eNews - December 21, 2023

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

National RTAP Review Board Transitions and Call for Nominees

An End-of-Year Message from our Executive Director Robin Phillips

Upcoming Resources for Rurals Rural Health Chat

Resources Posted for National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference

U.S. DOT Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Autonomous Vehicle Program (RAV)

National RTAP Review Board Transitions & Call for Nominees

Kari Banta

Carolyn Freitag

Left to Right: Robin Phillips, Paula Smith, Bren Schweitzer, Jill Stedem, Liz Taylor

An End of Year Message from our Executive Director Robin Phillips

At our recent Technical Assistance Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC (our first conference in four years!), the impact of having all the people together cannot be underestimated - seeing everyone in the room talking and engaging was amazing. The challenges and opportunities for the next year are exciting and so many people brought their strategies to the table. We look forward to helping spread best practices and approaches to rural and tribal communities everywhere and building upon our strong network of services and partnerships.

Upcoming Resources for Rurals Rural Health Chat



Join experts from National RTAP and Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) for a #Resources4Rurals Rural Health Chat on January 18, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. The chat will introduce many sources of information and training on how rural transit can improve the health of the community. RSVP to info@nationalrtap.org.

U.S. DOT published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its new Rural Autonomous Vehicle Program (RAV). The RAV program research shall focus on applications of automated vehicle technologies for rural communities that support transportation strategic goals and objectives documented in the U.S. DOT strategic plans and documents. Applications will be accepted through March 13, 2024.

FTA is seeking comments through February 5, 2024 on a new information collection titled FTA Program Evaluation for Processes and Outcomes. FTA needs to collect data directly from program participants, such as State DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations, transit authorities, state and local government units, and Tribes, to understand their experiences and benefits of FTA program participation.

FTA is seeking approval of an information collection that will allow FTA to collect safety related data from transit agencies, State Safety Oversight Agencies, and states. The data will be used to analyze how FTA recipients are complying with FTA safety requirements and whether there are needs for new or revised safety requirements. Comments are due January 10, 2024.

The White House released a list of programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act that are covered by the Justice40 Initiative, which focuses on environmental justice. U.S. DOT has 40 Justice40 covered programs.

U.S. DOT published a Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet Template for Discretionary Grant Programs. A benefit-cost analysis is a systematic process for identifying, quantifying, and comparing expected benefits and costs of an investment, action, or policy. The template is available in spreadsheet format.

U.S. DOT's new Intersections Transportation Data + Equity Hub 1.0 provides tools, metrics, and data to analyze transportation access and the impacts of the transportation system on communities. It includes geospatial data, data catalogs, tools, maps, and apps.

U.S. DOT is seeking comments through January 11, 2024 for a renewal of its information collection on Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. Two new items have been added to this collection: Oral Fluid Collector Training Documentation and Oral Fluid Collector Error Correction Training Documentation.

FTA published a summary of 2020 Census Changes in Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) that provides an overview of the changes made in TrAMS, as well as the urbanized areas (UZAs) impacted by each type of change. The changes were implemented on December 7, 2023. It explains about completely new UZAs created from previously rural territories.

The December 2023 FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates newsletter was published. It contains guidance on topics including return-to-duty requirements not expiring, a new Drug and Alcohol Management Information System (DAMIS) login procedure, and other topics.

FTA published its FY 2023-2024 Rural Surface Transportation Grant Awards. Project funding will increase regional access to more affordable transit options, provide transit service to a mobile home park, expand a consortium of public transit agencies, and incorporate mobile technology to pull from real-time data to identify the fastest and most optimal routes.

FTA proposed a General Directive to address the significant and continuing national-level safety risk related to assaults on transit workers. The General Directive would require each transit agency subject to FTA’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) to conduct a safety risk assessment, identify safety risk mitigations, or strategies, and provide information to FTA on how it is assessing, mitigating, and monitoring the safety risk associated with assaults on transit workers. Comments are due February 20, 2024.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Disability Integration and Coordination has a training course on Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations. The course is designed for all personnel involved in disaster operations. It provides an introductory overview of information and strategies on how to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) is a new national workplace charging certification program that provides recognition and technical assistance to organizations supporting the adoption of clean employee transportation options. 

The National Transit Institute (NTI) published it's list of upcoming trainings. Virtual courses include Business Writing: Write it Right, Crisis Communication for Transit Managers, Transportation Planning Process, and many other offerings.

Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) published The Path to Mobility Interoperability. It introduces SUMC's Mobility Data Interoperability Logic Model, which guides organizations through setting mobility interoperability project goals, identifying needs, filling gaps, implementing data standards, and management and maintenance.

Reports are available for the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency's (HIRTA) proposed concept “Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End” (Health Connector). The project focused on improving transportation access to healthcare for underserved groups in Iowa. Access the reports for the Outreach Plan and System Architecture for the ITS4US Deployment Project.

SAE International published the NACS Electric Vehicle Coupler J3400_202312 standard. This document covers the general physical, electrical, functional, safety, and performance requirements for conductive power transfer to an electric vehicle using a coupler, which can be hand-mated and is capable of transferring either DC or AC single-phase power using two current-carrying contacts.

Google Person Finder is a web application that allows individuals to post and search for the status of individuals affected by a disaster. The program also lets non-governmental agencies and others contribute to the database and receive updates by using the Person Finder API. Organizations can also embed Person Finder on their own websites.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics' (BTS) Access to Intercity Transportation Interactive Map shows the percentage of the rural population with access to intercity bus transportation and has been updated with 2021 data. The webpage provides several maps and charts, such as the percentage of rural population with no intercity transportation.

A set of standardized Minimum Required Error Codes (MRECS) was proposed by the ChargeX Consortium to address the challenges associated with custom error codes in the North American Electric Vehicle charging ecosystem. Error codes include ground failure, over voltage, weak signal, and many others.

The Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) eRoadMAP is an interactive energy map that presents the approximate amount of energy needed at a local level to electrify transportation over time for light-, medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Users can

also view what the approximate energy needs would be if all transportation is electrified.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Programs Office provides a Benefits, Costs, and Lessons Learned Map that shows the geographic distribution of the ITS Deployment Evaluation Program's Benefits, Costs, and Lessons Learned databases. Filters include topic, connected vehicle category, and others.

Indian Health Service is seeking grant solicitations for its Tribal Self-Governance Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Program through February 19, 2024. The purpose of this Agreement is to provide Tribes with resources to help defray the costs associated with preparing for and engaging in Tribal Self-Governance Program negotiations. 

All-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles purchased new by businesses in 2023 or after may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit will depend on factors that include the vehicle's final assembly location, battery component, and other factors. Businesses and tax-exempt organizations that buy a qualified commercial clean vehicle may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $40,000.

The FHWA FY23-FY24 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program is accepting applications through February 2, 2024. Eligible entities can submit projects that will deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment.

The National Operations Center of Excellence and U.S. DOT ITS JPO's Professional Capacity Building Program annual student Transportation Technology Tournament is

accepting problem statements through December 31, 2024. This competition enables students to work directly with public agencies to solve real-world transportation problems utilizing technology solutions. Problem Statements can be submitted to Adam Hopps.

Canete Medina Consulting Group is conducting a survey for NCHRP on Best DEI Strategies for the Transportation Planning Professionals. The survey is for all transportation planning professionals over 18 years old who currently work or previously worked for a public agency within the last 5 years. The study will investigate meaningful and effective strategies for public agencies to increase and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their transportation planning staff.

A second round of free COVID-19 tests can now be ordered, allowing all U.S. households to place a second order to receive four more free tests. Households that have not yet placed an order can place two orders, to receive a total of eight tests.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program will fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation. The deadline is November 21, 2024.

The TCRP Synthesis Program is filling seats for project panels on cyber vulnerability, equitable access, supporting the workforce, and more. Nominate individuals with expertise directly relevant to the research by February 2, 2024.

On December 6, 2023, the president signed an Executive Order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination. Federal agencies will work with the White House Council on Native American Affairs to coordinate the implementation of this order, share leading practices, and identify potential opportunities for federal policy reforms that would promote accessible, equitable, and flexible administration of federal funding and support programs for Tribal Nations.

FHWA published a Final Rule in the Federal Register effective January 8, 2024 on National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure. It requires State DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to establish declining carbon dioxide targets for the greenhouse gas measure and report on progress toward those targets. 

The White House Council on Environmental Quality and the White House Office of Management and Budget are seeking public input through January 19, 2024 to inform future versions of the Environmental Justice Scorecard.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued standard mileage rates for 2024 - 67 cents a mile (up 1.5 cents from 2023). IRS also delayed the new Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations for the calendar year 2023 to begin in the tax year 2024.

The Department of Energy proposes new energy conservation standards for a subset of electric motors, expanded scope electric motors, expressed in terms of average full-load efficiency, and seeks comments through February 13, 2024.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules for commercial mobile service providers that have elected to participate in the Wireless Emergency Alert system to support messages in the 13 most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. as well as English and American Sign Language. 

