Topic Guides

Topic Guides

National RTAP Topic Guides are collections of specially selected resources on major rural and Tribal transit topics. Click on the titles or icons below to access resources from the FTA, U.S. DOT, National RTAP, and other organizations on the topics listed.

 

Each year we also compile resources on Hot Topics, based on the questions from National RTAP customers within the past year. Click on the Hot Topics button to access the 2023 topics, which include Build America, Buy America; Cybersecurity; GTFS; Maintenance;  Microtransit; Paratransit; Planning, and Safety.

Hot Topics

ADA

Transit agencies are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The resources in this topic guide provide information to ensure compliance with the law.

Banks, foundations and local governments may have funding available for transit, either as grants or tax revenue opportunities. Human service agencies such as United Way may have funding opportunities. They also may provide unique opportunities to partner with transit agencies, therefore extending access to many more grant opportunities surrounding mobility management and human service transportation.

Transit agencies are increasingly looking to alternatives to traditional fuels to lower emissions and improve the air quality and environment. The resources in this topic guide will assist them with planning, decisionmaking and funding.

Intercity transportation is regularly scheduled service for the general public that connects two or more areas not in close proximity. This topic guide will assist with understanding of practices and issues surrounding intercity transportation.

Dealing with emergency situations that involve the possible spread of bloodborne pathogens can be scary. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources to help train drivers and other transit system personnel about the proper ways to handle these types of emergencies.

Livability entails the factors that create a community's quality of life, including access to transportation, natural resources, educational opportunities, medical care, employment and leisure activities. Resources are provided for creating higher quality of life through community design, focusing on transit in rural areas.

Provides links to FTA, National RTAP, and other national, regional and local COVID-19 resources and planning documents.

Mobility management is the idea of using available resources to get passengers from point A to point B. It often focuses on coordination between different agencies providing transportation, and may include a technological component (ITS), such as scheduling and dispatching software, or regional website-based demand-response services.

Provides links to FTA, National RTAP, and other national, regional and local COVID-19 resources and planning documents.

Best practices and information about transportation for older adults can be found at these organizations.

Nobody is ever prepared for a disaster. From fires to hurricanes to blizzards, natural disasters and extreme weather affect every aspect of normal transit operations. This topic guide provides resources that help transit agencies plan, respond and recover from disasters.

Provides resources on compliance with federal procurement regulations, training and templates on procurement topics.

Driver distractions can be dangerous for passengers, and also other vehicles on the road. Resources in this section focus on distracted driving and training to reduce the practice and distractions.

Transit asset management (TAM) is a model that prioritizes funding based on the condition and maintenance of transit assets, such as vehicles, equipment and/or facilities.

Safety-sensitive employees are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of federal regulations aimed at increasing public safety. Rural and tribal transit agencies are responsible for making sure that these requirements are met. This topic guide will direct you to the most current and relevant resources on all aspects of the federal drug and alcohol requirements.

These resources include training and technical assistance specifically geared toward tribal transit operators and riders.

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