National RTAP News

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:53:33 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms begin at our spring meeting, which will be held in Washington, DC on April 7-9, 2026:

Angie Jones, Regional Transit Coordinator - Region 5, Oregon Department of Transportation - Public Transportation Division
Tim Maceyko, Compliance Program Manager, Office of Transit, Ohio Department of Transportation
Shauna Miller, Senior Transportation Planner, Idaho Transportation Department - Public Transportation Office

Angie and Shauna are returning members to the National RTAP Review Board.

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board.

National RTAP Seeking Review Board Nominations

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:02:17 GMT

National RTAP is soliciting nominations for its Review Board for 2026-2028

National RTAP is seeking nominations for Review Board members to fill vacancies for the 2026–2028 term. Because we have limited openings and several strong candidates from transit agencies, we are hoping to get several State DOT candidates to fill projected openings for State DOT representatives. We do not have any candidates to fill the state positions. Terms begin with the member’s first meeting and run for three years. We welcome nominations from qualified individuals, including self nominations, to represent state rural and tribal transit providers.

Eligible nominees must either:

Work for a State DOT and be involved in the Section 5311 Program, or
Be employed by tribal public transportation provider receiving Section 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funding.
Former members who have been off the Board for at least three years may reapply.

2026 Meetings:

Spring Meeting: April 7–9, Washington, DC
Fall Meeting: November/December 2026 (location TBD)

The 15 member Review Board provides strategic guidance on National RTAP products and services, participates in workgroups and events, and serves as ambassadors at conferences. Board meetings are held twice a year. Terms may be extended if elected Chair or Vice Chair.

The deadline to apply was February 17, 2026. Nominees will be notified by the end of February regarding Spring vacancies. Additional openings may be filled throughout 2026–2028.

For questions, please contact Robin Phillips , Executive Director, or Neil Rodriguez , Director of Tribal Programs.

National RTAP Welcomes New Review Board Member

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:13:02 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board member, whose term began at our fall meeting, which was held in Austin, TX on December 11-12, 2025: LaShonda McKinney, CCTM, Executive Director, Bolivar County Council on Aging, Inc.

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

Call for Participants: Pathways to Funding: A Practical Grant Application Guide for Rural & Community Transit - Workgroup

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:51:43 GMT

Workgroup on Developing a Grant Application Guide for 5311, 5310, and other Community Funding Programs

National RTAP is forming a new workgroup to develop a practical, user-friendly Grant Application Guide designed to support rural, Tribal, and community transportation providers applying for FTA Section 5311, Section 5310, and other local, state, and community-based grants .

This workgroup will help shape a comprehensive resource that walks applicants through every stage of the funding process—from preparing to apply and identifying community partners to understanding eligibility, timelines, and state-specific requirements. Modeled after the 5310-applicant workbook, this new guide will include best practices, checklists, examples, and strategies to strengthen competitive applications.

We are seeking participants who:

• Apply for or manage 5311, 5310, Tribal Transit, or mobility-related grants

• Represent rural transit systems, Tribal governments, human-service agencies, or mobility management programs

• Have experience navigating state DOT processes, community partnerships, or coordinated planning

• Are willing to share insights, challenges, and practical tips to help shape a national resource

• Optional participation in pilot testing of the guide

Interested in Joining?

Please apply at this link or the QR Code below. The submittal deadline is December 15, 2025.

For questions please contact the following National Staff: edixon@nationalrtap.org or jbell@nationalrtap.org .

Your expertise will help build a national resource that empowers rural and Tribal communities to secure the funding needed to expand mobility and improve access to essential services.

Call for Collaboration: National RTAP Rural Travel Training Program Guide Workgroup

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:16:26 GMT

We Welcome Your Participation in our New Rural Travel Training Program Guide Workgroup

National RTAP invites DOT staff, mobility managers, transit coordinators, and transportation professionals to join a collaborative work group to develop a Rural Travel Training 101 Manual, a National RTAP–aligned resource designed to strengthen rural mobility, access, and independence. This practical guide will provide step-by-step tools for teaching individuals in rural areas how to confidently and safely use public transportation—covering topics such as assessing rider needs, planning trips, understanding schedules, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rights.

By contributing to this effort, participants will help create a comprehensive, inclusive framework that expands access to essential services, reduces isolation, and empowers rural residents while enhancing the capacity of local transit systems nationwide.

Submission Deadline : December 1, 2025

Workgroup Participation Confirmations : Sent by December 2, 2025

If you are interested in contributing to this important initiative, we welcome your participation. Please fill out this form or scan the QR Code below.

Call for Collaboration: Rural Mobility Hub Design Guide Workgroup

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:55:19 GMT

We are inviting rural transportation professionals and community stakeholders to help shape the future of rural mobility!

The Rural Mobility Hub Design Guide will serve as a vital resource to support the planning, coordination, and development of mobility hubs tailored to the unique needs of rural communities. To ensure the guide reflects a broad range of experiences and perspectives, we are assembling a workgroup of dedicated professionals and practitioners from across the country.

We’re seeking input from:

Rural and regional transportation planners
Transit system managers and facility designers
Mobility managers and travel trainers
Human service organizations and rural nonprofit representatives
Local and regional government staff
Tribal transportation and community leaders
Anyone engaged in rural transportation coordination

Why join?

By participating, you’ll help define practical and scalable design strategies for mobility hubs that connect rural residents to essential services, regional transit, and more.

Timeline:

Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025
Workgroup Confirmations Sent: By Oct 1, 2025

Let’s build better-connected rural communities—together.

National RTAP Planning a National Mobility Managers Handbook

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:26:24 GMT

National RTAP has started planning for a National Mobility Managers Handbook, which will be a comprehensive resource to support and advance the field. The National Mobility Managers Handbook Workgroup will be led by National RTAP Rural Transit Project Manager Enjoli Dixon and Tribal Transit Liaison Jeremy Bell.

Workgroup Members

Doris Green has worked in transportation for 18 years. She is employed with Bolivar County Council on Aging Transportation in Cleveland, Ms., where she serves as the Delta Rides Regional Mobility Manager for the Mississippi Delta Area. Being the Regional Mobility Manager gives her an opportunity to help those individuals who are seeking access to transportation options get the service that they need. “Helping people is what I love to do, and I don’t mind going the extra mile to get someone the service that is needed for their quality of life.”

Tammi Hagen is a lifelong resident of Bemidji, Minnesota where she and her husband have raised 2 children and now enjoy the blessings of 11 grandchildren and a sprite 9-year old great grandchild. With a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Tammi combines academic knowledge with a warm, vibrant personality that naturally draws people in. Helping others is second nature to her, and she finds deep fulfillment in supporting individuals in their journey towards a better quality of life Tammi has worked with people of all ages across various professions, giving her a broad and compassionate perspective.

Corrina Hyde is the Social Services Program Manager for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). She offers travel training, tutorials on the basics of COTA, including how to pay, find maps and schedules, transfer to other buses, exit and board vehicles, and use online and digital resources. Corinna meets with individuals and groups, tailoring her presentations to their needs and questions.

Jeremy Johnson-Miller is a Grants Manager for Iowa DOT. Prior to that he was the Communications Manager at the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), a federally recognized technical assistance center funded by the FTA, focused on ADA accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities across the country. Prior to joining NADTC, Jeremy provided guidance and compliance oversight of state and federally funded transit programs at Iowa DOT, also overseeing outreach and collaboration with communities and other state departments throughout the state.

Kristin Lam Peraza is the Director of Regional Mobility Programming and Partnerships (DRMPP) for the Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission, which serves Planning District 9 in Virginia. A native Virginian, Kristin began her career working in various state roles. After years of commuting to the city, she transitioned to a role closer to home, eventually taking the helm of regional mobility programming. Over the past seven years, Kristin has navigated changes in federal and local funding, implemented an innovative collaborative mobility model, and served as a mentor and subject-matter expert for neighboring regions.

Jacklyn Medley with UCHRA Public Transportation in Tennessee began her journey in our transportation call center and later transitioned into the role of Mobility Manager. She’s been with the agency for over three years now, proudly serving a system that provides vital transportation across fourteen rural counties. As a Mobility Manager, her work focuses on three key areas: education, outreach, and coordination. She helps individuals, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those with limited transportation options, better understand the services available to them.

Staci Sahoo is the Director of Mobility Management at Hopelink in King County, WA. Staci oversees collaborative initiatives and projects to improve transportation opportunities for historically underserved communities. Before joining Hopelink in 2016, Staci received her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from New York University and coordinated mobility management programs in New York City, India, and Israel.

Cristi Williams serves as a Mobility Navigator in Southwest Oklahoma, collaborating with individuals with disabilities, seniors, low-income families, veterans, and the general public. As an advocate for those in need, she is deeply committed to improving transportation solutions in rural communities. Cristi's enduring passion lies in aiding others, and she brings over two decades of expertise to her role. With a professional background in public education, she has also been engaged in actively advocating for and assisting individuals in both the aging and youth communities. Upon the availability of the mobility navigator position in Southwest Oklahoma, she has eagerly embraced the opportunity to support a diverse range of individuals searching for transportation solutions.

National RTAP Welcomes New Team Member

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Fri, 30 May 2025 15:09:41 GMT

National RTAP Welcomes Al Benedict to our Team!

Al Benedict joined our team as our Technology Tools Lead in 2025. Al will also facilitate our biennial RTAP and Transit Manager Surveys and Community Rides Grants. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in psychology, and his master’s degree from the University of Akron in geography and urban studies. He also studied environmental science. And along the line his passion was invoked for working with transportation stakeholders across sectors to help everyone understand how technology can benefit transit. Following graduation, he worked for the Metropolitan Strategy Group in Cleveland on capital funding initiatives, the Center for Neighborhood Technology performing market and spatial analysis, and most recently for the Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC). In his role at SUMC, Al collaborated with other experts to create innovative technical assistance resources, such as “The Path to Mobility Interoperability” and “Universal Mobility, an Implementation Resource”. Al was the Co-Founder of the Demand-Responsive Transportation Data Specifications Working Group, which he plans to continue through National RTAP.

National RTAP Bus Roadeo Toolkit Update Request for Proposals

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:09:42 GMT

National RTAP Bus Roadeo Toolkit Update Request for Proposals

National RTAP will be updating its Bus Roadeo Toolkit . Proposals must be received by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

National RTAP Fundamental Financial Management Training Request for Proposals

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:16:10 GMT

National RTAP Fundamental Financial Management Training Request for Proposals

National RTAP will be creating an eLearning course for our Fundamental Financial Management training. Proposals must be received by 3:00 pm ET on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:33:27 GMT

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms begin at our spring meeting, which will be held in Alexandria, Virginia on April 21-23, 2025:

Katy Miller, Transit Programs Manager, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation
Michele Smith, Transit Manager, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Transit
Darrel Williams, Resource Director, Ninilchik Village Tribe

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Welcomes Two New Staff Members

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:36:02 GMT

National RTAP Welcomes Jeremy Bell and Enjoli Dixon to our Team!

Jeremy Bell

Jeremy Bell is the new National RTAP Tribal Transit Liaison. Jeremy was the Director of Choctaw Regional Transportation/Choctaw Transit for over 13 years. From 2012-2025, Jeremy served as the Mobility Manager for the EZTAG region and for Choctaw Transit before being promoted to Assistant Director in 2015 to 2021 and Director from 2021 to 2025. Jeremy is a Graduate of the Emerging Leaders Academy sponsored by the Community Transportation Association of America and served as a National RTAP Review Board Member from 2020 to 2025 before taking his new position in February 2025 as the Tribal Transit Liaison for National RTAP.

Prior to joining Choctaw Transit, Jeremy worked for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security from 2007- 2012 as the Business Outreach Specialist and served as an Unemployment Officer for Neshoba, Leake, Kemper, and Newton Counties.

Jeremy holds an associate degree from East Central Community College and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi but credits his knowledge in the Transit Field to his mentor and former Mississippi Public Transportation Association board member, Mr. Billy Robertson. Jeremy’s vision is to utilize his expertise and knowledge in the transportation field to educate and train tribal and non-tribal transit agencies across the United States.

Enjoli Dixon

Enjoli Dixon is the new National RTAP Rural Transit Project Manager. In this role she is responsible for providing technical assistance to rural, tribal and mobility management as well as eLearning product administration, outreach, training. Enjoli Dixon is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the design and transportation industry, both in the U.S. and internationally. She is renowned for her advocacy in public transit and mobility management, making significant contributions across public, private, and non-profit sectors, particularly through the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM).

Previously, she was a Project Associate and FTA Liaison for Regions 4 and 7 at the FTA National Center for Mobility Management, as well as a Technical Specialist II with the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. In these roles, she led urban, rural, and tribal transportation projects and provided essential policy guidance and technical assistance to various transportation agencies and non-profits.

Enjoli began her transportation career at the University of Kansas with KU On Wheels, where she served as Transit Chair while also working at TranSystems Corporation on various projects, including bike/pedestrian initiatives and bus rapid transit. She later joined the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as part of the Multimodal-Transit team and the Office of External Civil Rights. Throughout her career, she has led diverse projects ranging from ridesharing and bus rapid transit to major light rail initiatives and ADA planning.

Farewell to Liz Taylor, National RTAP Assistant Director

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 12:07:45 GMT

Farewell to Liz Taylor, National RTAP Assistant Director

Liz Taylor joined National RTAP as a Project Manager in May 2013 and was promoted to Senior Project Manager and then to Assistant Director in 2018. Since National RTAP was founded in 1987, she’s been with our program for about 30% of its history. Liz has led or contributed to so many valuable projects and initiatives, including the Community Rides Grant Program; our conferences in Myrtle Beach, Portland, Omaha, and Denver; and numerous training projects, toolkits, webinars, and roundtables over the years. Liz has represented National RTAP at many conferences throughout the country, and visitors to our booth have always been delighted by her warmth, knowledge, and ability to provide superb technical assistance.

Please join us in wishing Liz Taylor the very best as she embarks on a new journey in her transit career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, or “The T”) starting in September 2024. Our team and the entire rural transit community will miss her greatly, but we know the legacy she has left for National RTAP will live on for many years to come.

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update FTA 101 eLearning Course

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:22:45 GMT

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update AASHTO's FTA 101 eLearning Course

National RTAP, in collaboration with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)’s Transit Management program, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from interested and qualified vendors to update the FTA 101: An Introduction to the Federal Transit Administration online training module, currently available on the AASHTO website and National RTAP eLearning .

