eNews - September 29, 2022 |
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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.
Newsletter Highlights
Upcoming National RTAP/NADTC Twitter Chat - All Onboard for Mental Health
Updated Tech Brief on Vehicle Maintenance to Reduce the Cost of Fuel Consumption
National RTAP Team Spotlight - Marcy Jaffe
New Federal Transportation Grants Announced - SMART, ATTAIN, ADAS
FMCSA Proposes Changes to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
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Join our All Onboard for Mental Health Twitter Chat
Join us on October 11, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET for an #allonboard4mentalhealth Twitter Chat that will discuss best practices and equitable strategies for serving riders with mental health issues, including dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The chat will be moderated by Heather Edmonds and Jane Mahoney of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), Angie Jones, District Manager, Grant County Transportation District (People Mover), and National RTAP staff.
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National RTAP Technical Brief Updated: Vehicle Maintenance to Reduce the Cost of Fuel Consumption
National RTAP updated its technical brief on Vehicle Maintenance to Reduce the Cost of Fuel Consumption. Many transit organizations are asking the question, “How can we reduce our fuel cost?” There are many ways to help reduce the cost of fuel consumption. An important way to start saving fuel is by getting the proper maintenance on your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle in top operating condition will not only save you fuel and money, but it will also help reduce your long-term maintenance costs and minimize harmful exhaust emissions.
You can start by using National RTAP's checklist of fuel-saving maintenance measures in this tech brief. The brief was launched in 2009 and updated in 2022, with new information including speed limiters, fuel engine additives, calibration of throttle body and driving patterns, and switching to electric vehicles.
National RTAP gratefully acknowledges the review and contributions of Angie Jones, District Manager, Grant County Transportation District / The People Mover and Louis Mejia, Transaction Associates.
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National RTAP Team Spotlight:
Marcy Jaffe
Marcy Jaffe is the voice behind the National RTAP GTFS Builder tool. This data maven has helped hundreds of agencies launch maps and trip planners. Before Google even existed, she realized she had to find a way to get more riders at bus stops and that simplifying trip planning was the solution. Marcy divides her time between Washington state and Arizona and her faithful canine companion Tazel is always by her side. Read more about Marcy.
National RTAP Survey of Rural and Tribal Transit Managers
National RTAP is conducting its biennial survey of rural and tribal transit managers. The purpose of this survey is to establish the status of rural and tribal transit, learn how we can best support rural and tribal transit agencies, and obtain data for our ever-popular transit jobs salary database. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Please click on this Survey Link.
Register for National RTAP Winter Meetings
Our next State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable will be held on January 9, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. State RTAP Managers can register for this informal discussion and send topics they would like discussed to info@nationalrtap.org.
The Books in Transit Discussion Group selected Riding the Bus with my Sister by Rachel Simon. The book takes place in rural Pennsylvania and is about someone with an intellectual disability who spends her days riding buses. Register for February 16, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. The author plans to join us! |
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National RTAP Participation in Upcoming Conferences and Meetings
We're presenting and exhibiting at the following conferences and meetings:
National RTAP Toolkit Update Webinar Recording Posted
National RTAP held a webinar on What's New in National RTAP's Toolkits on September 19, 2022. Panelists discussed updates to the ADA, Find Anything, State RTAP, and Transit Manager's Toolkit. Access the webinar recording and presentation slides.
TACL Survey Closes this Week
Save the Date - National RTAP 5th Technical Assistance Conference
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U.S. DOT is soliciting applications for Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants through November 18, 2022. Grants will be awarded to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.
FTA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for their new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Transit Buses and Automated Transit Bus Maintenance and Yard Operations Demonstration programs. These projects will create a testbed for the study of technical issues, user acceptance, operational and maintenance costs, workforce training and transition, and institutional issues, and will assess the needs for standards development. Applications are due by November 21, 2022.
The U.S. DOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced partnerships to help small and disadvantaged businesses access resources.
U.S. DOT updated its Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities Table. This table indicates potential eligibility for pedestrian and bicycle activities and projects under U.S. DOT surface transportation funding programs. Project sponsors should integrate the safety, accessibility, equity, and convenience of walking and bicycling into surface transportation projects.
Through October 16, 2022, U.S. DOT is interested in receiving comments on the possibility of adapting existing and emerging automation technologies to accelerate the development of real-time roadway intersection safety and warning systems for both drivers and vulnerable road users in a cost-effective manner that will facilitate deployment.
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National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has a new online course on transportation and caregiving, running from October 24 to November 18, 2022, that will provide participants with four weeks of self-paced learning material. The deadline to register is October 17, 2022.
Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) is holding a Maintenance Forum on October 12-13, 2022 in Mesa, AZ with hands-on training for mechanics and technicians. Sessions will include preventive maintenance and repairs for bus doors, wheelchair lift repairs, and additional topics.
Applications to the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) 2023 Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) are being accepted through October 21, 2022. The 5-day training (March 5-10, 2023) will provide professional instruction that will focus on self-discovery, learning activities, group discussions, and management techniques.
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The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) insight paper on Preparing for and Mitigating Potential Cyberthreats includes advice for organizational leaders, such as increasing organizational vigilance by ensuring there are no gaps in Information Technology or Operational Technology security personnel coverage and that staff provides continual monitoring for all types of unexpected behavior. |
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RideReview is a new database from Micromobility Industries that rates various micromobility vehicles, such as ebikes and pods.
