Implementation Guidelines - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

When the drug and alcohol rules initially became effective, FTA began an
aggressive outreach effort to assist affected entities in complying with the new rules.
FTA offered numerous courses throughout the country on implementation. Additionally,
in April 1994, FTA published Implementation Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol
Regulations in Mass Transit and made them available to anyone seeking help
implementing the rules. The guidelines were published in the Federal Register several
months prior to the effective date of the rules. They provided step-by-step instructions on
how to most effectively comply with Parts 653 and 654. FTA will issue updated
guidelines to assist with the implementation of Part 655.
Additionally, FTA has issued numerous letters of interpretation on the rules.
Public response to these letters, especially since they became available on FTA’s external
Web page, has been highly favorable. Employers and employees found that the letters
were very helpful in explaining the rules. FTA will continue to offer interpretive
guidance with respect to Part 655.
To determine compliance with the rules, FTA’s Office of Safety and Security
began auditing grantee drug and alcohol testing programs in March 1997. The audits
quickly evolved into opportunities for FTA to provide extensive technical assistance.
Through the audits, FTA has gained a better understanding of the difficulties that
grantees encounter when implementing the rules. In addition, audits have shown FTA
where the rules can be strengthened and improved. The impetus to combine Parts 653
and 654 is
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