6th National RTAP Conference in Austin, TX

Preconference Workshops & 1:1 Tech Support

Preconference workshops are scheduled for Sunday, December 7 at the National RTAP conference. The workshops offer an opportunity to learn about NRTAP technology tools and other training opportunities. You can attend the workshops and for the NRTAP tools sign-up for 1:1 technical support throughout the conference.

Stay Tuned, More Workshops Will be Added Soon!

Intercity Bus Planning Workshop (4 Hours)

This workshop will provide an update on the status of the intercity bus industry, presentation of the rural intercity bus planning process, use of in-kind match, and best practices in state intercity bus programs. In a workshop format participants will be able to provide examples, ask questions, and participate in work groups using the information to develop an approach to intercity connectivity for their state, region or system, develop an application of a hypothetical in-kind match project, and consider marketing and branding approaches.

Presenters: Fred Fravel, Principal and Todd Hansen, Senior Transportation Planner, KFH Group

National RTAP Tools Workshops

RideSheet Workshop (60 Minutes)

RideSheet is a scheduling tool for operating and reporting on small demand-response transportation (DRT) services. It supports rural and Tribal services that are ready to move away from paper, whiteboards, and ad-hoc spreadsheets. This session will offer an overview of RideSheet, how to get started, review the trip reports and metrics, and learn about the three phase Kansas implementation.

RideSheet 1:1 Tech Support:

Meet with Kevin Chambers, RideSheet’s creator. When you schedule your 1:1 you'll be sent a brief form to share basic information about your organization and its needs so that we can make the most of our time. Be prepared to talk about your current scheduling operations and reporting requirements. You’ll also get the opportunity to work with sample RideSheet data tailored to your service area.

• RideSheet 1:1: Booking link will be available soon

GTFS Builder / Website Builder / ProcurementPRO Workshop (60 Minutes)

This preconference workshop will provide an introduction to three of NRTAP’s popular technology tools:

• GTFS Builder keeps riders informed with current timetables and stop locations using a free Microsoft Excel-based web application to generate fully valid GTFS for their bus routes.
• Website Builder is a free resource using the latest technology to make creating, editing and launching your website as easy as possible
• ProcurementPRO is a free web-based application that guides rural and Tribal agencies and State DOTs through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) procurement procedures. 

1:1 Tech Support:

Marcy Jaffe, creator of GTFS Builder, will review your GTFS to support accurate GTFS data reporting to NTD. Marcy will also help you create GTFS shapes to meet the upcoming NTD requirement. To make the most of your 1:1, bring your timetables and a link to your GTFS. 

• GTFS Builder 1:1: Booking link will be available soon

Erik Dickey provides technical support for ProcurementPRO and Website Builder

• Procurement PRO 1:1: Booking link will be available soon
• Website Builder 1:1: Booking link will be available soon

Cost Allocation Calculator Workshop (4 hours)

Public transit agencies need to understand and report on their fully allocated costs by mode and service to comply with federal rules, set sponsored service rates, and set budgets. This can be complicated, especially for transit agencies with multiple modes, service types, and jurisdictions. National RTAP's Two-Variable Cost Allocation Calculator can help transit agencies make the process of cost allocation a little less daunting. This half day workshop will introduce attendees to critical cost allocation concepts, best practices, and hands-on training.