Required Training for 5310 & MAP Sub-recipients
MassDOT has mandated that all vehicle recipients under 5310 and Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) agree to ensure all vehicle drivers, paid and volunteer, receive proper training; therefore, the following training courses are required.
- Accessible Lift Use and Passenger Securement (formerly Wheelchair Lift & Securement)
- CPR
- First Aid
- Defensive Driving (formerly Coaching the Van Driver, NSC DDC3)
- Disability Awareness (formerly Safe Transport of the Public under the ADA)
- Substance Abuse Awareness Training (online course) - this online course offered by National RTAP is required upon hire. You now need to register your agency for an account in order to access the course.
Overview of training
| Training Course | Delivery Method | Course Length | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPR, First Aid & Bloodborne Pathogens | In-person | 7 hours | 1 year (bloodborne pathogens portion); 2 years (CPR/First Aid training) |
| Passenger Assistance Training (PAT) Module I = Disability Awareness Module II = Accessible Lift Use & Passenger Protection | In-person, by request | Module I = 3 hours 8 hours total | 2 years |
| Disability Awareness | In-person, by request | 3 hours | 3 years |
| Accessible Lift Use & Passenger Securement | In-person, by request | 4 hours | 2 years |
| Defensive Driving | In-person, by request | 3 hours | 2 years |
| Defensive Driving | Online webinar, offered monthly | 2 hours | 1 year |
| Disability Awareness | Online webinar, offered monthly | 2 hours | 1 year |
| Diversity & Sensitivity in Transit | Online webinar, offered quarterly | 2 hours | 1 year |
| PAT Instructor Training (formerly Train-the-Trainer) | 2-day in-person training offered a few times a year | 2 full days | 1 year |
Passenger Assistance Training (PAT)
The PAT is an intensive training course that includes video, handouts, a hands-on practicum, and certificate of completion. Training includes both classroom instruction and "hands-on" practice to address ADA regulations and requirements, passenger sensitivity, lift operation, and wheelchair securement.
The PAT consists of two separate training modules (Disability Awareness and Accessible Lift Use & Passenger Securement) and is designed for new hires who have not received prior training. This class is 8 hours. Each module can also be offered separately as a standalone refresher course for veteran drivers looking to renew their certificates.
Defensive Driving
Required upon hire and every two years thereafter to maintain proficiency. This class is 4 hours geared toward the informational needs of the professional van/small bus driver. The goal of the course is accident prevention. Topics covered in this curriculum include:
- Vehicle safety inspection, pre-trip inspection
- Defensive driving tools
- Rules of the road
- City, highway, and rural driving
- Following distance, breaking, merging, passing, scanning, backing
- Cushion of safety
- Rail crossings
- Hazards
- Intersection etiquette
- Blind spots
- Safe stopping points
- Pick-up and drop-off procedures
- Van characteristics
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness Safety Sensitive employee training
CPR, First Aid & Bloodborne Pathogens
CPR & First Aid
Required upon hire and must be renewed every two years or per instructions of the trainer. The purpose of the CPR/First Aid training is for attendees to gain or improve knowledge and skill proficiency in First Aid and CPR. This training reflects the latest resuscitation science and treatment recommendations published by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Alternatively, you may also be able to access this training through your local police department, fire department, or town hall.
Optional Add-On: Bloodborne Pathogens
Optional but highly recommended. This training includes information that will help attendees understand what bloodborne pathogens are and how risks of exposure can be reduced for themselves and others. The program assists in satisfying the training requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030. Bloodborne pathogen certifications result in a one-year certification.
The CPR/First Aid course must be scheduled at least 28 days in advance. Once scheduled, it requires 10 days advance notice to cancel.
Accessible Lift Use and Passenger Securement
Required upon hire and every two years thereafter to maintain proficiency. This class is 4 hours provides the opportunity for participants to learn about and discuss accessible lift operation and wheelchair securement, including:
- Proper tie-down procedures
- Mobility device securement techniques
- Passenger restraint techniques
This class will require the driver to perform a hands-on proficiency exam to receive a certificate of completion. This includes the use of the accessible lift, moving the passenger in a mobility device and securing a passenger in a mobility device inside the vehicle.
Participants need to be dressed appropriately for work in and on the vehicles (e.g., sturdy shoes with fully enclosed toes; sandals are not allowed). Participants should also be aware of the current weather and dress appropriately for both inside and outside work.
Disability Awareness
Required upon hire and every three years thereafter to maintain proficiency. This class is 3 hours and covers the basic terms and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This course is geared to all members of the transit industry. The curriculum will:
- Identify and list major categories of disabilities
- Identify issues involved in transporting passengers with disabilities
Describes various procedures for interacting with passengers with disabilities
Specialty Trainings
From time to time, we offer optional courses on topics of interest. Periodic offerings include:
Passenger Assistance Training Instructor Training
Learn how to train your drivers! This training is a full two-days in-person. The training will go over all the materials, information, and exams needed to conduct the Passenger Assistance Training, Disability Awareness, and Accessible Lift classes. The training will also include guidance on teaching adult learners.
Diversity & Sensitivity in Transit
This class is 2 hours and is designed to assist transit employees in maintaining effective customer service relationships by recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of individuals and groups they serve. This course is geared to all members of the transit industry. The objectives of the course are to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to:
- Define diversity and its many dimensions
- Be sensitive to the uniqueness and needs of customers
- Identify barriers to valuing diversity
- Recognize diversity issues and their impact on customer relations
- Discuss strategies for valuing diversity
Certification Requirements
In order to pass the course and receive a certificate, drivers must:
- Attend the entire course – attendance is taken at in-person sessions. For online sessions, agencies must verify that the driver attended the entire course.
- Pass a test – in-person courses have a written exam as part of the course. Passenger Assistance Training and Accessible Lift Use also include a hands-on proficiency test. Webinar attendees will receive a Survey Monkey test due within 5 days of completing the training. The written exam will incorporate questions on information provided by the instructor during the training, as well as three key phrases announced during the course.
Online certifications are only good for one year.
How to register for a course
1. Determine whether you are eligible for courses through the MArtap funding stream, MAurbanTAP funding stream, or both
2. Check the listing of courses
3. Register online for a MArtap or MAurbanTAP course
4. If you do not see a course that fits your schedule, you can offer to host a MArtap or MAurbanTAP course
Training requests must be submitted to and approved by MArtap or MAurbantap prior to scheduling. Allow 5 days for your request to be processed. Requests will be confirmed by email. Training classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is low.