National RTAP eNews - January 23, 2020

eNews - January 23, 2020

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration dedicated to creating rural and tribal transit solutions through free training materials, technical assistance, and partner collaboration.

Upcoming National RTAP Transit Manager Peer Roundtable

Join us on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET for an informal discussion of issues affecting rural transit managers. Ask questions of your peers and share your experience and lessons learned. Discussion topics include cashless fare payment systems, community involvement, vanpools and employment transportation, and planning.

No need to register. RSVP to request a calendar invite or to suggest a topic. Click here at the time of the roundtable to join from your computer or mobile device or join by phone at (872) 240-3412, with access code 220-432-797.

New GTFS Builder Press Release Template

National RTAP has created a press release template for transit agencies using our GTFS Builder web application. The Microsoft Word template can be customized with the agency logo, contact information, and additional details. After completion, it can be sent to media outlets (newswires, newspapers, radio stations, etc.), or used to create content for agency print or online marketing.

Resources and Events

National RTAP and FTA to Co-Host Tribal Transit Workshop

National RTAP and FTA are co-hosting a comprehensive two-day Tribal Transit Workshop at the next Rocky Mountain Region Tribal Transportation Program Quarterly Meeting on February 11-12, 2020 at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Billings, Montana.

The workshop 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 reporting tool. If you are interested in attending, RSVP to C. “John” Healy (406-353-2447) or Neil Rodriguez (888-589-6821).

Join our National RTAP Twitter Chat on #Succession2Transit

National RTAP will host a Transit Succession Planning Twitter Chat - #Succession2Transit - on January 28, 2:00-3:00 PM ET with Dr. Mike Mowery of Strategic Government Resources. Join us as we learn together about best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and practical tips to prepare the next generation of transit leaders. RSVP for an email invite.

National RTAP Webinar on FTA Outreach to Tribes on Government to Government Training Recording and Presentation Available

We've recorded the FTA Outreach to Tribes on Government to Government Training Webinar, held on January 7, 2020, which provided an opportunity for tribal participants to give direct feedback to FTA on the development of a Government-to-Government training program for FTA staff. Access the recording and presentation slides. If you are interested in participating in follow-up efforts, please fill out this form.

National RTAP Solicits Nominations for Review Board Members

For spring 2020, National RTAP is soliciting nominations for three state transit officials and one rural or tribal transit operator for our Review Board. The nominations from this solicitation will be used to fill vacancies in fall 2020 and into 2021. More information and the nomination form are available here. The deadline is January 31, 2020.

National RTAP RFP for 2021 Technical Assistance Conference Local Host

National RTAP is requesting proposals for a location for our 5th biennial rural and tribal technical assistance conference in fall 2021. Visit the 2021 Conference page and the Local Host RFP for full details. On that page, you will also find the Q&A webinar recording and slides, and a Q&A document that answers all questions submitted regarding the RFP and the 2021 conference.

U.S. DOT and FTA Updates

On January 13, 2020, U.S. DOT announced the latest round of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program, which is making available more than $900 million for American infrastructure investments. The NOFO application period will remain open through February 25, 2020.

FTA recently updated its web page on Rural Public Transportation Systems. The page includes transportation and heath tool indicators and an evidence base of the benefits of using rural public transportation.

FTA launched a new grant program on January 14, 2020 entitled Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM). AIM challenge grants will help transit agencies experiment with new ways of doing business. A Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted. The initiative will establish a national network of transit agencies that will test and share results and use FTA’s technical assistance centers, such as National RTAP, to promote promising innovations.

Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies is a report by the National Science & Technology Council and U.S. DOT. The report details U.S. government principles to protect users and communities, promote efficient markets, facilitate coordinated efforts, ensure a standardized federal approach to American leadership in AVs, support AV technology growth and leadership, and provide opportunities for collaboration.

On January 15, 2020, FTA announced projects selected to receive approximately $5 million in grants to American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments under FTA’s Tribal Transit Program. The Fiscal Year 2019 grants will support 39 projects in 20 states.

U.S. DOT published a Request for Information for the Inclusive Design Challenge, which will solicit solutions addressing obstacles faced by persons with physical, sensory, and/or cognitive disabilities. The goal of the Inclusive Design Challenge is to inspire inclusive designs for automated vehicles, as well as to increase access to vehicles. Responses to the RFI must be received by January 31, 2020.

The FTA December 2019 Transit Safety and Oversight Spotlight newsletter has been published. The issue includes a data spotlight on turning bus collisions.

FTA's Considerations for Evaluating Automated Transit Bus Programs guides transit stakeholders to identify program goals and audiences affected by automated transit bus technology, develop a logic model, choose an evaluation design, and collect and analyze data.

On January 15, 2020, FTA established an Emergency Relief Docket for the calendar year 2020, so that grantees and subgrantees affected by a national or regional emergency or disaster may request temporary relief from FTA administrative and statutory requirements.

Opportunities

TRB is seeking potential NCHRP synthesis study topics. Individuals may submit new topics of study and/or suggest updates of previously published syntheses. The deadline for the upcoming submission cycle is February 17, 2020.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published a Request for Applications for the 2020 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants. Eligible solutions include verified retrofit technologies, exhaust after-treatment technologies, engine upgrades, and cleaner fuels and additives. Eligible entities include regional, state, or local agencies, tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and native villages. The deadline is February 26, 2020.

The Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the U.S. Department of Justice is open. The program provides funding for tribes to develop and implement a juvenile tribal healing to wellness court in response to alcohol and substance use issues among adolescents. Applications are due February 25, 2020.

Webinars and Training

The Global Ground Transportation Institute is holding a webinar on Marketing Strategies You Need to Succeed on January 29, 2020 at 2:00 PM ET. The session covers building customer loyalty, logo adaptability, social awareness, and technology-based strategies.

Publications

Public Transportation: Enhanced Federal Information Sharing on Coordination Could Improve Rural Transit Services is a study by the U.S. Government Accounting Office that addresses factors affecting rural transit coordination and selected rural and tribal transit providers’ coordination efforts.

NCHRP's Research Roadmap for Transportation and Public Health provides a plan for funding research over the next decade that can lead to greater consideration of health issues in transportation contexts.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center's (NADTC) Innovative Approaches to Section 5310 Funding Match provides case studies and examples of agencies, including some in rural areas, who found non-traditional funding sources for local and in-kind match for 5310 programs. Examples include medical centers, colleges, and mill levy funds.

Findings from the Salud America research review on The State of Latino Housing, Transportation, and Green Space included that Latino migration to rural areas in the Southeast and Midwest has led to the formation of isolated, segregated rural Latino communities with unique transportation needs. The authors recommend that transit-oriented development should be prioritized in low-income Latino neighborhoods.

Welcome New Pennsylvania RTAP Manager

National RTAP extends a warm welcome to the new Pennsylvania State RTAP Manager, Danielle Spila. If you would like to get in touch with Danielle or any RTAP Manager, visit our Directory of RTAP Managers.

National RTAP ADA Topic Guide Updated

The National RTAP ADA Topic Guide was updated in January 2020. New resources include MassMobility's Community Transportation for Transition-Aged Youth with Disabilities and TCRP's Implementing the U.S. DOT Reasonable Modification Rule.

Save the Date for our Next State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable

National RTAP will be holding a peer roundtable for State RTAP Managers on February 27, 2020, from 2:00-3:00 PM. No need to register, just join GoToMeeting at the time of the roundtable. Topics will include local match, NEMT, drug and alcohol regulations, and procurement.