View the FTA 101 eLearning Update RFP - Amendment 1 (8/19/24)

View the Summary of Changes in Amendment 1 (8/19/24)

Key Dates:

July 24, 2024 - Deadline to submit questions about the RFP to rfp@nationalrtap.org .
July 25, 2024, 2:00 PM ET - Pre-Proposal Q&A Session was held on on Zoom.
Answers to all questions asked before or during the Q&A session are provided on this FTA 101 RFP Q&A Document .
August 30, 2024, 3:00 PM ET - Deadline to submit a proposal.

If you have any questions, please email rfp@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Mon, 20 May 2024 20:15:00 GMT

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our spring meeting, which was held in Washington, DC on May 20, 2024:

John Andoh, CCTM, CPM, Transit General Manager, Redding Area Bus Authority, Redding, CA
Dion Knipp, CCTM, Operations Director, OATS Transit, Columbia, MO
Mallory Meier, Deputy Director, River Cities Public Transit, Pierre, SD

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update Volunteer Driver Program Guidebook

etaylor@nationalrtap.org (Elizabeth Taylor) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:30:33 GMT

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update Volunteer Driver Program Guidebook

March 27, 2024

National RTAP, along with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to update and nationalize WSDOT’s Volunteer Driver Program Guide (last updated in 2013). This project will be guided by a workgroup of volunteer transportation stakeholders at the national, state, and local level.

The updated guidebook will be a resource for those currently operating a volunteer driver program as well as those interested in supporting or starting a program. It will contain recommendations, best practices, and sample forms as well as informational links and other resources. The guidebook will be available in a printable and searchable PDF format as well as an online toolkit. Both will be owned and maintained by NRTAP. To see examples of NRTAP's other toolkits, go to the Toolkits Overview page.

View the Volunteer Driver Program Guidebook Update RFP here. Download the Debarment and Suspension Certification Form here.

Key Dates:

April 15, 2024, 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) - Deadline to submit questions about the RFP
Email questions to Liz Taylor ( etaylor@nationalrtap.org ) and/or Marianna Hanefeld ( marianna.hanefeld@wsdot.wa.gov )
April 22, 2024, 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT) - Pre-Proposal Q&A Session
No questions were submitted in advance or on the Q&A session. One question was submitted after, which is addressed below and the response was emailed to all who signed up for the Q&A session.
May 17, 2024, 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) - Deadline to submit a proposal

Clarification about Proposal Page Limit :

We received this question on 5 /9/24: "The RFP states that the proposal should be no longer than ten pages. Our question is whether those ten pages are inclusive of the following:

Resumes for key staff working on the project
Attachments of similar projects
Signed Debarment and Suspension Certification Form"

We would like to clarify that the components listed above do not need to be counted toward the ten-page limit. In addition, the ten-page limit is more of a guideline – a preference on our end – and proposals that go over ten pages will not be disqualified on that basis.

National RTAP Launches RFP for the Development of an ELDT Theory Course

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:23:56 GMT

National RTAP Launches a Request for Proposals for the Development of an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory Course

February 7, 2024

National RTAP is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified firms or individuals to develop an ELDT theory course. Please carefully read the RFP (link below) for all pertinent information and key dates.

Training and eLearning Course for ELDT Theory RFP - Updated with new deadline of April 10, 2024

Question & Answer Document

Deadline for submissions: Ap ril 10, 2024, 3:00 PM ET

Contact Scott Zadakis at szadakis@nationalrtap.org with any additional questions about the RFP.

National RTAP Welcomes Two New Review Board Members

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:53:51 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our fall meeting, which was held in Myrtle Beach, SC on December 7, 2023:

Kari Banta, Program Manager, RTAP and Section 5310, Texas DOT (returning member, also served from 2016-2019)
Carolyn Freitag, Grants Administrator II, North Carolina DOT

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

Solicitation for Review Board Nominations for 2024-2025

etaylor@nationalrtap.org (Elizabeth Taylor) — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:45:35 GMT

Nominate Yourself or a Colleague to the National RTAP Review Board

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is soliciting nominations for new Review Board members to join the Board in 2024 and 2025.

There will be vacancies to fill for one state transit official and four rural or tribal transit providers in 2024. The term is three years. Any group or individual involved in rural or tribal transit is able to nominate someone to the board. An individual may nominate themselves for consideration.

See the online Nomination Form for full details, including Review Board member eligibility, responsibilities, and the solicitation process. ( Click here to view the entire form as a PDF. ) You can also view the current and former Review Board members on our website.

If you have any questions, contact us at info@nationalrtap.org or 888-589-6821. The deadline for nominations is now February 23, 2024 .

National RTAP Launches Resource Library Integrated Library System Request for Proposals

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:02:05 GMT

July 25, 2023

National RTAP is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified firms to migrate the National RTAP Resource Library to a new integrated library system. Please see below and carefully read the RFP and Pre-Proposal Call Q&As for all pertinent information and key dates. Deadline for submissions: September 29, 2023, 5:00 PM ET

National RTAP Resource Library Integrated Library System Request for Proposals (RFP)

Pre-Proposal Call Questions and Answers

National RTAP Launches Marketing Toolkit Update RFP

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:55:32 GMT

National RTAP Launches Marketing Transit Toolkit Update Request for Proposals

June 8, 2023

National RTAP is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified firms or individuals to update the Marketing Transit Toolkit . Please see below and carefully read the RFP for all pertinent information and key dates.

Marketing Toolkit Update Request for Proposals (RFP)

Deadline for submissions: July 27, 2023, 5:00 PM ET

Pre-Proposal Q&A Meeting

A meeting was held June 28, 2023 to review the RFP and answer questions. You can view a Q&A Document to see answers to all questions submitted or you can view the meeting recording .

Contact Liz Taylor at etaylor@nationalrtap.org with any additional questions about the RFP.

National RTAP Welcomes Four New Review Board Members

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:16:48 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our spring meeting, which was held in Washington, DC on March 28-30, 2023:

Stephanie Bushong, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Marianna Hanefeld, Washington State Department of Transportation, WA
Jessie Schmitzer, Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Transit, OH
Kevin Wassom, Michigan Department of Transportation, MI

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Welcomes New Review Board Member

cmarcus@nationalrtap.org (Cara Marcus) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:19:23 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board member, whose term began at our fall meeting, which was held both virtually and in Boston, MA on October 12-14, 2022:

Kevin Tafoya, Assistant Manager, Cherokee Transit, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Launches RFP for Tribal Transit Pages for Transit Manager's Toolkit

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:39:51 GMT

National RTAP Launches Request for Proposals (RFP) to Create Tribal Transit Pages for the Transit Manager's Toolkit

National RTAP is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified Tribal transit management subject matter experts (SMEs) to prepare pages on Tribal Transit Management for our Transit Manager’s Toolkit . The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 (the deadline has been extended) to info@nationalrtap.org . See the Request for Proposals (RFP) for full details. Any future documents related to the RFP will be posted here on this page.

We held a Pre-Proposal Meeting on Zoom on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET to address questions about the RFP . See the Questions and Answers .

Award of a contract for this project is anticipated by November 10, 2022 .

2022 Solicitation for National RTAP Review Board Nominations

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 16:56:39 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is soliciting nominations for new Review Board members to join the Board in 2022 and 2023. There will be vacancies to fill for two state transit officials in fall 2022 and two in spring 2023. For rural or tribal transit providers there will be three vacancies in 2023.

The term is three years beginning at the member’s first meeting. Any group or individual involved in rural or tribal transit is able to nominate someone to the board. An individual may nominate themselves for consideration.

If you have any questions, contact us at info@nationalrtap.org or 888-589-6821. The deadline for nominations has been extended to June 30, 2022 .

National RTAP Welcomes Four New Review Board Members

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:04:56 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our fall meeting, which was held both virtually and in Nashville, TN on November 17-18, 2021:

Jaimie Baldwin, Oregon Department of Transportation, Salem, OR
Kristin Haar, Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames, OR
Jonnie Kusek, Panhandle Transit Services, Alliance, NE
Moira Moon, Colorado Department of Transportation, Denver, CO

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Launches RFP for Active Shooter Training

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:43:35 GMT

National RTAP Launches Request for Proposals (RFP) to Develop an Active Shooter Training Course

National RTAP is soliciting proposals for the development of comprehensive training course to prepare transit staff to handle active shooter situations on transit vehicles or other transit property (transit hubs, offices, maintenance facilities, etc.). The deadline for submission is Wednesday, December 15 at 3:00pm ET . See the Request for Proposals (RFP) for full details. Any future documents related to the RFP will be posted here on this page.

We hosted a Pre-Proposal Meeting on Zoom on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 2pm ET to address any questions about the RFP. Participants were to submit questions in advance to rfp@nationalrtap.org or during registration for the meeting. We have compiled answers to the questions received into one Q&A Document .

National RTAP Announces Community Rides Grant Program Project Selections

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:55:18 GMT

National RTAP Announces Community Rides Grant Program Awardees

National RTAP is excited to announce the project selections for their first grant program. The Community Rides Grant Program provides grant awards of up to $100,000 for projects that support transportation partnerships that improve social determinants of health in rural and tribal communities. Projects will improve access to critical needs like employment, healthcare, education, food, or social services, as well as build the capacity of transit programs. The project results will be shared nationally as promising practices.

Eligible applicants were current recipients and sub-recipients of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)'s Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) and Tribal Transit Program. The project duration is 15 months. The amount of funding available was approximately $1.5 million, and 15-20 projects were expected to be selected. This is currently a one-time grant program.

The grant program request for proposals (RFP) was released on March 11, 2021. The application deadline was May 10, 2021. To see full details about the grant program, the application process, and the webinars provided to interested applicants, go to the Community Rides Grants page .

There were 76 applications submitted, requesting a total of $6,714,287. A Review Committee composed of nine National RTAP staff reviewed the applications. The evaluation process and criteria utilized is outlined in the RFP. In addition, for the final selection of projects, the Committee considered the diversity of the project types, agency size and types, project partners, and target audience of the projects, as well as geographic diversity. The Committee also considered the applicants’ recent receipt of other significant competitive awards from FTA or other FTA technical assistance centers.

In late August, FTA approved the 19 projects that were recommended for selection by the Review Committee. The selected projects are listed below in alphabetical order by state. National RTAP will be sharing additional information about these projects in the future, and at the conclusion of the program we will share the outcomes and lessons learned to benefit the rural and tribal transit industry nationally.

Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, California - $73,398
Expanded demand response service area and hours in a very rural area with tribal members in the community. Collaborators include a hospital, substance abuse recovery center, community action organization, and domestic violence center, among others.
Fresno County Rural Transit Agency, California - $59,500
Conducting stakeholder outreach and developing a plan for a new on-demand service that connects rural communities with services in Fresno, utilizing new technology and electric vehicles. Project collaborators include a social services organization and healthcare providers.
Disability Services Inc., dba Envida, Colorado - $85,388
New and/or expanded transit service in counties with little to no public transit currently, involving mobility management, coordinated planning, and on-demand technology. Project collaborators include healthcare providers, substance abuse recovery centers, and employers, among others.
Penquis C.A.P., Inc., Maine - $100,000
Expanded transit service and hours in a very rural area, with transit service during the day and night and weekend service using transit agency vehicles and volunteer drivers. Project collaborators include hospitals, the veterans' bureau, and community organizations.
Benzie Transportation Authority, Michigan - $30,000
Implementing new technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit operations, specifically the scheduling of healthcare related trips and coordinating with medical centers. Project partners include a senior services organization and local hospital.
Clinton Area Transit System, Michigan - $100,000
New coordinated transportation program utilizing technology, involving transit and healthcare providers and area agencies on aging in a nine-county region. The focus is on health-supportive trips.
Bolivar County Council on Aging, Inc., Mississippi - $100,000
New microtransit service to access grocery stores and a food delivery service in an area with high poverty and limited access to healthy food. Collaborators include a rural transit technology company, university, various grocery stores, and a local non-profit organization.
Windrider Transit, Montana - $70,170
New transit routes as well as expanded hours for existing routes to improve access to healthcare providers, grocery shopping and more. Partners include two local medical centers as well as multiple dental practices.
Cedar County Transit, Nebraska - $97,800
New transit service into Knox County, currently without any public transit, to be provided by the neighboring county's transit system and with support from the state DOT. Healthcare providers and area agencies on aging are among the partners.
Rural Health Network of SCNY, Inc., New York - $100,000
Technology implementation and partner coordination to optimize a volunteer driver program and improve access to health supportive destinations. Partners include a volunteer transportation center, area agencies on aging, a social services organization and county planning department.
The Arc Chemung-Schuyler, New York - $80,000
New employment, healthcare, and recreation focused route to a county currently not serviced by the transit agency, working with a workforce organization, among others.
Mitchell County Transportation, North Carolina - $100,000
New fixed route in an area with only demand response during limited weekday hours, to increase mobility and access and prevent people from having to walk long distances on a dangerous highway. Collaborators include the city and county, a health-focused non-profit, and a large local employer.
McCormick County Senior Center / McCormick Area Transit, South Carolina - $100,000
New transit service in an area without public transit, with a focus on transportation to health-supportive destinations. Partners include the county, state DOT, and healthcare providers.
River Cities Public Transit, South Dakota - $90,000
Implementing new technology to improve coordination and the efficiency of transit operations to increase and improve service. The three partners are transit agencies and will also be working with healthcare centers and local organizations that work with veterans and tribes.
West River Transit Authority, Inc. dba Prairie Hills Transit, South Dakota - $44,583
New transit service in an area without public transit, provided by the transit agency of a neighboring county. The service will provide access from smaller communities to the county seat for access to healthcare, shopping, and jobs, and the partners include a hospital and nursing home.
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Tennessee - $50,000
Improving transit information, marketing, community feedback, and trip planning capacity to increase awareness of existing transit services and improve the ease-of-use for riders. Partners include a local university and a charitable foundation.
Rural Economic Assistance League (REAL), Inc., Texas - $90,000
New transit service targeted to students, with numerous partners including colleges and other educational institutions in the region, as well as county governments.
Mountain Empire Older Citizens Inc., Virginia - $53,703
Interstate route providing regional connectivity and increased access to jobs and medical care, with collaboration between a senior organization and transit agency in a neighboring state.
Sawyer County/LCO Transit Commission dba Namekagon Transit, Wisconsin - $99,540
New vanpool to a large employer in the area, which is one of the project partners and one of the only manufacturers in the area to express a desire to hire individuals with a criminal record. Another partner is the local county sheriff's office which runs a work release program. Will be open to the public.

National RTAP eNews Survey 2021 Results

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:54:28 GMT

In an effort to improve National RTAP’s newsletter ( eNews ) and make it as useful as possible, we conducted a survey during the Spring of 2021 to better understand how subscribers read the newsletter and learn which sections are the most valuable. The survey was disseminated through eNews itself and through National RTAP social media. Nineteen people responded to the survey. Thank you to all who assisted us with this endeavor.