Transit agencies that work with people recovering from substance abuse can use data from the Recovery Ecosystem Index Map, which is filterable by states, counties, and rural areas. It is a project of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Fletcher Group, NORC at the University of Chicago, and East Tennessee State University. The map includes county fact sheets with economic data and policy indicators. |
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The America Walks Community Change Grants program supports the growing network of advocates, organizations, and agencies working to advance walkability. Projects should highlight the vital role that walking and transportation partners can play. The deadline is September 30, 2022.
The Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program directs FHWA to award grants to eligible entities to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. The closing date for applications is November 18, 2022.
The Department of Homeland Security State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) will help states, local governments, rural areas, and territories address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems. The application deadline is November 15, 2022.
The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) 2023 Ready-to-Launch Grants of up to $75,000 will allow communities to pilot a promising mobility solution, the development of which was inspired and informed by the results of community research. The deadline for the grant applications is November 23, 2022.
Submissions are open through October 10, 2022 for the LG Electronics' LIFE'S GOOD AWARD which provides grant funding to support innovative and sustainable value creation activities.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute is conducting research, sponsored by TCRP, to learn about how service adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted people with disabilities and older adults. The research team seeks to highlight the perspectives and experiences of transportation providers such as health and human services organizations, volunteer driver programs, and specialized/Section 5310 agencies. For questions or to learn how to share your experience with the research team, contact Zachary Elgart (713-613-9241) or Todd Hansen (713-613-9205). |
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FMCSA proposes to modify and reissue an existing system of records for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This system allows FMCSA to collect and maintain records on commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to the commercial driver’s license and commercial learner’s permit regulations who have received verified positive DOT drug or alcohol test results, refuse such testing, or violate FMCSA’s drug and alcohol use prohibitions. FMCSA proposes to add new system-specific routine uses pertaining to states and employers. Comments are due October 14, 2022.
the effectiveness of third-party testing programs related to commercial driver’s license skills and knowledge tests and minimum testing standards for skills and knowledge tests.
In addition, FMCSA requests public comment through November 22, 2022 on whether the agency should amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to require every commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic identification technology capable of wirelessly communicating a unique ID number when queried by a federal or state motor carrier safety enforcement personnel.
NHTSA intends to prepare an environmental impact statement to analyze the potential environmental impacts of new fuel efficiency standards for model years 2030 and beyond medium- and heavy-duty on-highway vehicles, including transit and shuttle buses. Comments are invited through October 19, 2022.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a Final Rule in the Federal Register, effective October 20, 2022, that modifies partitioning, disaggregation, and leasing rules to provide incentives for small carriers, Tribal Nations, and entities in rural areas to voluntarily participate in the Enhanced Competition Incentive Program. FCC is also seeking comments on possible changes to this program through October 20, 2022. |
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All event times listed in Eastern Time. Subtract 1 hour for Central Time, 2 for Mountain Time, 3 for Pacific Time, 4 for Alaska, and 6 for Hawaii.
Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA)
Snowmass Village, CO, September 27-30
Please stop by our booth!
Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA)
Springfield, MO, September 28-29
Please stop by our booth!
National Indian Council on Aging, Inc.
September 29, 12:00 PM
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
September 29, 1:00-4:00 PM ET
BusCon and Metro Magazine
September 29, 2:00-3:00 PM
METRO Magazine
September 29, 2:00-3:00 PM
U.S. DOT
September 29, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
National Academy of Engineering
Washington, DC, October 2-3
National Academy of Engineering
October 3, 10:15-12:15 AM
Q'Straint / Sure-Lok
October 4, 12:00-1:30 PM
FTA
October 6, 2:00 PM
The Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence (RCOE)
October 6, 2:00 PM
Transportation Energy Partners
October 6, 2:00-3:00 PM
TRB
October 6, 2:30-4:00 PM
National RTAP and NADTC
October 11, 2:00-3:00 PM
Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC)
October 11, 3:00-4:30 PM
U.S. DOT
October 12, 1:00 PM
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
October 12, 1:00 PM
Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA)
Durant, OK, October 12-13
Our training materials will be distributed
Arizona Transit Association
Mesa, AZ, October 12–13
Our training materials will be distributed
Native Learning Center
October 13, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
Pittsburgh, PA, October 15-18
Forth
October 18, 1:00-2:00 PM
North Carolina Public Transit Association (NCPTA)
October 19, 2:00-3:00 PM
Mass Transit
Indianapolis, IN, October 19-21
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
October 20, 1:00 PM
TRB
October 20, 1:00-2:30 PM
WisDOT/Inter-Tribal Task Force
Wisconsin Dells, WI, October 25-26
We're participating
FTA
October 25-27
New York Public Transit Association
Albany, NY, October 25-27
We're presenting and exhibiting
National Transit Institute
October 26, 1:00-4:30 PM
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
October 27, 1:00 PM
National Transit Institute
October 27, 1:00-4:30 PM
Tribal Injury Prevention Resource Center
Greenwood Village, CO, November 1-3
TRB
Washington, DC, November 3-4
FHWA
Interagency NEPA & Permitting Collaboration Tool (INPCT) Webinar
November 9, 1:00-2:30 PM
National Transit Institute
November 9, 1:00-4:30 PM
Intelligent Transport
November 9-10
Fleet Forward
Santa Clara, CA, November 9 - 11
National Transit Institute
November 10, 1:00-4:30 PM
FORTH
November 15, 1:00-2:00 PM
AASHTO Council on Public Transportation and MTAP
St. Petersburg, FL, November 15-16
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