Public transit operators: bus procurement: new technology considerations.

Existing law requires a public transit operator, before the procurement of a new bus to be used in revenue operations, to take into consideration recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, the exclusive representative of the recognized organization representing bus operators of the transit operator for specified purposes, including, among other purposes, preventing accidents caused by blind spots created by bus equipment or bus design. This bill would require a public transit operator, for these purposes, to also take into consideration recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, that exclusive representative for the purpose of changing or introducing new technology that can affect the nature of work for employees of the transit operator or require job training for employees of the transit operator. By creating new duties for public transit operators, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.