Highlights from the survey results:

95% read every issue and 5% read it 1-2 times per year.
10% read it for less then 5 minutes, 69% spend 5-15 minutes reading it, and 21% read it for longer than 15 minutes.
84% feel the length of the newsletter is just right, while 11% feel it is too long. Nobody said it was too short. Note: we will try to shorten the stories and the newsletter when we can.
42% sometimes click on at least one article when they read eNews, and 57% always click on at least one article.
The most valuable sections to readers were webinars and training (95%), National RTAP articles (79%), calendar of events (73%), and opportunities (63%). Three survey respondents asked to remove sections: National RTAP news, U.S. DOT and FTA news, and calendar of events (each chose a different section), but after consultation with our Review Board, none of these sections were removed.

The following actions will be taken in response to the survey:

We also asked what other newsletters the respondents read, and will look to those for ideas for improvements to ours too:

APTA
CTAA
FTA newsletters, including FTA's TSO Spotlight
Mass Transit
NADTC
N-CATT
NCMM
NTI
SURCOM
State RTAP newsletters
State Transit Association newsletters
SWTA
TRB
WSTA

National RTAP Welcomes Four New Review Board Members

Thu, 13 May 2021 14:22:34 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms will begin at our spring meeting held virtually on May 25-26, 2021:

Jeannie Fazio, Deputy Director, Office of Local Transit Support, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, Baltimore, MD
Brenda Schweitzer, Executive Director, Brookings Area Transit Authority, Brookings, SD
Paula Smith, Executive Director, Tri River Transit, Hamlin, WV
Jill Stedem, Administrative & Development Director, OATS Transit, Columbia, MO

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit https://www.nationalrtap.org/About/Review-Board .

National RTAP Announces New Community Rides Grant Program

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 08:39:07 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce a new Community Rides Grant Program, which offers current recipients and subrecipients of the Federal Transit Administration's Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) program the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects that develop or strengthen transportation partnerships that improve social determinants of health in rural and tribal communities. The project duration is fifteen (15) months.

The application deadline is May 10, 2021.

For full details, download the Community Rides Grant Program Request for Proposals , released on March 11, 2021.

Also, visit the Community Rides Grants page for updates and additional information, including Helpful Resources as you develop your proposal and a Sign-up Form to be notified of any updates related to the grant program.

Informational Webinars

Two webinars will be held to answer questions and provide an overview of the request for proposals (RFP) and the online grant application portal, which will open by April 7, 2021. The webinars will also feature speakers who will share examples of transportation partnerships and lessons learned.

Webinar 1 - Program Overview and Transportation Partnership Examples - March 23, 2021, 2:00-3:00 PM ET

Webinar 2 - Project Development, Performance Measures, and Application Portal - April 15, 2021, 2:00-3:00 PM ET

The webinars will be recorded and a Q&A document will be provided. Submit questions via the webinar registration form or email grants@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Welcomes New eLearning Support Staff Member

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:06:27 GMT

Julie Quinn provides eLearning Support for National RTAP and has been with them since early 2020. Julie is an expert in customer service with many years in Account Management. She was the Co-Chair for Burlington, Massachusetts' Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society for 10 years and helped her town raise $3 million dollars in the fight against cancer. Julie loves the wealth of information on the National RTAP eLearning platform and is happy when she can help users complete their courses with ease. Julie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing from Boston University.

Reports Published from 2020 Surveys of State RTAP and Rural and Tribal Transit Managers

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:05:15 GMT

National RTAP surveys State Rural Transit Assistance Program (State RTAP) Managers as well as Rural and Tribal Transit Managers every other year. The surveys cover topics including RTAP program or transit agency characteristics, technology usage, training needs, priority issues, and feedback on National RTAP products and services.

The State RTAP Survey was completed in April 2020, with responses from 45 states. The Transit Manager Survey was completed in July 2020, with responses from 378 transit agencies. View the reports summarizing the survey results below. If you are interested in viewing the full results from the surveys, please contact us at info@nationalrtap.org .

View the 2020 State RTAP Survey Report

If you would like a copy of the report, please email info@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Welcomes New eLearning Project Manager

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:57:29 GMT

Scott Zadakis joined the National Rural Transit Assistance Program as eLearning Project Manager in September 2020. In this role he is responsible for eLearning product administration, outreach, and content development.

Prior to joining National RTAP Scott was Executive Director of CrossTownConnect Transportation Management Association where he collaborated with public and private sector partners in the suburbs northwest of Boston, MA to address regional needs including improved community transportation and mobility options for the general public, employer access to highly skilled workers, reduction of traffic congestion and air pollution, and more transportation choices for commuters. This award-winning public-private partnership establishes multimodal transportation networks for all people regardless of age, ability, financial resources, or other factors. At CrossTownConnect, Scott developed extensive knowledge related to community transportation, human service transportation, and transportation demand management.

Scott also has a background in research, having worked as a Research Associate on transportation topics at the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University and at the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership.

Scott has a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University, where he focused on clean energy and transportation policy, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Political Science from the University of Maine.

National RTAP Welcomes Two New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:49:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms will begin at our fall meeting held virtually on October 21-22, 2020:

Jeremy Bell, Interim Director, Choctaw Transit Mississippi, Band of Choctaw Indians, Choctaw, MS
Tyler Bender, Compliance Officer, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus, OH

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit http://nationalrtap.org/About-Us/Review-Board .

Resource Center Survey 2020 Results

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:07:00 GMT

The National RTAP Resource Center staff, with input from our team and our Review Board Members, developed a survey this summer of our Resource Center users. We contacted users who had ordered print resources from the library within the past 3 years, and listed the survey in our newsletter and social media platforms. We received 29 anonymous responses. Responses will help us plan to serve our customers better and develop new products and services.

Changes we plan to implement as a result of this survey include:

Improvements to the online Resource Share ordering process and to our shipping process
Providing our training modules on thumb drives
Planning new training products based on the topic recommendations of respondents

View the full survey results

National RTAP Releases Request for Proposals to Develop a Small Transit Agency Management Application

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:18:00 GMT

National RTAP is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from interested and qualified technology vendors to provide a transit management application to be hosted on a third-party server, develop training materials, and provide on-going technical support.

The objective of this web-based application will be to assist small rural/tribal transit agencies with managing their day-to-day operations including scheduling, dispatching, compliance reporting, billing and/or payroll. The end user for the application may include, but is not limited to, transit agency managers, dispatchers, schedulers, supervisors and human resource staff, drivers and maintenance staff.

Proposals must be received by October 13, 2020.

Download the Small Transit Agency Management Application Request for Proposals (RFP) for full details.

Review the Pre-Proposal Questions and Answers , updated September 22, 2020.

National RTAP Issues Technical Assistance Coordination Library RFP

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:36:00 GMT

National RTAP is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from interested and qualified technology vendors to supply a customized, secure, cloud-based solution for a Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) for the FTA and its five (5) TA Centers that will provide end-user access to selected free, full-text, online resources.

This project aims to develop a sustainable methodology to standardize access to and discoverability of technical assistance resources on the broad topic of coordination that have been produced by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and its Technical Assistance (TA) Centers. The project is based on the precepts of library and information science and knowledge management.

Access the RFP

Pre-Proposer Call Questions and Answers

National RTAP Issues Training Request for Information (RFI)

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:53:00 GMT

National RTAP is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit proposals from interested and qualified trainers to provide compliance training and technical assistance through in-person workshops, virtual online training and/or webinars to subrecipients of FTA Section 5311, 5311(c), 5311(f) and 5310 funding. National RTAP requests that interested trainers and consultants provide a brief paragraph of their experience providing training and technical assistance to this audience on the topics listed in the RFI, including qualifications to provide such training, a comprehensive resume(s), and a brief description of training to be provided. Interested parties should review the attached document for training categories and be sure to fill out the included budget sheet within the document. Completed documents are to be submitted no later than June 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM EDT.

Questions should be sent via email to training@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Welcomes Four New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 06 May 2020 16:38:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our spring meeting held virtually on April 29-30, 2020:

Laura Corff, Transit Director, United Community Action Program, Inc./Cimarron Transit, Ponca City, OK
Shauna Miller, RTAP Program Manager, Idaho Transportation Department, Boise, ID
Pradip Pant, Planning Program Administrator, Statewide Transportation Planning Office, Hawai’i Department of Transportation, Honolulu, HI
Pamela West, Operations Management Analyst Principal, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Jackson, MS

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit http://nationalrtap.org/About-Us/Review-Board .

First ProcurementPRO 2.0 State Portal Launched by North Carolina DOT

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:31:00 GMT

Samantha Bryant Green, Procurement Officer for North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)-Public Transportation Division is always looking to streamline processes in innovative ways. When she began working for NCDOT in 2017, she was tasked with approving every procurement for over 80 transit agencies in the state that receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311 funding, including everything from office supplies, office functionality, to vehicles and vehicle parts. She was amazed when she was introduced to ProcurementPRO, a National RTAP web application which makes for “one-stop-shopping” for all FTA certifications and clauses required for FTA funded rural and tribal transit procurement. She relished the opportunity to make the app even more convenient for her subrecipients, through the creation of a North Carolina State ProcurementPRO 2.0 portal. The state portal also supplies the necessary state documentation subrecipients need to successfully complete their procurements. This was the first state portal developed using NRTAP’s updated ProcurementPRO 2.0 web app, and she was amazed by how smooth the process was.

For North Carolina, the procurement thresholds are different than Federal ones. These thresholds were imbedded into the portal along with two major documents: the North Carolina Purchase & Contract’s Administrative Code and the North Carolina General Statutes. Samantha worked with National RTAP to add the appropriate thresholds and integrate over 100 pages of code and guidelines into ProcurementPRO 2.0, so North Carolina subrecipients are now able to easily comply with both federal and state procurement laws.

Samantha estimates that the new state portal will save subrecipients an average of 24-48 hours of time to complete their procurements documents. She is planning a meeting to introduce the new state portal to transit agencies and train them on its utilization. “Transit can connect people in more ways than you can ever imagine,” exclaims Samantha, “and creating this new state procurement portal will help to connect them even more.”

National RTAP to Host Tribal Transit Workshop

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:29:00 GMT

National RTAP is hosting a comprehensive two-day Tribal Transit Workshop at the next Rocky Mountain Region Tribal Transportation Program Quarterly Meeting on February 11 and 12, 2020. The workshop will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Billings, Montana, and will cover: writing and updating your Tribal Transit Plan, operations and maintenance, leadership and maintaining strong Tribal Council relationships, FTA program reporting requirements, developing a strong safety culture, Tribal Transit grant writing tips and tricks, and utilizing the National Transit Database (NTD) reporting tool. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to C. “John” Healy at jhealy@ftbelknap.org (406-353-2447) or Neil Rodriguez at nrodriguez@nationalrtap.org (888-589-6821).

If you would like to have a one-on-one session during the workshop with FTA Region 8 staff, please use your name and that of your tribe to sign up for one of the 15-minute, 30-minute, or hour-long meeting times with Ms. Eboni Younger-Riehl, FTA Region 8 via the Doodle poll at: https://doodle.com/poll/73dg6yg94q4r6ys x During your meeting, Ms. Younger-Riehl will report out to you on your program’s status, and answer any questions that you may have specific to your Tribal Transit system.

As there are only six time slots available over the course of the two-day Tribal Transit Workshop, meeting time reservation is first-come, first-served, so please sign up today. Registration for these meeting times will close on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM MST. If you have trouble accessing the Doodle poll online, you may email Ms. Eboni Younger-Riehl at eboni.younger-riehl@dot.gov or call 303-362-2394 to reserve a meeting time on February 11, 2020 at 8:00-8:30 AM; 8:30-9:00 AM, 9:00-9:30 AM, 9:30-9:45 AM, or during the lunch hour from 12:00-1:00 PM MST on February 11 or February 12, 2020.

National RTAP Releases RFP to Select Local Host for 2021 Conference

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:55:00 GMT

The N ational Rural Transit Assistance Program is requesting proposals for a location for our 5th biennial rural and tribal technical assistance conference in fall 2021. See the 2021 Conference web page for the RFP and full details.

Evaluation of proposals will begin when received and the RFP will close upon the selection of a local host. National RTAP would like to have a location identified no later than May 31, 2020. Update: As of January 30, two proposals have been submitted. We will begin evaluating all proposals the first week in March.

Local Host RFP Q&A Webinar
Thursday, December 19, 2019, 2:00-3:00pm ET
Registration: register.gotowebinar.com/register/5275128438975354123

We will hold a webinar to provide information and answers about the 2021 conference and the RFP. At least one local host representative from a prior National RTAP conference will share their experience. You may submit questions in advance or during the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and posted to the 2021 Conference web page.

If you have any questions about the RFP, please email us at conference@nationalrtap.org .

Solicitation for National RTAP Review Board Member Nominations

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 16:14:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is soliciting nominations for new Review Board members to join the Board in 2020 and 2021. For 2020, there are vacancies to fill for five state transit officials (three in the spring and two in the fall) and one rural or tribal transit operator (in the spring). The term is three years beginning at the member’s first meeting.

Any group or individual involved in rural transit is encouraged to nominate a representative to the board. An individual may nominate themselves for consideration.

Please fill out this form to submit a nomination . The deadline has been extended to March 6, 2020.

Overview of the National RTAP Review Board

National RTAP is funded by the Federal Transit Administration to provide training and technical assistance resources to rural and tribal transit operators. The Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association administers the National RTAP program on behalf of FTA. More information about current National RTAP programs and services can be found at nationalrtap.org.

National RTAP staff depends on the Review Board for guidance and assistance with the development of training materials and other tools and resources for rural and tribal transit operators. Among other duties, Review Board members represent National RTAP’s primary customer groups and help us determine what products and services would be of the most value to them.

The Review Board usually consists of 14 members: seven state officials and seven rural operators (at least one of whom is a tribal transit representative).

Review Board responsibilities include:

Provide National RTAP with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training material development, information dissemination, and technical assistance.
Oversee the quality of National RTAP products and participate in work groups to help develop products and/or review products under development.
Promote National RTAP to states and operators.

Travel expenses to Review Board meetings are covered in full by National RTAP.

Who is Eligible for Review Board Membership?

Review Board members must either be from a state transit agency that administers Section 5311 funds and be involved with the State 5311 and/or RTAP Program or be employed by a rural public transportation agency that receives Section 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funds.

Former National RTAP Review Board members who have been off the Board for at least three years are eligible to apply.

What are the Expectations of Review Board Members?

