Kari Ruse, Nebraska Department of Transportation transit programs specialist, would like to remind all 5311 funded transit agency managers that since regulations have changed, you are required to have an updated Drug and Alcohol Policy on file.

The two options available are either a zero tolerance policy (recommended) OR a second chance policy. The second chance policy is not recommended because it creates more work for your agency, but it is allowed under federal regulation.

Please complete the policy, have the policy approved by your governing body, and send the completed policy and proof of approval to kari.ruse@nebraska.gov, no later than January 12, 2024. Many agencies have indicated your boards will not meet until later in the month. That is fine, just please try to get your policies with approval to Kari as soon as possible. NDOT’s deadline to respond to the statewide audit is February 1, 2024.

A consultant will be reaching out to all the agencies to schedule either in-person or desktop reviews.