FTA Transit Drug & Alcohol Testing
Drug and alcohol testing programs for transit agencies and safety-sensitive employees under 49 CFR Part 655. APCA manages your FTA-compliant program from enrollment through audit preparation.
Enroll NowWhat's included
- FTA Part 655 consortium enrollment
- Safety-sensitive employee classification guidance
- Random selection pool administration
- Pre-employment testing coordination
- Post-accident testing support
- MRO services
- Annual MIS report data
- Audit-ready recordkeeping
Who must comply?
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires drug and alcohol testing for all safety-sensitive employees at transit agencies receiving federal funding under 49 CFR Part 655.
Bus Operators
Drivers operating revenue service vehicles in transit systems receiving FTA funding.
Rail Operators
Light rail, heavy rail, and commuter rail operators performing safety-sensitive duties.
Vehicle Maintenance
Mechanics and technicians who maintain revenue service vehicles.
Controllers & Dispatchers
Personnel who control dispatch of revenue service vehicles.
FTA-funded transit agencies that fail to maintain compliant drug and alcohol testing programs risk loss of federal funding, civil penalties, and increased liability. APCA ensures your program meets all FTA requirements.
Required test types
Federal regulations require specific testing at defined circumstances. APCA manages all of them.
Pre-Employment
Required before a safety-sensitive employee first performs covered functions. Must receive negative result.
Random Testing
FTA requires minimum 50% drug testing and 10% alcohol testing annually for safety-sensitive employees.
Post-Accident
Required following accidents meeting FTA criteria. Alcohol test within 2 hours, drug test within 32 hours.
Reasonable Suspicion
Based on trained supervisor observation of behavior or appearance consistent with drug or alcohol use.
Return-to-Duty
Required before an employee returns to safety-sensitive functions following a violation.
Follow-Up
Unannounced testing following return-to-duty as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional.
Compliance checklist
Everything you need to stay compliant — APCA handles all of it on your behalf.
Program Requirements
- Written drug and alcohol testing policy
- Safety-sensitive positions identified
- Consortium/C/TPA agreement executed
- DER designated
Training
- Supervisor training (60 min drugs, 60 min alcohol)
- Employee education program
- DER training completed
- Training records maintained
Reporting
- Annual MIS report submitted to FTA
- Test results retained 5 years
- Refusal documentation maintained
- SAP referrals documented
Regulatory resources
49 CFR Part 655 — FTA Drug & Alcohol Testing
The primary regulation governing drug and alcohol testing for FTA-funded transit agencies. Covers all aspects of program requirements.
View official resource →FTA Drug & Alcohol Program
FTA's official guidance, resources, and oversight information for transit agency drug and alcohol testing programs.
View official resource →APCA Pro Tip: FTA requires transit agencies to submit an annual Management Information System (MIS) report by March 15 each year. APCA provides all the data you need to complete this report accurately and on time.
Small transit agency or paratransit provider?
Even small transit agencies receiving FTA funding must maintain a compliant drug and alcohol testing program. APCA's consortium provides an affordable, fully managed solution — no matter your fleet size.
Get StartedFrequently asked questions
Ready to get your FTA Transit program in place?
Enroll in minutes. We handle setup, random selections, results, and recordkeeping — so you don't have to.