Individuals must be able to attend two Review Board meetings each year (usually in April and October). The first Review Board meeting that will include new members from this solicitation will be held in Washington, DC on April 28-30, 2020. New Review Board members will participate in an orientation at the meeting.

Members are expected to take an active role in the work of National RTAP by participating in the biannual meetings and working with staff via email and telephone during the interim on National RTAP projects.

Members are also expected to help promote the program when possible by serving as National RTAP Ambassadors and representing the program at national and/or state transit conferences.

What is the Solicitation Process for New Review Board Members?

National RTAP solicits nominations and a nominating committee will review submissions and make recommendations. Candidates may be interviewed by a current or past Review Board member.

Specific criteria for selection include:

Eligibility in one of the two categories of Review Board membership (state DOT official or rural/tribal transit provider)
Number of years of experience in the rural or tribal transit industry
Specialized expertise in rural or tribal transit issue areas
Specialized expertise in training and/or technical assistance
Demographic diversity of membership
Geographic representation on the National RTAP Review Board

To nominate yourself or someone else, please fill out this form . Note that you will need to upload the following in order to complete the nomination:

Nominations are due March 6, 2020. If you have any questions, contact us at info@nationalrtap.org or 888-589-6821.

National RTAP Welcomes Three New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 18:41:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose terms began at our fall meeting held in Portland, Oregon on September 19, 2019:

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit http://nationalrtap.org/About-Us/Review-Board .

National RTAP 2019 Photo Contest Winners Announced

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:06:00 GMT

8/29/19, Woburn, MA - National RTAP announces the results of the 2019 Rural and Tribal Transit Photo Contest! Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all those who submitted photos.

View the winning photos and all of the 2019 photo contest entries on our Facebook page , where you can also view photos from previous contests. View full information about our photo contest, including photos, on our Photo Contest page . The theme this year was Transit Through the Seasons.

The first place winner was Jennifer Balmes, Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), Carbondale, CO. RFTA will receive $400.

Second place went to "Inspiring Green," by Donna Bailey, Mobility Manager, DJ Transit, Laurel, MS. DJ Transit will receive $200.

Third place went to "Rockin 66 Express in Winter" by Timothy Tobias, Senior Driver, Rockin 66 Express, Milan, NM. Rockin 66 Express will receive $100.

Fourth place went to "Summer Fair" by Steve Lancaster, Mobility Management Specialist, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA), Cookeville, TN. UCHRA will receive $50.

Photos were voted on by National RTAP staff and were judged on photo quality, artistic design, originality, and creative depiction of a season.

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update Scheduling and Dispatching Training

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 13:39:00 GMT

On August 2, National RTAP released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to update our Scheduling and Dispatching Training for Rural Transit Systems and create a new interactive, eLearning version of the course.

The RFP and related materials is available for download from this Dropbox folder .

See the RFP for full details and contact rfp@nationalrtap.org with any questions, which can be addressed on the pre-proposal call on August 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM ET.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 12:00 PM ET.

New CCRTA Driver Training Lend and Learn Library Builds Upon National RTAP Resources

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 15:56:00 GMT

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) has established the “CCRTA Driver Training Lend and Learn Library.” The library is made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. CCRTA created the library as a result of requests from several Councils on Aging asking for additional classroom training options to meet their driver training requirements. The Library is a supplement for classroom trainings for when drivers are unable to attend scheduled training programs.

The library consists of training materials and videos covering topics that educate the drivers of seniors and people with disabilities, and the health services transportation drivers of agency consumers.

The following National RTAP training modules are available:

The library also contains resources published by various organizations on topics including bloodborne pathogens, drugs and alcohol, and Alzheimer and dementia care. For additional information about the CCRTA Driver Training Lend and Learn Library, please email Kathy Jensen at kjensen@capecodrta.org .

The National RTAP Resource Center offers many additional programs and trainings. More information about National RTAP is available at http://www.nationalrtap.org/ .

National RTAP Announces Rural Transit Day - July 16, 2019

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 18:00:00 GMT

The nation's first #RuralTransitDay was celebrated with a Twitter Chat on July 16, 2019, moderated by Kari Banta of Texas DOT, Julia Castillo of HIRTA, and Juanita Risch of Idaho Transportation Department. The chat focused on what agencies are doing to recognize passengers and staff on #RuralTransitDay and through the year, and shared thoughts about challenges and solutions for rural transit. Read the chat transcript and summary .

We've asked some of the participants to answer the question, "What does rural transit mean to you?" Here are their answers . . .

"Rural transit means opportunity, mobility, independence and inclusion to those who live and work in remote communities, " Julia Castillo, Executive Director, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority (HIRTA)

"Rural transit means the ability to get out and about in your community to shop, visit friends, and stay socially connected," Rachel Beyerle, Communications Director, Transportation Group, Easterseals, Inc.

"Rural transit means I get to enjoy a scenic route," Juanita Risch, Grants Officer, Idaho Public Transportation

"Rural transit means working together to find creative solutions for mobility. It's really about the community," Robin Phillips, Executive Director, National RTAP

"Rural transit is part of the community, not just moving people," Kari Banta, Program Manager, RTAP and Section 5310, Texas Department of Transportation

"When I think of rural transit I think of big vistas and the ability to connect people and places that seem far apart. On Rural Transit Day, let's focus on connections as we create a culture of health," Lynn Mertz, AARP Public Policy Institute

"It's all about assisting people in making the next connection, reaching desired destinations, building partnerships, it's about communities. We have a true ‘feel good’ job, where we GET to come to work every day and make a difference in people's lives," Panhandle Trails

"Small transit is a beautiful beginning of hope," Cathi Petagno, BOCC St. Lucie County Transit Division

Some tweets, with images personifying rural transit, that we'd like to share:

Florida RTAP
Panhandle Trails
Earl Public Transit
HIRTA Public Transit

Best Wishes to National RTAP Senior Technical Director Rob Tassinari on his Retirement

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:33:00 GMT

Everyone who’s worked with National RTAP has probably worked with Senior Technical Director Rob Tassinari at some point. Maybe you’ve attended one of his conference or webinar presentations, or met him at the National RTAP booth at a conference. Or perhaps Rob has provided technical assistance to your agency or helped you with difficult procurement questions. Rob has been with National RTAP since 2008 and will be retiring in June 2019. Here’s a look back at Rob’s recollections of what it was like to be a part of such a tremendous and successful undertaking.

Rob Tassinari had been working at Massport starting a Transportation Management Association (TMA) for Logan International Airport before accepting a position at a Waltham, Massachusetts transportation company named Transaction Associates, Inc. in 1998 as Project Manager of the Access to Jobs Program. The program was the transportation piece of the State of Massachusetts Welfare to Work effort. Rob later became Vice President of TransAction Associates. When the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the management of National RTAP in 2007 Rob, along with Cindy Frené, Frank Condon and Michele Brooks, submitted a proposal for the Neponset Valley TMA to administer the program. The joint effort worked, and FTA was particularly impressed by the technology advances that this team could bring to the table.

After the proposal was accepted, the next few months were a flurry of activity. Rob remembers the transition period as a whirlwind of welcoming a new National RTAP executive director, navigating stormy seas setting the stage for the future with an inherited review board, frequent trips and daily phone calls to Washington, DC to meet with FTA, and development of a whole new website.

Rob delved into technical assistance right away. He recalled one of his early TA requests – a tribe in Alaska needed help deciding how to best utilize a transit vehicle that was going to be delivered in a few months. He also started working on the National Transit Database right away, making it available in a more user-friendly spreadsheet format. This project transitioned to the Rural iNTD, which Rob continued to manage with the Florida International University and the Florida Transit Information System (FTIS).

ProcurementPRO was Rob’s first big project and one of his favorites. In 2009 Rob, Cindy Frené, Frank Condon, and a number of Review Board members envisioned a “Turbo Tax-like” online system where transit agencies could input their procurement types, budget, and method and would receive all the necessary Federal clauses and certifications for a procurement. An RFP was released, and Main Street Connections was chosen to develop the application along with Frank Condon National RTAP’s Director of Technology. The most exciting part of the project for Rob was creating “one-stop-shopping” for rural and tribal procurement. Eight years later, ProcurementPRO is still going strong, releasing version 2.0 in 2019.

Although Rob Tassinari will be missed greatly by his colleagues and collaborators, retirement should have some fun times in store for this active bicyclist who likes to bike to work and throughout the world. Rob also surfs (not the web – an actual surfboard), including the waves of Hawaii and the Island of Wales, so more water adventures are planned for his future. This hiker who has scaled Mount Washington in the winter probably also has many new peaks to climb. Other plans include building a new house at the beach, working in his new garden and doing volunteer work.

Thank you for 10 wonderful years with National RTAP Rob!

National RTAP Welcomes New Review Board Member

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:40:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board member, whose term will begin at our upcoming spring meeting, which will be held in Washington, D.C. in May 2019:

Angie Jones, District Manager, Grant County Transportation District (The People Mover), John Day, Oregon.

Angie has been in her role at Grant County Transportation District (GCTD) for over seven years. GCTD spans more than 4,500 square miles in Eastern Oregon. We are excited to have her join the Board!

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit http://nationalrtap.org/About-Us/Review-Board .

National RTAP Welcomes Two New Staff Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:32:00 GMT

Nelly Cubahiro, Executive Assistant, joined National RTAP in January 2019.

Previously, Nelly has worked as a marketing and organizational change consultant. With more than 5+ years of hands-on customer service, retail and indirect and direct marketing experience, she facilitated the implementation of Strategic Marketing Campaigns for various organizations through a variety of mediums. She has helped execute pilot marketing campaigns for fortune 500 clients and has excelled at building coalitions among diverse groups. Her extensive sales and marketing experience includes developing products and programs to help organizations achieve their goals and aspire to live up to their mission statements.

At Dartmouth College in Rural New Hampshire, Nelly Studied a dual program in both Government with a focus in Political Theory and Anthropology Modified with Speech and Communications. Nelly looks forward to working in outreach efforts at the National RTAP’s Washington DC location and across the country.

Nancy Doherty, Analyst, joined National RTAP in January 2019.

With a background in transportation planning and a degree in civil engineering, she has spent most of her career as a consultant working on projects such as intermodal parking facilities, park and shuttle systems, traffic studies and road safety audits. In her time with National RTAP, she has updated technical briefs, assisted with reviews of National RTAP products under development and attended the National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation conference in Colorado.

Nancy will be based at National RTAP's headquarters in Woburn, MA. She is very excited to begin a new phase of her career working to provide technical assistance to rural and tribal transit providers.

To learn more about National RTAP staff, visit our staff web page .

National RTAP Announces 2018 Website Contest Winners

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:45:00 GMT

For this year's annual National RTAP Contest, we asked for outstanding rural transit websites. (Most years we do a Photo Contest, and last year we did a Marketing Brochure Contest.) We got 20 great submissions, with 19 eligible - one missed the deadline. It was a tough decision, but we're excited to announce the winners!

The winners and runners-up for the three agency size categories are listed below, as well as websites deserving honorable mention. See farther below for more information about the contest and how to build a transit website for free if you don't already have one.

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated!

Winners

Agencies with 0-5 Revenue Vehicles:

1st Place - Carrot Express, Milan, NM, www.villageofmilan.com/departments/transit/index.php
Runner-Up - Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium, Inc., Uncasville, CT, ectcinc.com

Agencies with 6-15 Revenue Vehicles:

1st Place - Northwest Connector (submitted by Tillamook County Transportation District), Tillamook, OR
Runner-Up - ACTR (a division of Tri-Valley Transit), Middlebury, VT

Agencies with 16+ Revenue Vehicles:

1st Place - Bay Town Trolley (submitted by Bay County Transportation Planning Organization), Panama City, FL, baytowntrolley.org

Runners-Up (tied) - Blue Rivers Public Transportation, Beatrice, NE, braaa.org/publictransit and Grays Harbor Transit, Hoquiam, WA, ghtransit.com

Honorable Mention:

Norfolk Public Transportation, Norfolk, NE, nptrans.org
North Central Regional Transit District, Espanola, NM, RidetheBlueBus.com
OATS, Inc., Columbia, MO, oatstransit.org
South Central Regional Transit District, Las Cruces, NM, scrtd.org

Contest Information

In each of the three fleet size categories, we are awarding $300 each for the top winner, $50 for the runners-up, and plaques for websites deserving honorable mention. The prizes will be awarded to the agency, not the individual who submitted the website.

Submissions were judged by the following criteria:

Passenger information provided
Customer service elements
Clarity
Visual quality
Overall user-friendliness

Additional Information

To learn more about how you can improve your website, as well as develop a marketing plan and utilize other strategies for building ridership, awareness, and community support, visit our Marketing Transit Toolkit .

Don't have a website? It's important to have some sort of presence on the internet, even if it's just a one-page website with a quick overview of your services and basic contact information. Learn more about our free Website Builder tool, which provides a basic transit website template that you can customize. Instructional videos walk you through the process and our Tech Support team is available to assist you.

See this 2017 news article to view winners from last year's Marketing Brochure Contest. To view past Photo Contests, visit the Photo Albums section of our National RTAP Facebook Page .

If you have any questions about our contests, marketing, or National RTAP resources, please contact us at info@nationalrtap.org , 888-589-6821, or chat with us during business hours via the button above.

National RTAP Welcomes New Review Board Member

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:37:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board member, whose term will begin at our Fall Meeting, which will be held in Denver, Colorado in October 2018:

Juanita Risch, Grants Officer/RTAP Manager, Idaho Transportation Department – Public Transportation.

Juanita has been in her role at ITD for over two years and has more than ten years of grants management experience. We are excited to have her join the Board.

To learn more about our Review Board and the other members, visit http://nationalrtap.org/About-Us/Review-Board .

National RTAP Appoints Five New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:32:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce our newest Review Board members, whose term will begin at our Spring Meeting in May 2018:

Amy Rast , Public Transportation Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), Montpelier, VT
Glen Baum , Transit Coordinator, Standing Rock Public Transit, Fort Yates, ND
Julia Castillo , Executive Director, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority (HIRTA), Urbandale, IA
Tim Geibel , Executive Director, Crawford Area Transit Authority (CATA), Meadville, PA
Neil Sherman , Director of Statewide Transit Programs, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Richmond, VA

Thank you to all the candidates who applied, those who nominated them, and to our partner organizations who participated in our Review Committee: Rachel Beyerle (NADTC), Richard Price (AASHTO) and Kristen Joyner (SWTA).

Solicitation for National RTAP Review Board Member Nominations

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 19:21:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide training and technical assistance resources to rural and tribal transit operators. The Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association (NVTMA) administers the National RTAP program on behalf of FTA. More information about current National RTAP programs and services can be found at www.nationalrtap.org .

