What is an EMS?

FTA's Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Training and Technical Assistance Program helps transit agencies with developing and implementing an EMS at their facilities. Participants in the program receive free training workshops, on-site assessments, electronic materials and resources, and consultation to help develop an EMS using standard 14001 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

FTA is currently conducting the 2024-2025 EMS Training and Technical Assistance Program with five transit agencies that were selected during the April 22 to June 14th, 2024 application period. Future FTA EMS Program open application periods will be announced on social media, via GovDelivery Bulletin, and FTA’s EMS website.

WHY EMS?

FTA encourages project sponsors to minimize the impact of their operations and construction through environmentally sound practices. An EMS is a set of processes and practices that enables an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency. The environmental benefits of implementing an EMS include:

• Enhanced ability to analyze, control, and reduce environmental impacts, such as air emissions and oil in wastewater
• Reduction in the number, type, and severity of compliance incidents
• More efficient and controlled operations
• Cost savings
• Improved relationships with employees, regulators, systems users, and the public

Technical Assistance Final Reports

The following final reports from each completed round of the program provide additional details about each participant’s EMS and the benefits they achieved from implementing an EMS:

• Round 1 Final Report (September 2003 to January 2006)
• Round 2 Final Report (October 2008 to September 2010)
• Round 3 Final Report (October 2010 to October 2012)
• Round 4 Final Report (October 2013 to October 2015)
• Round 5 Final Report (October 2015 to September 2017)