Capital Area Transit System Going the Extra Mile to Enhance Safety Training for Staff

BATON ROUGE, L.A. – The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) reaffirms its commitment to safety by launching an expanded Safety Training Program for its dedicated staff. Demonstrating a profound commitment to passenger well-being and operational excellence, CATS proudly announces that its Safety Department has taken a significant step forward by certifying three team members as United States Department of Transportation Trainers. 

"At CATS, we believe that safety is non-negotiable, and this investment in our staff's expertise and capabilities underscores that belief," remarked Theo Richards, Interim CEO of CATS. "Our commitment to safety is unwavering, and we are dedicated to providing our staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their roles while ensuring the well-being of our passengers while we connect them to what matters." 

The three personnel from CATS' Safety Department recently attended intensive training with the Transportation Safety Institute, an esteemed institution recognized for its comprehensive courses in vehicle operations, emergency management, and customer relations. This achievement positions CATS as an industry leader, as these certified trainers will now be equipped to educate and empower their colleagues in these crucial areas.  

CATS’ newly certified trainers will also complete an additional online course, which will qualify them to instruct on Distracted Driving and Fatigue & Sleep Apnea Awareness. These subjects are of paramount importance in modern transit operations, and CATS is committed to promoting awareness and safety in these key areas.  

In addition, CATS is eagerly going the extra mile by providing training and certification equipping 14 employees to provide Narcan, a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. The Narcan Training Program covered a range of topics, including recognizing the signs of opioid overdose, proper administration of Narcan, and post-administration care. This initiative reflects CATS' dedication to fostering a safe and supportive community by empowering its staff with the tools necessary to handle unforeseen medical emergencies. 

CATS invites the community and its stakeholders to celebrate these significant milestones in enhancing safety standards in public transit. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and certification, CATS reinforces its position as a responsible and forward-thinking transit provider.