For 2018, National RTAP is soliciting nominations for two state transit officials (one in the spring and one in the fall) and three rural or tribal transit operators (two in the spring and one in the fall). The term of office is three years beginning at the new member’s first meeting.

Any group or individual involved in rural transit is encouraged to nominate a representative to the board. An individual may nominate him/herself for consideration. Download the Nomination Form and submit it by January 31, 2018 (extended).

Overview of the National RTAP Review Board

The Review Board consists of 14 members: seven state officials and seven rural operators (at least one of whom will be a tribal transit representative). Review Board responsibilities include:

Provide the National Program with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training material development, information dissemination and technical assistance
Oversee the quality of National Program products and participate in work groups to help develop products and/or review products under development.
Promote the National Program to states and operators

As explained below, travel expenses to Review Board meetings are covered by National RTAP.

Who is eligible for Review Board membership?

Section 5311 State Program or RTAP Managers and rural transit operators who receive Section 5311 or tribal transit funding are eligible to serve on the Review Board. National RTAP Board members who have been off the Board for at least three years may be considered if there are not enough new candidates applying.

What are the expectations of Review Board members?

Members must be from a state transit agency that administers Section 5311 funds or be employed by a rural public transportation agency that receives Section 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funds. Individuals must be able to attend two official Review Board meetings each year (usually April/May and October). The first Review Board meeting that will include new members will be held in Washington, DC on May 9-11, 2018. Travel expenses are covered in full by National RTAP. New Review Board members will participate in an orientation at the meeting.

Members serve for three years and are expected to take an active role in the work of National RTAP by attending official meetings and working with the National Program via email and telephone during the interim. Promoting the program may include serving as a National RTAP Ambassador and representing the program at national and/or state transit conferences and other events.

What is the solicitation process for new Review Board members?

National RTAP solicits nominations. A nominating committee will review submissions and make recommendations in conjunction with the Federal Transit Administration. Candidates may be interviewed by a current or past Review Board member.

Specific criteria for selection include:

Eligibility in one of the two categories of Review Board membership (state DOT program manager or rural/tribal transit provider)
Number of years of experience in the rural transit industry
Specialized expertise in rural transit issue areas
Specialized expertise in training and/or technical assistance
Demographic diversity of membership
Geographic representation on the National RTAP Review Board

The Nomination Form should be submitted by January 31, 2018 via email, mail, or fax to:

National RTAP

Attn: Robin Phillips, Executive Director

5 Wheeling Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801

Phone: 888-589-6821; Fax: 781-895-1122

info@nationalrtap.org (Write "Review Board Nomination" in the subject line)

National RTAP Appoints Three New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 18:03:00 GMT

October 2017 – National RTAP is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been appointed as new members of the National RTAP Review Board. Their three year term will begin at the fall Review Board meeting in Omaha, Nebraska next month.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) Representatives

Marcele Edington, Program Manager, Office of Passenger Transportation, Michigan DOT

Rural or Tribal Transit Operators

Jessica Carter, Director of Public Transportation, Chilton Transit, Clanton, Alabama
Connie Sipe, Executive Director, Center for Community, Sitka, Alaska

The three new board members will join eleven sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, Washington State, New York, Nevada, Florida, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona, and Oregon. Read more about the Review Board here .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The goals of the RTAP program are to promote the safe and effective delivery of public transportation services in rural areas and to facilitate more efficient use of public transportation resources.

National RTAP Announces Winners of 2017 Marketing Contest

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 18:56:00 GMT

Instead of our Annual Photo Contest, this year we asked for your brochures and passenger guides. We got 18 submissions and are excited to announce the winners!

Most were passenger guides, but some were general transit system brochures, targeted guides for youth riders, or brochures for the agency's mobile app. Two entries had versions in English and Spanish, and one included links to audio and American Sign Language versions on their website.

The winning entries are shown below, but to see PDF versions of all entries, go to this folder on Dropbox (account not required).

Winners

1st Place: Benzie Bus, Beulah, MI, submitted by Jessica Carland, Mobility Manager

2nd Place: Stagecoach Transportation Services, Inc., Middlebury, VT, submitted by Jim Moulton, Executive Director

3rd Place: OATS, Inc., Columbia, MO, submitted by Jill Stedem, Administrative Services Director

Honorable Mention: HIRTA Public Transit, Urbandale, IA, submitted by Julia Castillo, Executive Director

Additional Information

Grand prize is one free registration for our 2017 Technical Assistance Conference in Omaha, October 29-November 1. Two runners-up will receive $50 gift cards.

Submissions were judged by the following criteria:

Passenger information provided
Clarity
Visual quality
Overall user-friendliness

To view winners from past Photo Contests, visit the Photo Albums section of our National RTAP Facebook Page!

To learn more about how you can improve your brochures, as well as develop a marketing plan and utilize other strategies for building ridership, awareness, and community support, visit our Marketing Transit Toolkit!

New National RTAP Resource Center Manager

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:39:00 GMT

Cara Marcus joined National RTAP as the new Resource Center Manager in August 2017. She has worked for a variety of special, medical, corporate and academic libraries, and has worked with stakeholders to develop an online portal for instruction for library planners and managers, created metadata an archival digital collection, and has published research on a variety of management and information topics. Cara looks forward to working with National RTAP's rural transportation community and helping you find answers to all your resource and research needs.

Resource Center Manager Position Open at National RTAP

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 15:11:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is funded by the Federal Transit Administration and provides free training materials and technical assistance to rural and tribal transit providers, as well as state Department of Transportation program managers. National RTAP’s mission is to support the safe and effective delivery of public transportation services in rural areas and to facilitate more efficient use of resources.

The Resource Center Manager (RCM) oversees the curation, maintenance, and distribution of National RTAP’s collection of resources. The RCM is also the main point of contact with customers, occasionally answering reference requests that require significant research.

National RTAP is seeking an energetic and dynamic librarian for this position, with HTML/website editing and project management skills. The position supervises the Resource Center Assistant, who completes many of the day-to-day operations of the shipping center. The RCM works with a small team to provide services to a national audience, and has the ability to make a difference in the lives of public transit operators and passengers across the country.

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position and is located in Woburn, MA.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications

The applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a target start date of early August. Download the Job Posting for full position details and how to apply.

National RTAP Announces 2017 Marketing Contest

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:13:00 GMT

6/15/17, Woburn, MA -- Instead of National RTAP's Annual Photo Contest, this year we’re asking for your brochures and passenger guides! Check out our Marketing Transit Toolkit for ideas on how to improve your existing brochure, specifically the Fundamental Communication page, or submit the brochure as is.

Prizes:

Grand Prize - One free registration for our 2017 Technical Assistance Conference in Omaha, October 29-November 1!
Runners-Up - Two runners-up will receive $50 gift cards.

How to Enter:

Email one brochure per agency and the Consent Form to contest@nationalrtap.org or mail it to National RTAP, Attn: Liz Taylor, 5 Wheeling Ave, Woburn, MA 01801.

If submitting via email, please include your transit agency name or acronym in the file name.

The deadline is July 31, 2017 . Winners will be announced in August.

Submissions will be judged by:

Passenger information provided
Clarity
Visual quality
Overall user-friendliness

One of the letter-sized passenger guide templates for a fixed route service, as provided in the Marketing Toolkit here, is shown on the right.

Download the Consent Form and submit your brochure today!

2017 Contest Rules and Conditions:

By submitting your transit agency’s passenger guide or brochure for this contest, you are granting permission to National RTAP to display it on its current and future websites, Facebook page, at the 2017 Technical Assistance Conference, and similar situations.

National RTAP requires that you have consent from any individuals who are identifiable in your brochure to use their image (though you do not have to provide National RTAP with that consent).

National RTAP also requires a signature from the General Manager of the transit agency on the Consent Form, if submitted by another staff member.

Prizes awarded will go to the transit agency.

If you have any questions, contact us at contest@nationalrtap.org , 888-589-6821 or via chat.

Registration Open for 3rd National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 18:36:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is excited to host our third biennial Technical Assistance Conference: Transportation at the Center, and registration is now open ! The conference will be held October 29 to November 1, 2017 at the Hilton in Omaha, Nebraska.

The conference will continue the great momentum from Denver in 2015 with content from FTA's Technical Assistance Centers, workshops, round-tables, and a focus on tools and practical solutions for rural and tribal transportation. The five routes are: Administration and Planning, Operations, Compliance, Coordination, and Technology.

The key audience for the conference includes: rural and tribal transit managers, staff, and contractors; state RTAP and 5311 program managers; regional or metropolitan planning agency staff; and all others who are involved or interested in rural transit. Go to www.nationalrtap.org/conference2017 for more information about the conference schedule and tentative sessions.

Participating and cooperating organizations for the conference include the Federal Transit Administration, Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska Association of Transit Providers, University of Nebraska, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, and the National Center for Mobility Management.

Conference Registration Rates

Full Conference Registration - Early Bird (Closes September 8): $325
Full Conference Registration: $375
Single-Day Registration - Early Bird (Closes September 8): $150
Single-Day Registration: $225
Big-Night Out Tickets: $35
Hilton hotel room rates as low as $107 per night

Visit the conference website for full details as well as to register and book your hotel room. If you have any questions, contact us at conference@nationalrtap.org . We hope to see you in Omaha this fall!

National RTAP Appoints New Review Board Member

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:26:00 GMT

April 2017 – National RTAP announces that the following rural transit operator has been appointed as a new member of the National RTAP Review Board. Her three year term will begin at the spring Review Board meeting in Washington, D.C. this month.

Katharine Mitchell, Senior Transportation Planner, Pima Association of Governments / Regional Transportation Authority, Tucson, AZ

Ms. Mitchell replaces Dean Nakagawa of Hawaii DOT, who resigned in March. His vacancy was filled by a rural transit operator because Frank Thomas, former manager of Northeast Oregon Public Transit, is now at Oregon DOT.

We still have one vacancy, due to Beth Kreider of Maryland DOT moving to a new position at the state outside the field of public transit. That vacancy will be filled in the fall.

Ms. Mitchell will join twelve sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Georgia, West Virginia, Washington State, Oklahoma, New York, Nevada, Florida, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Oregon. Read more about the Review Board here .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987, National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials and technical assistance products, published best practices and reports, and offered peer assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

National RTAP Announces 2017 Technical Assistance Program

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:09:00 GMT

National RTAP announces the 2017 Technical Assistance Program , with a focus this year on marketing and communications. Using our Marketing Toolkit , web tools like Website Builder and GTFS Builder , and other resources, we are interested in working with you to improve your marketing, communications, and/or community outreach.

National RTAP is looking to select two small rural or tribal transit providers to receive technical assistance in 2017. We anticipate that each project will involve, at a minimum, developing or updating the agency's marketing plan and an assessment of the system's visibility, image, and passenger experience. We will use the Marketing Toolkit Worksheets as a starting point.

The application requires you to state your marketing or communications goals and project objectives. Examples of goals include increasing ridership and visibility, improving rider information and outreach, or enhancing your image. Examples of objectives include developing a website, getting your route data into a trip planning program (e.g. Google Transit), creating marketing materials, surveying your community and riders, advertising, or targeted outreach to stakeholders.

Applications are due by Friday, March 17, 2017 at 12:00 PM ET. The projects will kick off in April and will be completed by the end of September 2017. To learn more about the program, the application requirements, and to submit your application, go to the 2017 Technical Assistance Program webpage.

If you have any questions, email info@nationalrtap.org or call us at 888-589-6821.

National RTAP Announces 2017 Conference Date and Call for Presentations

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 10:46:00 GMT

The Conference Committee announces the date and location of the 3rd National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference: Transportation at the Center and issues a call for presentations. The conference will be October 29-November 1, 2017 at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.

This is the third biennial conference focused on innovation, best practices, and compliance . The target audience for the conference includes rural and tribal transit providers, human service transportation providers, planners, state transportation and human service agency staff, intercity bus operators, consultants, and others with an interest in rural transportation.

The conference will include multiple routes to offer learning and technical assistance opportunities for all attendees: Administration and Planning; Operations; Compliance; Coordination; and Technology . Target markets of particular interest within each of the routes will include: rural, tribal, intercity, and veterans' transportation; mobility management; transit manager 101; and state program manager 101.

Participating and cooperating organizations include the Federal Transit Administration, Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska Association of Transit Providers, University of Nebraska, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, and the National Center for Mobility Management.

The Conference Committee seeks proposals on topics and tools relevant to rural public, tribal, veterans' and intercity bus transportation. We are especially interested in those who have implemented or developed successful approaches at their agencies.

The (extended) deadline for presentation proposals is February 15, 2017 . Learn more and access the Presentation Proposal Form here: http://nationalrtap.org/conference2017/Call-for-Presentations .

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National RTAP Appoints Two New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 08:00:00 GMT

October 2016 – National RTAP announces that the following two state department of transportation representatives have been appointed as new members of the National RTAP Review Board. Their three year term will begin at the fall Review Board meeting in Asheville, NC this month.

Ms. Kari Banta - Program Manager, Section 5310 and RTAP, Public Transportation Division, Texas Department of Transportation
Ms. Kari Ruse - Transit Liaison Manager and RTAP Manager, Rail & Public Transportation Division, Nebraska Department of Roads

The two new members replace outgoing members Zenotha Robinson, Mississippi DOT, whose term ended in April, and Bruce Lindholm, formerly of South Dakota DOT, who left the DOT in July.

The new members will join eleven sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Georgia, West Virginia, Washington State, Hawaii, Oklahoma, New York, Nevada, Florida, Minnesota, Maryland, South Carolina, and Oregon. Read more about the Review Board here .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987, National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials and technical assistance products, published best practices and reports, and offered peer assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

New National RTAP Product Available: Substance Abuse Awareness Training

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 13:25:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce the release of the Substance Abuse Awareness Training online course. This training was originally developed by Oregon DOT in partnership with RLS & Associates, Inc. for the TransitTrains website, and was adapted by National RTAP for widespread use.

The FTA drug and alcohol testing regulation (§655.14(b)) requires a minimum of sixty (60) minutes of training for all safety-sensitive employees on the effects and consequences of prohibited drug use on personal health, safety, and the work environment. This course takes an average of 90 minutes to complete.

The Substance Abuse Awareness Training, delivered online through the National RTAP eLearning portal, addresses the signs and symptoms that may indicate drug use. It is composed of two modules: the first is untimed and provides an overview of the course , information about FTA's substance abuse program and general awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse on the individual’s health, work, and personal life, as well as signs and symptoms of an alcohol problem.

