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Enhancing Mental Health Literacy and Response Training for Transit Agency Staff
This project builds on the findings from the initial evaluation of mental health challenges and safety concerns in 11 transit agencies across the United States. Research findings identified gaps in mental health literacy, de-escalation strategies, and applicable crisis response training for transit operators and staff.
To address these gaps, the University of South Florida's Mental Health Law & Policy Evaluation Team proposes the development of a tailored mental health training curriculum outline. This curriculum outline will serve as a condensed and transit-specific version of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), incorporating:
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Core mental health literacy concepts
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Role-playing exercises for real-world transit scenarios
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Psychoeducation on mental health symptomology
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Psychoeducation on substance use and crisis intervention
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De-escalation techniques specific to mental health
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Pre- and post-training assessments to evaluate knowledge retention and application
This project will provide practical, research-based tools to enhance transit operators' ability to identify, de-escalate, and appropriately respond to mental and behavioral health health-related incidents in transit settings.
Principal Investigator:
Lisa Staes
PI Contact Information:
University of South Florida, Center for Urban Transportation Research
Funding Source(s) and Amounts Provided (by each agency or organization):
U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology - $5,000 (federal)
Non-Federal source - $2,500
Total Project Cost:
$7,500
Agency ID or Contract Number:
69A3552348328
Dates:
March 2025 to August 2025
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This project aligns with the USDOT's strategic goals, particularly in the areas of Safety and Economic Strength & Global Competitiveness:
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Safety: The training will enhance transit operators' ability to de-escalate conflicts and reduce instances of violence, contributing to a safer environment for both transit employees and passengers.
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Economic Strength & Global Competitiveness: Improved safety and service quality in public transit can increase ridership, reduce absenteeism among operators due to workplace trauma, and enhance the overall efficiency of transit systems.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
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Enhanced staff preparedness: The curriculum will equip transit operators with practical strategies for recognizing and responding to mental health crises, reducing escalation risks.
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Improved workplace safety: A decrease in reported transit worker assaults and verbal confrontations linked to mental health-related incidents.
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Data-driven recommendations: Findings from pre-and post-training assessments will inform best practices for future transit mental health training initiatives.
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Stronger community partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between transit agencies and mental health service providers to create long-term support systems for operators and passengers.
This project will address the urgent need for improved mental health literacy among transit staff and contribute to a safer, more supportive, and more resilient transit system for all stakeholders.
Project Number:
2540
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Contact Us
SJSU Research Foundation 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
