eNews - December 22, 2022 |
|
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
An End-of-Year Letter from our Executive Director Robin Phillips
Clinton County Transit Launches Online Trip Planning with National RTAP GTFS Builder
National RTAP Team Spotlight: Todd Hansen
2023 U.S. DOT RAISE Notice of Funding Opportunity
FTA NOFO for Transit Worker and Rider Safety (TWRS) Best Practices Research Project
|
|
An End-of-Year Letter from our Executive Director Robin Phillips
This has been a year of change and assessment. Where are we going? I think one of the things we see is that we need to look at integrating aspects of training on topics like disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and combatting human trafficking at the state level, as well as using opportunities for technology, such as GTFS, to make transit more accessible, visible, and usable.
It's exciting to see how people have taken the challenges we have encountered in the past few years to build a better transit network with more flexible services and that supports our new normal. Happy New Year with much hope for the future!
|
|
Clinton County Transit Launches Online Trip Planning with National RTAP GTFS Builder
Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT), headquartered in Plattsburgh, New York, launched trip planning for eight intercity and local routes in October 2022, connecting service all the way up to the Canada border, using National RTAP GTFS Builder.
Read about how Luke Cutter, Planning Technician for the Clinton County Planning Department, was able to plan and publish the trip planner in about 4 months. As soon as the agency posted about the trip planner, they received grateful responses from the community. CCPT is currently updating its routes to make them more efficient, and then planning a big roll-out of the trip planner.
|
|
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 need to register for this informal discussion (please note that there are separate roundtables for transit managers - this one is just for State RTAP Managers). Topics to be discussed include state initiatives to combat human trafficking, property-related projects, and electric vehicle sharing.
Join us on January 24, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET for an #OurBusStopsHere Twitter Chat to discuss issues, strategies, and promising practices for bus stop and route planning. The chat will be moderated by National RTAP staff and Review Board Members Paula Smith, Executive Director, Tri River Transit, and Jonnie Kusek, Chief Operations Officer, Panhandle Transit Services. The chat will also feature all photos from our 2022 Photo Contest - The Bus Stops Here. Email us at info@nationalrtap.org if you would like to RSVP.
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!
Learn about TACL: The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library on February 28, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. TACL helps rural and tribal transit agencies access information about public transportation coordination, coordinate among federally funded transit programs, and share resources across agencies to improve transit in their communities.
On March 9, 2023, 2:00-3:00 PM ET, learn how to use Resource Share, the National RTAP portal for free, high-quality technical assistance and training materials for rural and Tribal transit systems. Resource Share features National RTAP-developed resources and linked access to relevant resources developed by other organizations.
National RTAP Holiday Office Closures
The National RTAP offices will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022 and Monday, January 2, 2023. We wish everyone a very happy holiday season and New Year!
|
|
National RTAP Team Spotlight: Todd Hansen
Todd Hansen, AICP, Associate Research Scientist, Transit Mobility Program, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), is one of the masterminds behind the National RTAP Two-Variable Cost Allocation Calculator that can help transit agencies make the process of cost allocation a little less daunting. Find out more about the path that led Todd to cost allocation and his advice to others who want to take a transit project from concept to completion. Find out more about Todd.
National RTAP Participation in Upcoming Conferences and Meetings
We're presenting and exhibiting at the following conferences and meetings:
Save the Date - National RTAP 5th Technical Assistance Conference
National RTAP Featured in the Florida RTAP Bulletin
The Florida RTAP Fall 2022 Bulletin featured a photo of National RTAP Tribal Transit Program Manager Neil Rodriguez, participating in the Florida Small and Rural Transit Agency Roundtable Discussion at the 2022 CTD Conference, convened by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. National RTAP's GTFS Builder technology tool was also featured in the newsletter.
Risky Business II Webinar Recording Posted
National RTAP, AASHTO MTAP, and NADTC held a Risky Business II: Insurance for Nonprofits and Small Transit Agencies webinar on December 14, 2022. This webinar provided nonprofit organizations that offer transportation and small public transit agencies with information and tips about insuring their assets. Access the webinar recording and presentation slides. |
|
|
U.S. DOT published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2023. The program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2023.
FTA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the new FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Transit Worker and Rider Safety (TWRS) Best Practices Research Project. This research project will help transit agencies address operator and rider assaults, identify public safety risks for transit vehicle operators and riders, determine the most effective mitigation strategies to minimize those risks, and promote the implementation of those strategies. Applications are due February 13, 2023.
A new FTA Transit Asset Management (TAM) Peer Working Group will bring together 12-15 participants from different transit agencies to engage virtually on TAM-related topics to promote peer learning, share peer-designed resources, and collaborate on best practices. Applications must be submitted by December 28, 2022.
On December 14, 2022, U.S. DOT implemented the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act of 2002), which notifies all employees, former employees, and applicants for federal employment of the rights and protections available to them under the Federal Anti-discrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws.
Transit agencies that serve a small urbanized area (population of fewer than 200,000) have until December 31, 2022 to update their Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (ASP) in cooperation with frontline employee representatives. Transit agencies can submit updated ASPs for voluntary review by the PTASP Technical Assistance Center (TAC). Send draft plans to PTASP-TAC@dot.gov. |
|
The Eno Center for Transportation offers a Transportation Mid-Manager Accelerate program, designed for mid-level leaders. The course is designed to enhance strategic skillsets, engage in meaningful leadership content and learning, and re-invigorate how participants show up as leaders. Registration will close on February 10, 2023.