The second module on prohibited drugs is timed, and includes five sections. The module must take a minimum of one hour to complete to receive credit for the course. Knowledge will be tested after each drug section with a series of questions. Upon completion, users are awarded a certificate in their name with a time stamp showing the duration it took to complete the module.

An introductory webinar will be held Wednesday, August 31 from 2:30-3:30 ET and will cover the eLearning portal, registration process, and an overview of the Substance Abuse Awareness Training. The primary audience for the webinar is transit managers, training managers, state RTAP managers, and anyone else interested in this new eLearning course.

The typical end user will be transit staff and management, such as drivers, maintenance personnel, dispatchers, and managers, who will access the online training via personal computers or tablet devices. Managers have the ability to track learner progress and access reports in order to document compliance with training requirements.

The course includes links to outside videos about drugs and alcohol, and features narration and closed captioning, as well as a table of contents in order to revisit content as needed.

National RTAP would like to thank the follow Review Board Members who contributed to the development of this course: Bill Telovsky, Curtis Sims, Deb Dauenhauer, George Levitsky, and Linda Howell.

For more information about this product, call 888-589-6821 or email info@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Announces 2016 Photo Contest Winners

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 11:41:00 GMT

8/18/16, Woburn, MA - National RTAP announces the results of the sixth annual Rural and Tribal Transit Photo Contest! Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all those who submitted photos.

View the winning photos and those with honorable mention on the Photo Contest page . View all of the 2016 photo contest entries on our Facebook page , where you can also view photos from previous contests! The theme this year was Rides to ____: What is Public Transit Used For?

First place went to "Dayton," by Stephanie Wolf of Lyon County Human Services in Dayton, NV, who will receive an Olympus TG-4 Waterproof 16MP Digital Camera. Second place went to "Kid Safety Day at Summer Camp," by Patti Waitkevich and Mary Basilone of Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority in Taunton, MA, who will receive a $250 gift card.

Honorable Mentions went to "YARTS at Yosemite Falls," by Cynthia Kelly, Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System in Merced, CA and "Rides to Explore My Town," by Rhonda Torgersen, Tri-CAP Transit in Waite Park, MN.

Photos were voted on by National RTAP staff and were judged on creativity, composition, technical quality, and impression, as well as relevance to this year's theme.

National RTAP Announces 2016 Rural and Tribal Transit Photo Contest

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:44:00 GMT

5/13/16, Woburn, MA - The theme of National RTAP’s 2016 Photo Contest is Rides to _________: What is public transit used for? Photos should reflect the ways public transit is utilized in your community, including the following suggestions:

Rides to wellness/healthcare
Rides to work
Rides to school
Rides to shopping/groceries
Rides to recreation
Rides for socialization on the bus!

To view photo submissions from previous contests, visit our Facebook page .

Grand Prize: Olympus TG-4 Waterproof 16 MP Digital Camera

The newest in the Olympus TG series, this camera is wifi and GPS-enabled, and is designed to handle extreme outdoor conditions, including falling, freezing and water.

Runner-Up: $250 American Express Gift Check

Photos will be judged by:

Creativity
Composition
Technical quality
Impression

All photos (in digital format) and photo consent release forms should be submitted to contest@nationalrtap.org no later than July 15, 2016 ( extended to July 29) . Winners will be announced in late summer. For more information, contact Neil Rodriguez .

Download the press release and consent form and submit your photo today!

Official National RTAP 2016 Contest Rules and Conditions:

Photos entered into the contest must be entered by the photographer. Photos may be submitted on behalf of a transit agency, but only with the written consent of the photographer.

Photos must be digital submissions with a resolution of 3 megapixels or higher and may be black and white, or color.

Computers shall not be used to modify or majorly enhance photos. Traditional editing such as cropping, red eye removal, and slight retouching will be permitted; however, photos with major enhancements and/or ‘Photoshopping’ of images will be disqualified.

All identifiable persons in the submitted photo(s) must each give written consent to their inclusion , and must not be identifiable by name in the photo (e.g. last name on their clothing). Each person whose photo is submitted to the contest must complete the photo consent release form. Please see attached photo consent release form. All signed photo consent release forms MUST be included with photo submissions. By the contest close date, photos submitted without all required consent forms will not be considered.

Limit of 2 photos per entrant.

The submission(s) MUST include the following information:

Title on each photo (not “untitled” or “photo 1”)
List of all photo edits
Photo consent release forms for the photographer and for all identifiable persons in photos.

All entrants grant National RTAP permission to post their submission on National RTAP’s website, or to use it in National RTAP’s current and/or future publications or marketing materials. Submissions will not be returned. Any submission which does not meet the above criteria will not be considered.

National RTAP Appoints Three New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 19:27:00 GMT

April 2016 – National RTAP announced today that one rural transit operator and two state department of transportation (DOT) representatives have been appointed as new members of the National RTAP Review Board. Their three year term will begin at the spring Review Board meeting in Washington, DC later this month.

The transit operator representative is:

Mr. Frank Thomas - Transit Manager, Northeast Oregon Public Transit, Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.

The state department of transportation representatives are:

Ms. Elizabeth (Beth) Kreider - Director, Office of Local Transit Support, Maryland Transit Administration
Mr. Curtis Sims, Jr., CSSO - Training, Safety/Security, and RTAP Program Manager, Office of Public Transit, South Carolina Department of Transportation

The three new members will join eleven sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Mississippi, South Dakota, Georgia, West Virginia, Washington State, Hawaii, Oklahoma, New York, Nevada, Florida, and Minnesota. Read more about the Review Board here .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987, National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials and technical assistance products, published best practices and reports, and offered peer assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

Solicitation for Nominations for 2016 National RTAP Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 09:32:00 GMT

December 28, 2015, Woburn, MA—The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) is soliciting nominations for Review Board members. The deadline is January 29, 2016 .

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide training and technical assistance resources to rural and tribal transit operators. The Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association (NVTMA) administers National RTAP on behalf of FTA. More information about current National RTAP programs and services can be found at www.nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP will soon have a few vacancies on the Review Board and is soliciting for state transit officials and rural or tribal transit operators. The term of office is three years beginning in the spring of 2016. Any group or individual involved in rural transit is encouraged to nominate a representative to the board. An individual may nominate him/herself for consideration.

Download the Press Release and Nomination Form

Overview of the National RTAP Review Board

The Review Board consists of 14 members: seven state officials and seven rural operators (at least one of whom will be a tribal transit representative). Review Board responsibilities include:

Provide the National Program with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training material development, information dissemination and technical assistance
Oversee the quality of National Program products and participate in work groups to help develop products and/or review products under development.
Promote the National Program to states and operators

Who is eligible for Review Board membership?

What are the expectations of Review Board members?

Members must be from a state transit agency that administers Section 5311 funds or be employed by a rural public transportation agency that receives Section 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funds. Individuals must be able to attend two official Review Board meetings each year (usually April or May and October). The first Review Board meeting that will include new members will be held in Washington, DC from April 27 and 28, 2016. Travel expenses are covered in full by National RTAP. New Review Board members will participate in an orientation prior to or at the spring 2016 Review Board meeting.

What is the solicitation process for new Review Board members?

Specific criteria for selection include:

Eligibility in one of the two categories of Review Board membership (state DOT program manager or rural/tribal transit provider)
Number of years of experience in the rural transit industry
Specialized expertise in rural transit issue areas
Specialized expertise in training and/or technical assistance
Demographic diversity of membership
Geographic representation on the National RTAP Review Board

Nominations may be completed and returned electronically or by fax to:

Robin Phillips

Executive Director

National RTAP

5 Wheeling Avenue, Unit B

Woburn, MA 01801

Phone: 888-589-6821; Fax: 781-895-1122

rphillips@nationalrtap.org

Executive Director

Download the Press Release and Nomination Form

New National RTAP Product Available: START Online

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:12:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to announce the release of START Online, an e-learning version of our popular Safety Training and Rural Transit instructor-led course, as well as updated content in the hard-copy START Learner and Instructor Guides.

START Online is an interactive, online version of START, providing the updated content in the following three sections and eight lessons. The course includes the original videos, with one segment updated, as well as a course outline and transcripts of each lesson.

Section 1: Vehicle Safety
Vehicle Safety
Section 2: Driver/Operator Safety
Controlling the Vehicle
Controlling the Vehicle (Continued)
Driving in Adverse Conditions
Section 3: Passenger Safety
Safety of Ambulatory Passengers
Safety of Non-Ambulatory Passengers
Transit Security
Crisis Management

The online course uses the latest e-learning technology to reinforce learning through exercises, scenarios, games, and quizzes, and tests learning in a final exam. Other benefits of online training include cost and time savings, the learner's ability to go at their own pace and revisit content as needed, and the tracking of learner progress and results.

A link to START Online is also provided in the National RTAP eLearning LMS, though you need to enroll separately with CTeL. To order or download the updated START Learner or Instructor Guides, visit the Resource Library or contact National RTAP.

For more information about this product, call 888-589-6821 or email info@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP would like to thank the follow Review Board Members who contributed to the development of START Online: John Filippone, Louis Friend, Linda Howell, George Levitsky, Ryan Marshall, Zenotha Robinson, and Denise Tyler.

New National RTAP Product Available: Marketing Transit Toolkit

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:00:00 GMT

National RTAP's newest product, the online Marketing Transit Toolkit , is designed to help rural and tribal transit systems (particularly those without dedicated marketing staff) develop or enhance their marketing plans and implement various marketing strategies. It provides a wealth of information, tools, and resources, but you can also just focus on what you need and jump right to those sections of the toolkit.

The Marketing Transit Toolkit includes:

How-to Guide for marketing your services
Marketing Plan Worksheets to help you with your goals, budget, strategies, etc.
Microsoft Publisher Templates for passenger guides, route maps, flyers, posters, and more
Photo Library - more than 50 copyright-free transit photos
Graphics Library - transit icons and professional illustrations
Instructions on how to use the tools above, take photos, write news releases, and more

Check out the toolkit today to see how it can help you increase ridership, raise awareness of your transit system, increase community support, and even satisfy funding requirements.

Two webinars will be held next month to introduce the toolkit: an Overview Webinar on Thursday, November 5 and a Demonstration Webinar on Tuesday, November 17, both at 2:30pm ET. Mark your calendar and register now !

As with all National RTAP products, the Marketing Transit Toolkit is free of charge. To access the toolkit go to www.nationalrtap.org/Toolkits/Marketing-Toolkit/Welcome . The homepage provides a helpful toolkit overview.

The Marketing Transit Toolkit was developed for National RTAP by Selena Barlow of Transit Marketing LLC, with the help of the following National RTAP Review Board Members: Deb Dauenhauer, John Edmondson, Louis Friend, George Levitsky, Ryan Marshall, Dean Nakagawa, and Zenotha Robinson.

National RTAP Appoints New Review Board Member

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 15:38:00 GMT

September 2015 – National RTAP announced that one rural transit operator has been appointed as a new member of the National RTAP Review Board to replace John Filippone of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority in Aspen, CO, the outgoing Review Board Chair.

The new Review Board member is Mike Oliver, Development Manager at Mason Transit Authority in Shelton, WA ( www.masontransit.or g ).

Mike will join thirteen sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Mississippi, South Dakota, Georgia, West Virginia, Utah, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, New York State, Nevada, Washington State, and Minnesota.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

National RTAP Announces New eLearning Training Portal and New Online Course

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 16:12:00 GMT

National RTAP eLearning

National RTAP's newest training product, the National RTAP eLearning portal or learning management system (LMS), provides access to free online training that will greatly enhance access to training for rural and tribal transit providers.

The LMS hosts self-guided, online courses on topics like emergency management, refresher training, and problem passengers. Other training resources are also provided, such as videos, PowerPoints, and outside websites. More will be added to the LMS over time.

The typical end user of the LMS will be transit agency staff, like drivers, maintenance personnel, dispatchers, and managers. Managers will have the ability to add learners, track learner progress, and access reports to document employee training.

To learn more about the LMS, download the eLearning Technical Brief or visit the National RTAP eLearning webpage .

To get started, managers should first read the Team Admin Getting Started Guide , with guidance on how to set up their team, register learners, access trainings, and generate reports and transcripts.

Head to elearning.nationalrtap.org to register and get started on the new National RTAP eLearning portal today!

Top Shops: Emergency Management in Vehicle Maintenance Facilities

National RTAP is excited to release its newest training, Top Shops: Emergency Management in Vehicle Maintenance Facilities , which covers all aspects of preparing for, preventing, and responding to various emergencies that may arise in a maintenance facility.

While the course is intended for maintenance staff, supervisors, and contractors, it would be beneficial for the staff of any transit facility.

The course consists of six online modules, plus one for managers; resource documents with sample forms and links to additional training and resources; and an optional, flexible instructor-led training (ILT).

The ILT is meant to complement, not replace, the online course and is for learners to apply what they learned online to their facility. It includes Learner/Instructor Guides and PowerPoints for the six units.

To learn more, download the Top Shops Technical Brief . To enroll in the course, register on the LMS above. For the ILT materials, download them in the LMS or order them in the Resource Library.

National RTAP IFB - Provide Technical Assistance to Five Rural Transit Providers

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:13:00 GMT

National RTAP is requesting bids for a new endeavor in providing direct, onsite technical assistance. National RTAP is requesting proposals from interested and qualified firms or individuals to assist National RTAP staff in the provision of technical assistance to five public transportation providers across the country.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) please email Rob Tassinari at rtassinari@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Announces Recipients of the 2015 Technical Assistance Program

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 09:03:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program’s (National RTAP) newly launched Technical Assistance Program announced the recipients of this pilot program. The purpose of the pilot program is to provide direct technical assistance to rural and tribal transportation programs in the areas of compliance with federal regulations and building system capacity to respond to community needs.

Sixteen agencies completed and submitted proposals, many of which were excellent. Based on available funding, however, the five agencies selected to receive assistance are:

Community Alliance of Human Services of Newport, NH – increase access to existing service and determine how to serve the community beyond the existing fixed-route system.
Pee Dee RTA of Florence, SC – explore the feasibility of providing express bus service that would connect commuters from four other communities with Florence, SC.
Pullman Transit of Pullman, WA – conduct feasibility study to expand service to outlying areas and improve coordination with other stakeholders.
Living Well in Wabash County Council on Aging of Wabash, IN – identify the potential for a deviated fixed-route service.
WSOS - Community Action Commission of Fremont, OH – provide assistance in developing a transit asset management plan.

Program assistance is expected to be completed within a one-year period.

"We are impressed with the work these agencies are doing and look forward to exploring options for improving and building on the significant transit resources in these programs," stated Robin Phillips, National RTAP Executive Director. "The problems faced by these agencies are repeated across the country in other programs and states. We hope to showcase some of these projects at the National RTAP Conference that will be held in Denver, Colorado in October of 2015."

