Florida Operator Trainer Training Program


This program, managed and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, serves to provide training for Florida's public transit operator trainers a state approved certificate and training curriculum. There are six courses which have been designated as requirements for successful certificate completion. They are:

  • Instructor's Course for Transit Trainers (TSI FT00562)
  • Fatigue Awareness and Sleep Apnea Awareness for Transit Employees (TSI FT00588)1
  • Curbing Transit Employee Distracted Driving (TSI FT00555)1
  • Curbing Transit Operator Distracted Driving (FDOT)
  • Managing for Performance-Safety, Customer Service, Conflict and Work Ethic: A Guide for Transit Operator Trainers
  • Rule Chapter 14-90, Florida Administrative Code: A Review for You – A Course for Bus Transit Drivers

Each trainer who successfully completes the criteria is awarded a Certificate of Completion though the program from the Florida Department of Transportation. An training schedule is developed annually for trainers who wish to pursue the voluntary state certificate regionally.

In addition to funding the training offered through the program, the Florida Department of Transportation's program also reimburses Florida's public transit agency participants for travel (state of Florida regulations on travel) through USF. This travel reimbursement subsidy has been instrumental in making the program a success because very few costs are passed on to the transit agencies.

1This course is computer based training offered by the USDOT's Transportation Safety Institute (TSI). In order to complete these courses you must register directly with TSI.

Upcoming Training Opportunities


There are no fees to attend these courses for current employees of a Florida public transit agency who meet
the criteria identified in the Transit Training Policies & Procedures



Course Catalog

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in partnership with the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida is pleased to bring to you the Transit Training and Educational Opportunities catalog. The catalog is comprised of innovative training for the transit professional, featuring online and instructor-led training courses for Florida’s transit agencies. We offer a wide range of training, for the small rural agency to the largest transit systems, Florida is leading the way to meet the demands of the ever changing transit industry. Download the 2018 Course Catalog

Instructor Led Training Courses

Unsure if you have an account for your course registration? Use the "Forgot Password" link to look up your account information using either your work/personal email address or username. If you cannot locate your account information please contact Stephanie Lewis, (813) 974-1123 before setting up a new account. For questions regarding any of these training courses, please contact Molly Buffington, (813) 974-7810.

Transit Supervisor Certification Course (FT00545)
December 3-7, 2018 (M–Th: 8:00am-4:30pm; and F: 8:00am - 12:00pm)
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North, Tampa, FL

Fundamentals of Bus Collision Investigation (FT00435)
For questions or to register, please contact the Transportation Safety Institute.
January 7-11, 2019 (Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 4:30pm; and Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm)
Miami-Dade DTPW, Miami, FL

NTI Procurement Series I – Orientation to Transit Procurement
Please note: Registration process is different for this course
January 14, 2019 (1:00pm – 4:30pm) (registration 12:30pm – 1:00pm)
January 15-17, 2019 (8:30am – 4:30pm)
January 18, 2019 (8:30am – 12:00pm)
CUTR, Tampa, FL

Instructor's Course for Transit Trainers (FT00562)
NOTE: This course is a requirement to graduate from the Florida Transit Operator Trainer Training Certificate Program
January 29-February 1, 2019 (Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm)
CUTR, Tampa, FL

Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies (FT00456)
For questions or to register, please contact the Transportation Safety Institute.
February 12-15, 2019 (Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm; and Friday, 8:00 am-12:00pm)
Miami-Dade DTPW, Miami, FL

National Rural Transit Assistance Program START (Safety Training and Rural Transit) Workshop
For questions or to register, please contact the Transportation Safety Institute.
February 19-20, 2019 (Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 4:30pm; and Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm)
StarMetro, Tallahassee, FL

Procurement Series II – Risk Assessment and Basic Core or Price Analysis
Please note: Registration process is different for this course
March 18, 2019 (1:00pm – 4:30pm) (registration 12:30pm – 1:00pm)
March 19-21, 2019 (8:30am – 4:30pm)
March 22, 2019 (8:30am – 12:00pm)
CUTR, Tampa, FL

Save the date for the following trainings. Subscribe to our listserv to receive notifications when classes are open for enrollment.

Transit Bus System Security (FT00432)
March 11-15, 2019
Tampa, FL

SMS Principles for Transit (FT00564)
May 20-22, 2019
Fort Myers, FL

Transit Safety and Security Audit Course (FT00567)
June 26-28, 2019
Orlando, FL

e-Learning Training Courses

The Art of Defusing Conflict: De-Escalation Techniques for Transit Operators
Florida public transit agencies only.

Rule Chapter 14-90, Florida Administrative Code: A Review for You – A Course for Bus Transit Drivers
Florida public transit agencies only.
Disability Etiquette for Transit Operators
Florida public transit agencies only.

Curbing Transit Operator Distracted Driving
Florida public transit agencies only.

Conferences and Workshops

SAVE THE DATE: 2019 Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo
April 5-6, 2019 | Jacksonville, FL

SAVE THE DATE: 2019 FPTA/FDOT/CUTR Professional Development Workshop & Transit Safety and Operations Summit
June 3-5, 2019 | Tampa, FL

Transit Training Policies & Procedures