Understanding Passengers Who Have Experienced Trauma is a free online learning course from CTAA for public transportation, NEMT, specialized transportation, and other drivers who interact with the general public on a daily basis. Its purpose is to educate drivers on the impacts that past traumatic events can have on individuals and how those impacts may play out in a transportation setting.
|
|
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides a Walk Audit Tool Kit, which contains a fillable Public Transit Access Worksheet. Users can answer questions that include whether the transit stop or station is in a useful location and whether the transit stop or station is clean and well-maintained and add additional observations to rate a communities walkability.
A Partnering for Rural Transportation podcast with Alisa Druzba, director of the New Hampshire Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, and Steve Workman, director of Transport New Hampshire, discussed the development of the New Hampshire Mobility Management Network and how it provides options for rural patients. They explain the importance of collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure long-term sustainability moving forward. |
|
ClimRR, the Climate Risk and Resilience Portal, enables users to examine simulated future climate conditions at mid- and end-of-century for a range of climate perils. ClimRR was developed by the Center for Climate Resilience and Decision Science at Argonne National Laboratory in collaboration with AT&T and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Centre for Better Aging offers a suite of Age Positive Icons, that can be used to replace the limited and stereotypical selection of icons and symbols commonly used to depict aging and older people in public life. Icons include older adults walking and bicycling.
The Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety (CHORUS) Transportation Budgeting Tool is a fillable spreadsheet that assists users who are looking into public transportation or rideshare applications for older drivers. It compares current automobile expenses with future non-auto-related expenses.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map displays where Internet services are available across the United States, as reported by Internet Service Providers to the FCC. It is searchable by address, location, provider, or area. |
|
NCHRP is conducting a survey to identify the preferences and characteristics of cyclists that use the road infrastructure in the U.S. The survey is open to U.S. adult residents. Results will inform NCHRP Project 08-135: Reliability and Quality of Service Evaluation Methods for Rural Highways.
TransitCenter's new Transforming Transit Leadership Cohort connects emerging and established leaders in the field to build a network of like-minded individuals who seek to serve as change agents. Transforming Transit will run as a cohort model that meets monthly for interactive sessions that will include presentations, large group discussions, and smaller breakout groups. Applications are due January 31, 2023.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all applications for radio station or system licenses be approved by the appropriate frequency coordination agency before submission. AASHTO can coordinate eligible local government communication system frequency applications and perform frequency coordination for all Public Safety Part 90.20 frequencies.
Forth's Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Program provides a roadmap, resources, and recognition for organizations as they support the adoption of sustainable modes of transportation at their worksite. The program features a self-certification program.
TCRP is seeking nominations for Project Panels for selected Research Projects through February 3, 2023. Project topics include fare policies, zero-emission plans, technology implementation, floating transit stops and passengers with vision disabilities, and a number of additional topics. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. |
|
The Interagency Council on Statistical Policy announced that the standard application process, or SAP, began accepting applications on December 8, 2022. For the first time, primary statistical agencies and units have agreed to use a single application for access to their restricted-use data assets. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is part of this; BTS microdata in the SAP is available on the BTS SAP Inventory page.
NHTSA is seeking comments through January 19, 2023 on Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), Non-Traffic Surveillance (NTS) and Special Studies Data Collection reporting. Special studies may include police jurisdiction crash data.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that decisions around some aspects of the EV tax credits will be delayed until March 2023. The Department will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in March with proposed guidance on the critical minerals and battery components requirements. |
|
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.
Smart Growth America
Washington, DC and virtual, January 7
TRB
Washington, DC, January 8-12
Visit our poster session!
National RTAP
January 9, 2:00-3:00 PM
Housing and Services Resource Center
January 9, 2:00 PM
United Motorcoach Association (UMA)
Orlando, FL, January 11-14
National Transit Institute
January 12, 1:00-5:00
FTA
January 18, 2:00-3:00 PM
U.S. DOT
January 18, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
National Transit Institute
January 23-26, 1:00-5:00
National Transit Institute
January 23-26, 1:00-5:00
TRB
January 24, 12:30-2:00 PM
National RTAP
January 24, 2:00-3:00 PM
FTA
January 25, 2:00-3:30 PM
Northwest Pennsylvania Mobility Alliance/Transit Association of South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, SC, February 1-2
American Bus Association
Detroit, MI, February 4-7
Smart Growth America
February 7-9
Native Learning Center
Hollywood, FL, Feb 7-9
National Transit Institute
February 9, 1:00-5:00
Transportation Energy Partners
Washington, DC, February 12-15
National Transit Institute
February 13-16, 1:00-3:30
FORTH
February 14, 10:00-11:00 AM
National Transit Institute
February 14-15, 1:00-4:30
National RTAP
February 16, 2:00-3:00 PM
National Transit Institute
February 20-23, 1:00-4:30
National Transit Institute
February 20-23, 1:00-5:00
National Transit Institute
February 20-23, 1:00-5:00
FHWA
February 22, 1:00-3:00 PM
Southwest Transit Association (SWTA)
Aurora, CO, February 22-25
Please stop by our booth!
APTA
Las Vegas, NV, February 26 - March 1
National Transit Institute
March 9, 1:00-5:00
National Transit Institute
March 13-16, 1:00-4:30
FORTH
March 14, 10:00-11:00 AM
National Transit Institute
March 14-15, 1:00-4:30
National Transit Institute
March 20-23, 1:00-4:30
National Transit Institute
March 20-23, 1:00-5:00
National Transit Institute
March 27-30, 1:00-4:30
National Transit Institute
March 27-30, 1:00-5:00
ATTWG
Anchorage, AK, March 28-30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