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) dedicated to creating rural transit solutions through technical assistance, partner collaboration and FREE training and other transit industry products. More information about National RTAP can be found at www.nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Appoints New Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 11:25:00 GMT

April 2015, Woburn, MA – National RTAP announced today that one state department of transportation (DOT) representative and three rural transit operators have been appointed as new members of the National RTAP Review Board.

The Department of Transportation representative is:

The transit operator representatives are:

The National RTAP Review Board provides in-depth expertise and local perspectives to ensure that National RTAP products and services are of the highest quality, easily accessible, and usable by local transit operators and state RTAP managers. The four new members will join nine sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from Colorado, Mississippi, South Dakota, Georgia, West Virginia, Washington State, Utah, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Delaware.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

National RTAP Announces Call for Presentations for Technical Assistance Conference

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 13:42:00 GMT

This is the second biennial conference focused on innovations in training and compliance rather than research,demonstrating FTAs support of hands-on training and experience working with RTAP resources in the state and national programs. The target audience for the conference includes rural and tribal transit operators, human service agency transportation providers, and tribes and organizations that are new to transit programs.

The conference will include multiple routes to offer learning and technical assistance opportunities for planning, policy-writing, data management to support NTD and other reporting requirements as well as tips and tricks to make compliance easier. We want to showcase how people are addressing operational and compliance issues. The routes include planning, design and research; policy, funding and finance; operations; technology; and special topics in rural mobility, including veterans transportation, MAP-21 program changes, health, and livability.

Abstracts will be evaluated based on the degree to which they address one or more of three areas:

Target market segments of particular interest for this conference within each of the routes will include rural, tribal, intercity and veterans’ transportation, mobility management, transit manager 101, and state program manager 101.

Entry has closed for this

The Conference Committee seeks proposals for quality presentations on topics and tools relevant to rural public, tribal, veterans’ and intercity bus transportation.

Topics of interest include:

Route 1: Planning, Design, Integration and Implementation – some examples for topics are:

Integration of Coordinated Human Service and Transportation Plans into existing state and regional planning processes
Strategies for bringing non-traditional partners to the table
New tribal/county partnerships, tribal/state partnerships
Transit planning within tribal government
Next generation human services/transportation coordination plans
Data collection, analysis, stories

Route 2: Policy, Funding and Finance – some examples for topics are:

ADA, civil rights, and environmental justice
New partnerships for local match
Funding partnerships
Safety and asset management
MAP-21 implementation
Funding utilization within states
Compliance, compliance, compliance

Route 3: Special Topics in Rural Mobility – some examples for topics are:

Veterans’ transportation
Generational marketing
Aging and livability
Health and transportation
Oversized wheelchairs

Route 4: Operations – some examples for topics are:

Safety and security
Human resource management, including workforce development, succession planning, mentoring, recruitment, performance evaluation, healthcare
Marketing to meet diverse customer needs
Bus maintenance
Procurement of rolling stock
Drug and alcohol testing and compliance

Route 5: Technology – some examples for topics are:

Technology tools for compliance
How data exchange can improve service for passengers
Live technology demos of rural transit applications
Low-end technology with high-end results

National RTAP Announces the Solicitation of Applications for Technical Assistance

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 09:21:00 GMT

National RTAP is soliciting technical assistance projects from rural and tribal transportation programs.

We are interested in providing technical assistance to help you comply with federal regulations and build your system’s capacity to respond to the needs in your community operationally or administratively. We are particularly interested in identifying best practices for rural and tribal transportation systems that we can share with your colleagues nationally. MAP-21 and the requirements for safety and asset management, Title VI, as well as existing coordinated planning, drug and alcohol testing, driver training, Ladders of Opportunity goals, and increasing customer expectations are areas for which we would like to help you step up your game.

In this round, we are looking for small to medium size projects with an equivalent dollar value of between $25,000 and $50,000, with the expectation of choosing two to three technical assistance projects.

Please submit your preliminary application via this link: Submissions have closed .

The online application is set-up so that you can access your application multiple times until the application is finished. However, once you start your application, in order to be able to retrieve your application to finish it, you MUST go to the end of the application and click the SUBMIT button. To return to the application to complete it, click the initial link above.

Requested data includes: statistics on your service area (population, unemployment rate, median and mean household income, poverty rate, percent of seniors), details on transportation services, type of technical assistance you require, and information on other potential funding sources. All applications are due at 12:00 PM EST on Friday February 27, 2015.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Phillips, National RTAP Executive Director, at rphillips@nationalrtap.org , 781-697-7194 (work cell), or 202-780-4595 (office).

Four New Members Appointed to National RTAP Board

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:09:00 GMT

October 8, 2014--National RTAP announced today that three state department of transportation (DOT) representatives and one rural transit operator have been appointed as new members of the National RTAP Review Board.

The Department of Transportation representatives are:

Ms. Michele Nystrom, Rural Transit Group Leader in the Division of Intermodal Programs at the Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta, GA
Mr. Dean Nakagawa, Planning Program Administrator in the Statewide Transportation Planning Office at the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Honolulu, HI
Mr. Bruce Lindholm, Program Manager at the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Pierre, SD

The transit operator representative is:

Ms. Charla Sloan, Transit Director at Ki Bois Area Transit System, Stigler, OK

The National RTAP Review Board provides in-depth expertise and local perspectives to ensure that National RTAP products and services are of the highest quality, easily accessible, and useable by local transit operators and state RTAP managers. The four new members will join nine sitting members, both state DOT representatives and transit operators, from West Virginia, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Mississippi, Illinois, Delaware, Alaska, Washington and Tennessee.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

New State RTAP Manager’s Toolkit and Forum Help Managers Run a Successful Program

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:18:18 GMT

4/23/14-National RTAP has released the online State RTAP Manager’s Toolkit and Forum. The toolkit is a comprehensive guide to setting up and maintaining a state RTAP program, helpful for quick reference and to guide substantial change. State RTAP managers and contractors will also now be able to communicate with each other in a secure, private forum to discuss RTAP program issues, request documents, and share information.

The toolkit begins with the background of the RTAP program, National RTAP, and the status of state RTAP programs over the past 12 years. Whether to outsource a program, as well as seven program components, including training and technical assistance, are discussed, and a detailed list of steps to take when starting a new program are presented. Finally, many sample documents for various RTAP functions are provided, as well as places for RTAP managers to network and find further information.

“The State RTAP Manager’s Toolkit takes all the guesswork out of administering a successful program for those who are new to managing a state RTAP program,” says RTAP manager Linda Howell of Washington State DOT. “It also supplements the experience of veteran RTAP managers by providing creative ideas for technical assistance that may not have been considered before. From scholarship guidelines to interstate cooperation to marketing, the toolkit provides it all in one place.”

To use the State RTAP Manager’s Toolkit, visit http://nationalrtap.org/statertapmanager .

The new State RTAP Managers’ Forum will allow RTAP managers to communicate with each other in a central online location to share information and resources. Joining the forum is by invitation only, and RTAP managers who have not received an invitation should contact info@nationalrtap.org or call 888-589-6821 .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Announces the Release of an Updated Version of Website Builder, Website Builder Version 2

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:09:00 GMT

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) announces the release of the new version of the Website Builder web app, Website Builder Version 2 . Website Builder was first released in 2011, and since then National RTAP has been compiling user feedback to prepare for a second version of the product. With this feedback in mind, Website Builder Version 2 has made the process of creating your website easier by simplifying the design functions and offering a ready-to-use template into which users can cut and paste their content. While this simplified version is available to new users, any organization that previously created and launched a website using Website Builder will continue to have access to all of the functions they have been using. This allows new users to easily create a website in Website Builder Version 2 without taking away functionality from experienced Website Builder users.

Website Builder Version 2 features include:

Basic template with transit-related pages that are pre-loaded with modules for hosting text and images
Four different design options that are easy to apply the basic template and can be edited to reflect an agency's branding colors
Detailed Instructional Videos that guide users through each function by walking through each step and providing visual cues
Free website hosting on the National RTAP server

Website Builder Version 2 beta tester Amy Allen, of the Louisiana Public Transportation Association, says: "The Website Builder 2 videos make it easy to customize the RTAP website for any transit agency or association."

You can access Website Builder Version 2 by logging into your National RTAP in the Cloud account. To create a National RTAP Cloud account, click on the 'Cloud Signup' button in the top right corner of the National RTAP website, www.nationalrtap.org, and follow the sign-up steps. You can also visit the support page to view the Getting Started Guide and other documentation, as well as watch the Overview Webinar.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

For more information about this product, please contact Jess Wallis at 888-589-6821 or info@nationalrtap.org.

New National RTAP Tech Brief Explains the Benefits and Different Options for Recycling Used Motor Oil

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 08:31:00 GMT

August 15, 2014

Wondering what to do with the used oil from your vehicles? Recycling it helps protect the environment and makes business sense, too. National RTAP's newest technical brief, Used Oil Recycling: Getting Extra Mileage Out of Your Motor Oil , gives you the information you need to start recycling your used oil today.

This new resource from National RTAP includes the different options for recycling used oil, important regulatory information, and two examples of transportation providers who recently started burning their used oil for heat. Compiling the information that you need to know, from basic used oil facts to EPA guidelines for how to handle leaks and spills, this new tech brief is a helpful resource for maintenance facilities. A glossary and list of useful links, references, and regulations is also provided.

Click to download your copy of Used Oil Recycling: Getting Extra Mileage Out of Your Motor Oil today. This technical brief is also available for download in our online Resource Library at www.nationalrtap.org . If you would like printed copies, please call us at 888-589-6821 or email info@nationalrtap.org . All National RTAP materials are free of charge.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

Announcement of Solicitation for Nominations for National Review Board Members

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:09:00 GMT

July 2014, Woburn, MA—The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) is soliciting nominations for National Review Board members. The deadline for submitting nomination forms is August 22, 2014 .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that provides training and technical assistance resources to managers of the State RTAP programs and transportation providers in rural and small urban areas, including Tribal lands. Our work is guided by a Review Board composed of representatives of rural and Tribal transit operators and State transit agencies.

National RTAP has several upcoming vacancies on the National RTAP Review Board. The term of office is for three years beginning in the fall of 2014. At this time, National RTAP is soliciting nominations for three state transit officials and one rural or tribal transit provider. Section 5311 or RTAP managers and representatives of a transit provider that receives 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funds are eligible to be nominated. Any group or individual involved in rural transit is encouraged to nominate a representative to the Board. An individual may also nominate him/herself for consideration. For more information about the responsibilities of Review Board members and the selection process.

Patti Monahan, Executive Director of National RTAP says, “Membership on the Review Board presents an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the development of training and technical assistance resources for the rural transit community.”

The term of office for the new Review Board members is three years beginning in the fall of 2014. The selected Review Board members must be able to attend the Review Board meeting that will be held in Monterey, CA, October 30-31, 2014. The individuals must also be able to attend two official Review Board meetings in each year of their terms (usually in April/May and October). Travel expenses associated with Review Board meetings will be covered by National RTAP.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm of the Rural Transit Assistance Program. Since its inception in 1987, National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered peer assistance to rural and tribal transit providers, with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

Winner of FitBit Raffle Chosen

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:51:00 GMT

Congratulations to Lyle Nelson, Chief Operations Officer for Capital Area Rural Transportation System in Austin, TX! Thanks to all who added their business cards to the mix and stopped by our booth to ask a question, order materials, or say hi. We look forward to seeing you next year at CTAA, or somewhere in between.

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Announces the Release of its Newest Online Toolkit, the ADA Toolkit

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 27 May 2014 14:52:00 GMT

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Announces the Release of its Newest Online Toolkit, the ADA Toolkit

May 2014, Woburn, MA – National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) announces the release of a new online toolkit, ADA Toolkit.
The ADA Toolkit is an expansion of the ADA section of the Transit Manager’s Toolkit, and it is designed to give transit managers information about what they are required to do, based on the service they provide, under ADA regulations. The toolkit contains links to the ADA regulations, as well as a variety of helpful resources. It also highlights new topics and developments that relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA Toolkit addresses the following topics:

New Developments
ADA Requirements by service type- fixed, demand response and deviated route/flexible
ADA Complementary Paratransit
Physical Standards- vehicles and facilities
Mobility Device Rule Change
Service Animals
Customer Service and Sensitivity
Public Meetings and Outreach
Rider Information
Resources- FTA circulars and guidance, guides and publications, reports, websites, and training options

Patti Monahan, Executive Director of National RTAP, says: “If you are a transit manager who has ever received questions about stop announcements, service animals or paratransit eligibility, you can turn to this toolkit to find resources and information about the ADA regulations that apply to your agency.”

You can view the toolkit here .

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

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For more information about this product, please contact Shannon Greenwell at 781-404-5013 or sgreenwell@nationalrtap.org.

National RTAP Releases Three New Products

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 09:14:00 GMT

National RTAP is pleased to release three new products for the rural and tribal transit community: the How to Find Almost Anything Toolkit , the Grant Writing Made Easy technical brief, and an online Directory of Trainers .

How to Find Anything is an online toolkit designed to connect rural and tribal transit operators, state program managers, and other industry stakeholders to free and low-cost information on a variety of topics. From training materials to technical assistance to peer networks and beyond, this toolkit will help rural and tribal transit stakeholders save resources by providing a simple-to-use guide to finding various kinds of relevant information. Navigate through sections on Peer and Technical Assistance, Information and Best Practices, Online Forums, Conferences, Technology Tools and more. The toolkit also includes a step-by-step guide to searching online for transit-related information. National RTAP Director Patti Monahan says that “Our new toolkit won’t be much help if you misplace your car keys, but it’s packed with tips and resources for finding information on any transit topic. Click on the Toolkits tab on our new website to access the first of National RTAP’s online toolkits.”

Grant Writing Made Easy: How to Write a Successful Grant Application is National RTAP’s newest technical brief. The grant writing process can be a daunting task, but it is imperative to write a compelling and competitive application in order to acquire funding on the first attempt. This tech brief addresses how to plan and write a successful grant proposal. It provides tips on searching for grant opportunities, covers the essentials of submitting and following-up on your application, and provides a list of helpful resources.

The third product released is the Directory of Trainers , an online source for finding and hiring trainers across the country. The list includes trainers who teach a variety of topics and are active at the local, regional, or national levels. Trainers voluntarily submitted their information to info@nationalrtap.org, and entries are posted on an ongoing basis. If you or a trainer in your organization is interested in being listed in the directory, email info@nationalrtap.org with contact information, region covered, and training topics taught.

