Supervisors of safety-sensitive employees
- SEPTA, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, CAT, COLT, LANTA, EMTA personnel
- County and rural transit employees
What to expect
Your initial SAP evaluation runs 60–90 minutes and is fully confidential. We discuss the violation, your background, and your current situation, then issue a clinical recommendation for the education or treatment you need to complete before the follow-up evaluation.
After you complete the recommended program, we conduct the follow-up evaluation. When you're cleared, your transit agency arranges your directly observed return-to-duty test, and we issue a follow-up testing plan for at least 12 months back.
Mode-specific details
Same federal process, transit-specific reporting: Under Part 655, your transit agency reports compliance differently than a motor carrier would — but your evaluation and treatment pathway are identical to any other DOT mode.
Union representation: The SAP process is independent of any union grievance or discipline track. Many transit workers go through both processes concurrently.
Multi-modal employees: If you hold a CDL and operate transit vehicles, both FMCSA and FTA may apply. The SAP process satisfies both.
Frequently asked
Does the FTA SAP process work the same as FMCSA?+
The core 49 CFR Part 40 process is identical. The agency-specific rules under 49 CFR Part 655 (FTA) differ slightly from Part 382 (FMCSA) in areas like random-testing pool selection and supervisor training, but your evaluation, treatment, and return-to-duty pathway are the same.
I work for SEPTA / PRT / COLT / CAT / LANTA — can you handle my case?+
Yes. We routinely work with employees of major Pennsylvania transit authorities including SEPTA (Philadelphia), Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Capital Area Transit, COLT, LANTA, and county transit agencies. The FTA process is identical regardless of which authority you work for.
I'm a transit mechanic — does this apply to me?+
Yes. FTA's safety-sensitive definition under Part 655 includes vehicle operators, mechanics performing safety-sensitive maintenance, controllers, and supervisors of safety-sensitive employees. The SAP requirement applies the same way.
Will my union or my employer pay for my evaluation?+
DOT does not require employers to pay. Some collective bargaining agreements include SAP coverage; many do not. We're transparent about cost upfront and offer payment options.