FTA return-to-duty
FTA SAP evaluations and return-to-duty for public transit employees.
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New York State, plus New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts. Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once payment and required paperwork are complete, subject to availability.
Who the FTA covers
FTA drug and alcohol rules cover safety-sensitive transit work.
FTA testing rules (49 CFR Part 655) apply to employees of transit agencies that receive federal transit funds, and their contractors, who perform:
- Operating revenue service vehicles, such as buses, subways and light rail
- Operating non-revenue vehicles that require a CDL
- Controlling dispatch or vehicle movement
- Maintaining revenue service vehicles or equipment
- Carrying a firearm for security
Step by step
The FTA return-to-duty process.
1. Removal from duty
You are removed from safety-sensitive transit duties and given a list of qualified SAPs.
2. Initial SAP evaluation
A face-to-face clinical assessment by secure video, with recommendations for education, treatment or both.
3. Education or treatment
You complete every recommendation. Your SAP confirms your participation with the program.
4. Follow-up evaluation
The same SAP confirms you complied and reports to your transit employer.
Return-to-duty test
Your employer directs a return-to-duty test. Drug results must be negative and alcohol below 0.02.
Follow-up testing
At least six unannounced tests in your first 12 months back on duty, for up to five years, as your SAP directs.
Transit employees with a CDL
Holding a CDL can add Clearinghouse requirements.
If you hold a CDL or CLP and your violation falls under FMCSA rules as well, it may be reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, which can lead to a CDL downgrade.
Your employer will tell you which rules apply to your position. See the FMCSA page for Clearinghouse steps.
Complete DOT SAP Professional Services — $500 + $18.15 Administrative Fee
Total payable: $518.15. One package covers the professional SAP services for both stages of the evaluation process—the initial evaluation and the follow-up evaluation—not just one appointment.
The professional services package includes:
- Initial DOT SAP clinical evaluation.
- Initial evaluation report and required reporting to the appropriate recipient.
- Individualized education or treatment recommendations.
- Assistance with an appropriate secondary referral when needed.
- Follow-up SAP clinical evaluation after the required recommendations are completed.
- Follow-up evaluation report and applicable reporting.
- FMCSA Clearinghouse initial and follow-up reporting when the driver’s case is subject to Clearinghouse requirements.
External education, treatment, laboratory testing, return-to-duty testing and third-party services are separate. Professional findings are individualized and never guaranteed.
Scheduling and paperwork
- Submit your SAP inquiry.
- Our office follows up on inquiries by the next business day.
- Pay the full professional SAP fee ($518.15 total).
- Once payment is confirmed, you receive immediate access to the required assessment forms.
- Payment starts scheduling for the next available evaluation appointment.
- Your evaluation cannot proceed until you finish and submit the required paperwork.
- Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once these steps are complete, subject to availability.
Scheduling and the evaluation are separate steps: payment lets us schedule your appointment, but the evaluation itself takes place only after your paperwork is complete. The full DOT return-to-duty process—education or treatment, your follow-up evaluation and the employer-controlled return-to-duty test—takes longer than 24–48 hours.
If your employer’s employee assistance program is through Revive (formerly BHS), you might be eligible to have your SAP services covered. Proactive Wellness is a contracted Revive provider: call Revive at 800-327-2251 and ask for Nikita Banks, LCSW, SAP by name, or ask us to help you check.
Other DOT agencies
Return-to-duty guidance for every DOT agency.
All DOT SAP services
Pricing, scheduling and the full return-to-duty process for every DOT agency.
FMCSA: commercial drivers
CDL truck and bus drivers, school bus and passenger carriers.
FAA: aviation
Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
FRA: railroads
Engineers, conductors, dispatchers, signal and maintenance-of-way workers.
PHMSA: pipelines
Covered pipeline and LNG operations, maintenance and emergency response.
USCG: maritime
Credentialed mariners and crew in safety-sensitive vessel positions.
Transit questions
FTA return-to-duty answers.
Does the FMCSA Clearinghouse apply to transit workers?
Only when FMCSA rules also cover your position, typically when you hold a CDL. Ask your employer which rules apply to you.
Can I keep working while I complete the SAP process?
You cannot perform safety-sensitive duties until return-to-duty requirements are met. Your employer may offer duties that are not safety-sensitive.
Who orders my return-to-duty test?
Your transit employer arranges the test. A successful follow-up evaluation alone does not clear you to return.
What if I don’t complete my SAP recommendations?
You cannot pass the follow-up evaluation until you comply, which delays your return. Contact your SAP right away if you’re having trouble.
How is the SAP fee paid?
The complete professional SAP services package is $500 plus an $18.15 administrative fee ($518.15 total), paid in full to begin scheduling. Some employer or EAP programs may cover SAP services; contact our office to check before you pay.
Does the fee cover the entire process?
The $518.15 total ($500 professional fee + $18.15 administrative fee) covers all of our professional SAP services across both evaluation stages: your initial and follow-up evaluations and reports. Education, treatment, laboratory testing, return-to-duty testing and third-party services are separate.
Get back to safety-sensitive transit work the right way.
Your first inquiry is free. Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once payment and your required paperwork are complete, subject to availability.