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Announces the Launch of Its New Website and Support Center

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 14:18:00 GMT

NATIONAL RTAP CONTACT:
Patricia Monahan
Executive Director
National RTAP
pmonahan@nationalrtap.org

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Announces the Launch of Its New Website and Support Center 

November 2013 , Woburn, MA – National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) announces the launch of its new website and Support Center.

National RTAP's new website design allows viewers to more easily access information and engage with National RTAP staff, services and products. With news, best practices, and resources changing regularly, visitors to the National RTAP website will find reasons to return to the site again and again! Specific improvements include an enhanced Resource Library, expanded Tribal Transit section, new State RTAP Manager directory, and dynamic homepage.

Enhancements to the Resource Library include the following:

National RTAP has also redesigned its Support Center, where customers can find instructional documents and videos for all of the National RTAP in the Cloud web apps. Viewers can easily reach the Support Center both from within National RTAP in the Cloud and the National RTAP website to access multimedia help resources.

Enhancements to the Support Center include the following:

Patti Monahan, Executive Director of National RTAP, says “We hope you enjoy the new National RTAP website and think of it as a resource that you can refer to often for the latest rural transit industry information and access to National RTAP’s products and services. Please take a look and let us know what you think!”

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association and serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Since its inception in 1987 National RTAP has developed and distributed training materials, provided technical assistance, generated reports, published best practices, conducted research and offered Peer Assistance with the goal of improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in communities with populations under 50,000.

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For more information, please contact Shannon Greenwell at 781-404-5013 or sgreenwell@nationalrtap.org .

National RTAP Resource Library Becomes More User-Friendly

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:57:00 GMT

WOBURN, MA--We have re-classified all of the resources in the Resource Library, so finding resources is now easier than ever!

With new categories that better reflect current transit issues and trends, you will be able to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.

To see the new subject list and look for resources you need, visit our Advanced Search page , scroll to the bottom, and check one or more categories. Then click Search.

We welcome feedback about our updates at info@nationalrtap.org .

Easter Seals Project ACTION Releases Glossary

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:47:00 GMT

Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA) recently released a handy guide to disability and other transit words, the Glossary of Disability and Transit Terms .

This is an excellent resource that explains complex transit terms for easy understanding. While focusing on concepts relating to passengers with disabilities, terms such as demand-response, transit, fixed-route, and code of federal regulations are all defined.

NTI Announces Direct-Delivery Course, Terrorist Activity Recognition and Reaction

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:17:00 GMT

The National Transit Institute (NTI) is now offering a direct-delivery course focused on recognizing and reacting to terrorist activity. Transit agencies or regional groups can request NTI to come do this training with a minimum of twenty participants. The course highlights identifying and reporting terrorist activity, recognizing dangerous activity, and actions that should be taken when faced with potential terrorist activity.

Overview of MAP-21 Changes to Section 5311

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:26:00 GMT

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorizes surface transportation programs for Federal fiscal years 2013 and 2014. It was signed by President Obama on July 6, 2012 and became effective on October 1, 2012.

Section 5311 changes in MAP-21 included changes to the program name, the formula apportionments, eligibility and to the set-asides that support other rural transit programs.

Formula Apportionments

MAP-21 modifies the formula for the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (Rural Areas Program).

Section 5311, under MAP-21, now includes three take-downs:

Eligibility

MAP-21 modifies the eligible expenses for the Rural Areas Program.

Planning:

State Administration:

Intercity Bus Transportation:

Safety Certification Training:

Job Access and Reverse Commute:

Three take-downs included in Section 5311 under MAP-21

Rural Transportation Assistance Program

Appalachian Development Public Assistance Program (NEW)

Tribal Transit Program

For more information about the provisions of MAP-21 and to keep up to date on FTA's implementation of the legislation, please check FTA's MAP-21 webpage frequently, or sign up for e-mail updates: http://www.fta.dot.gov/map21/index.html.

NADO Resources for New Urbanized Areas

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:31:00 GMT

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for transit providers operating in New Urbanized Areas .

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Releases New Guidebook on Developing, Enhancing, and Sustaining Tribal Transit Services

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:36:00 GMT

The TRB’s TCRP recently released Report 154, a new guidebook on developing, enhancing, and sustaining Tribal Transit Services. This guidebook offers guidance on various stages of planning and implementing Tribal transit service.

For more information on this guidebook and to download the document, please visit http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166797.aspx

National RTAP/FTA/NTTA 1st Technical Assistance

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The Exhibitor Expo during the National RTAP/FTA/NTTA 1st Technical Assistance and Tribal Transit Program was held on the second day, Tuesday, March 20, of the two and one-half day conference. The event was held in the foyer of the Radisson Fort McDowell Conference Center. The foyer is flanked with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast majestic views of the dusty, warm rolling hills of the Fort McDowell Reservation.

Conference attendees were treated to make-your-own ice cream sundaes as they mingled and networked with 200 conference participants and interacted with the 19 Expo exhibitors.

The 19 Expo exhibitors included Native American crafts people, technical assistance centers and private companies who have a stake in the rural and tribal transit operations. Native American crafts people included Arlene Joe of Native Hands and Eleanor McCabe. Technical Assistance Centers included: the Community Transportation Association of America’s Community Transit Assistance Program (CTAP), National Joblinks Employment Transportation Initiative (Joblinks), National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination (NRC), and Rural and Tribal Technical Assistance Programs; National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST); National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP); National Transit Institute (NTI); Navajo Transit System; Easter Seals Project ACTION; Small Urban & Rural Transit Center (SURTC); South West Transit Association (SWTA); Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Transit industry vendors included: Engraph Software, FAAC Incorporated, Freedman Seating Company, RouteMatch Software, Inc. and Trapeze Group.

National RTAP and our conference partners want to thank all conference attendees and exhibitors who participated in this year’s event. Please visit www.national rtap.org for more post-conference event articles and for any future conference event information.

Session Spotlight - National RTAP/FTA/NTTA 1st Technical Assistance

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:56:00 GMT

The two-part Drive Right: Train-the-Trainer Driver Simulation session taughtby Steve Mentzer, Manager of Transit Simulations and Louis Maiello, Transit Training Specialist, of FAAC Incorporated was an engaging driver training course designed to teach several critical skill sets crucial to maintaining safe operations on the road.

Steve and Louie borrowed and transported a high-end van simulator from the Maryland Transit Administration, exclusively for the conference. It featured physical rearview mirrors, an authentic Ford Econoline driving station with active controls, and a visual theater that is the largest in the industry.

The simulator featured five forward and side (peripheral) visual displays, two physical mirrors matched with two LCD screens for viewing of dynamic conditions positioned rearward of the student operator, and a multi-view projected display that can convey the “out the window” view, a camera feed of the student operating the simulator, and an overhead orientation of the simulator as it is being operated.

During this captivating session, participants, trainers and drivers alike, learned about basic skill development for new hire candidates; annual refreshers designed to empower operators to improve overall safety performance; return to work reviews that focused on critical aspects of the job prior to a return to the seat after an extended absence; and corrective actions, where specific scenarios were demonstrated to showcase remedies for preventable accidents that were practiced in the safety of the simulator.

In between conference sessions, drivers from Sunday’s pre-conference Roadeo kept Steve and Louie busy. They asked for help on how to improve their Roadeo scores using real-life scenarios that happened during the competition. Drivers were shown corrective actions using the simulator, which boosted their confidence for higher scores in future roadeos.

For more information on this session, please contact Pam DiGiovanni, National RTAP Assistant Director, at 888-589-6821.

- See more at: http://www.nationalrtap.org/Admin/AllNews/tabid/10396/token/detail/nid/20/Default.aspx#sthash.H4498NXz.dpuf

National RTAP / Federal Transit Administration

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:39:00 GMT

Transit professionals from rural and Tribal transit systems, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and state RTAP programs gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona March 18-21, 2012 to participate in the 1st Technical Assistance and Tribal Transit Program Conference and Roadeo. Final attendance totaled 213 individuals from 30 states plus the District of Columbia, representing 46 Native American Tribes and 12 state departments of transportation.

The conference got off to a strangely wintry start on Sunday, March 18. Judges, officials, and 22 roadeo contestants persevered through rain, cold, hail, wind, and at times, sunshine to participate in a competition designed to test driving skills and recognize the achievements of rural and Tribal transit operators.

All contestants completed the course and celebrated at the roadeo banquet, where six winners in two divisions were presented with trophies and other prizes. (see article)

Plans for a welcome reception outdoors in the mild Arizona air on Sunday evening had to be changed, but the weather finally improved. Conference attendees enjoyed views of spectacular mountain and desert scenery from inside as they caught up with old friends and made new ones at the opening get-together.

The opening session got underway on Monday morning after the posting of the colors by Navajo Transit System veterans and a prayer by Evans Jensen. Leslie Rogers, Region 9 Administrator, greeted the audience and gave a leadership update from FTA and summarized recent events on Capitol Hill. Richard Thompson, President of the National Tribal Transit Association (NTTA), and Patti Monahan, Executive Director of the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) welcomed attendees on behalf of their organizations, which partnered with FTA to sponsor the conference.

Breakout sessions filled the rest of Monday and continued throughout Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Sessions were organized into four tracks: Tribal, Transit Management, Transit Operations, and RTAP Program Management. Throughout the day on Monday, FTA staff presented a series of technical assistance sessions for Tribal Transit Program grantees, covering topics such as updates on grant programs, resources available from federal partner organizations, and use of the FTA TEAM system prior to and following grant awards. Other sessions focused on issues and topics of interest to rural transit industry stakeholders and

National RTAP training and technical assistance products, presented by nationally known experts, transit providers from across the country, representatives of technical assistance organizations, state RTAP managers, and National RTAP staff. Highlights included demonstrations of a driver training simulator provided and installed for the duration of the conference by FAAC.

Incorporated (see article)

Preceding dinner on Monday evening, conference attendees were honored by a performance by the River People Traditional Dancers and Singers from the Gila River Indian Community. Young dancers in traditional regalia were accompanied by seven singers playing drums and other instruments. After several dances and songs, the group invited members of the audience to join them in a circle dance. National RTAP presented the River People with a plaque to thank the group for their performance and the opportunity to learn more about the culture of their Tribe.

Major events on Tuesday included a keynote luncheon and Exhibitor Expo. Charmaine Knighton, Acting Region 8 Administrator for FTA, delivered the keynote speech at Tuesday's luncheon. Drawing on the theme of the conference for the topic of her talk, Charmaine spoke about opportunities for partnerships between stakeholders across the rural transit industry. Charmaine called upon several transit providers to share examples of collaboration and coordination from the field to illustrate her theme.

The Exhibitor Expo on Tuesday afternoon featured displays by 19 technical assistance programs, Native American artists, and transit industry vendors. Oh, yes, and ice cream with all the trimmings! (see article)

NTTA conducted a business meeting for current and prospective members on Wednesday morning. Topics of discussion included plans for another National RTAP/FTA/NTTA conference, a legislative update by Kelly Shawn of CTAA, the mechanics of NTTA operation, and collection of data on tribal transit services to aid in advocacy efforts. The business meeting was followed by presentations by seasoned tribal transit managers about successful projects and services they have implemented.

The conference ended with lunch on Wednesday, which was preceded by the retrieval of the colors by Navajo Transit System veterans, accompanied by Raymond Klah on the harmonica. The theme of the 1st Technical Assistance and Tribal Transit Program Conference and Roadeo was creating partnerships to help all those involved in the rural transit industry improve mobility for residents of their communities. The topic of partnerships was evident not only during organized sessions, when transit providers, industry experts, federal and state program managers, and technical assistance organizations discussed challenges and shared best practices, but also during conversations among participants over the course of the three days. By all accounts, the conference delivered practical information on a wide range of timely topics to attendees, and provided valuable networking opportunities.

Arizona Rural and Tribal Transit Roadeo

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:03:00 GMT

Arizona Rural and Tribal Transit Roadeo

At the Radisson Fort McDowell in Arizona, it was a day of firsts. It was the opening day of on-site registration for the 1st Technical Assistance and Tribal Transit Program Conference, a first time event hosted by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and the National Tribal Transit Association. It was also the first time that an Arizona state rural transit roadeo was hosted in conjunction with a national tribal transit roadeo. Lastly, but for some most noticeably, it was the first time in several months that it rained and the first time in several years that it hailed in this area of Arizona. Armed with umbrellas, ponchos and hats, volunteer judges, 22 drivers and a handful of loyal spectators took to the course.

To the untrained eye, the parking lot was a mess of orange cones and construction barrels. For the competitors of the Arizona Rural Transit Division and Tribal Transit Division, however, it was their driving route for the morning. For some, the rain and hail was reminiscent of the weather at home, but for others it caused driving conditions that they do not encounter on a daily basis. Volunteer judges huddled to keep scoring sheets dry and looked to the sky with first confusion, then amusement, when the rain turned to hail. Dan Harrigan from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Master of Ceremonies for the event, reported that “Bernice Tullie from NAIPTA, Flagstaff had no problem handling the conditions and took first place, dethroning two time champion Shawn Silas from the Hopi Transit.” Winning the National Tribal Transit Division division was William Jesse, of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

The evening ended with a (dry) celebratory dinner and awards ceremony. The contestants, judges, and their guests enjoyed a great meal and winners were awarded trophies by Jim Holman, Grand Marshal of the Roadeo. Gifts cards for all six winners were generously donated by Auto Safety House, a fleet solutions provider whose corporate headquarters is based in Phoenix. In addition to their trophies and gift cards, the two first-place winners will be sponsored by ADOT and National RTAP for a trip to Baltimore, MD in May 2012 to compete in the national paratransit roadeo that will be held as part of the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) annual EXPO.

“The 2012 Arizona Rural and Tribal Transit Roadeo was quite a challenge. Not only did the participants have to navigate the obstacle course, but Mother Nature also threw them a curveball,” said Dan Harrigan, but “the Roadeo is an important training tool and a reward for the hard work the drivers do all year long.” While the weather throughout the day may have been dark and gloomy, the sense of camaraderie was anything but.

Many thanks to Dan Harrigan, Jim Holman, Lee Bigwater and Barbara Curtis of Navajo Transit System, and the volunteer judges for all their work in adverse conditions to ensure a successful roadeo that was enjoyed by all, despite the weather.

Arizona Rural Transit Division

First place: Bernice Tullie, Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public

Transportation Authority (NAIPTA)

Second place: Shawn Silas, Hopi Senom Transit

Third place: Patrick Marquez, Aho Transportation

National Tribal Transit Division

First place: William Jesse, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Second place: Otis Mingo, Choctaw Transit System, Choctaw , Mississippi

Third place: Jeff Iceman, Red Lake Transit, Redlake, Minnesota