The American Climate Corps was established by the U.S. Departments of Commerce, the Interior, Agriculture, Labor and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and AmeriCorps through a Memorandum of Understanding that will serve as a blueprint for the multiagency program. 

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.

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 4, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

U.S. DOT OST Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity (ACTE)

ASTE Public Meeting 

January 5, 2:30-4:30 PM

TRB

2024 TRB Annual Meeting

Washington, DC, January 7-11

We're participating

National Transit Institute

Project Management for Transit Professionals Virtual Course

January 8-11, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Transportation Planning Process Virtual Course

January 8-11, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

FTA Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel Virtual Course

January 9, 1:00-5:00 PM

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Virtual Tribal Consultation Session: IHS Tribal Consultation Policy - Definition of Indian Tribe

January 9, 3:00 PM

Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) and National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) 

The Role of Person-Centered Planning for Employment Support Webinar

January 9, 3:00-4:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 11, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

American Bus Association (ABA) 

ABA Marketplace

Nashville, TN, January 13-16

National Transit Institute

Understanding ADA Virtual Course

January 16, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable

January 16, 2:00-3:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Overview of Title VI and Public Transit Virtual Course

January 16-17, 1:00-4:30 PM

FORTH/Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL)

EVAL Information Session

January 17, 12:00-12:30 PM

National Safety Council

The Top 3 Things to Know When Managing a Fleet Webinar

January 17, 3:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 18, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP and Rural Health Information Hub

Resources for Rurals Rural Health Chat

January 18, 2:00-3:00 PM

AT3 Center

Making Videos Accessible Webinar

January 18, 3:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Enhancing Your Transit Asset Management Program with Lifecycle Management Virtual Course

January 22-24, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Paratransit Management and Operations Virtual Course

January 22-25, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Virtual Course

January 22-25, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Project Management for Transit Professionals Virtual Course

January 22-25, 1:00-4:30 PM

Appalachian Regional Commission

Getting the Grant Workshop

Asheville, NC, January 23, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 25, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Safe-D 

Measuring the Safety of ADS: How Safe is Safe Enough Webinar

January 25, 2:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Transit Service Planning Virtual Course

January 29 - February 1, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Principles for Effective Management and Supervision Virtual Course

January 29 - February 1, 1:00-5:00 PM

Appalachian Regional Commission

Getting the Grant Workshop

Birmingham, AL, January 30, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

FTA

Virtual FTA MIS Overview

January 30, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

FORTH/Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL)

EVAL Information Session

January 31, 1:00-1:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 1, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) 

2024 SWTA Annual Conference & Expo

Tulsa, OK, February 4-7

We're participating

United Motorcoach Association (UMA)

UMA Motorcoach EXPO

Raleigh, NC, February 4-7

AASHTO

AASHTO Washington Briefing

Washington, DC, February 5-8

National Transit Institute

Project Management for Transit Professionals Virtual Course

February 5-8, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Paratransit Management and Operations Virtual Course

February 5-8, 1:00-5:00 PM

Appalachian Regional Commission

Getting the Grant Workshop

Portsmouth, OH, February 6, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Native Learning Center

6th Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference 

Hollywood, FL, Feb 6-8

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 8, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP and NADTC

Learn About TACL, The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library

February 8, 2:00-3:00 PM

Transportation Energy Partners (TEP)

2024 Energy Independence Summit

Washington, D.C., February 11-14 

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

APTA Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Workshop

New Orleans, LA, February 11-14

National Transit Institute

Enhancing Your Transit Asset Management Program with Lifecycle Management Virtual Course

February 12-14, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Virtual Course

February 12-15, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Crisis Communication for Transit Managers Virtual Course

February 13-14, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Business Writing: Write it Right Virtual Course

February 14, 2:00-4:00 PM

FORTH/Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL)

EVAL Information Session

February 14, 3:00-3:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 15, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

FTA Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel Virtual Course

February 15, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Books in Transit Discussion Group Meeting - A Purposeful Path

February 15, 2:00-3:00 PM

Complete Coachworks (CCW)

Electric Bus Technology & Symposium

Riverside, CA, February 15-16

Please stop by our booth!

Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)

GHG Emissions Prediction using Machine Learning Webinar

February 16, 12:00-1:00 PM

Native Learning Center

Federal Grants Management for Tribes & Tribal Entities Training

Pala, CA, February 20-21

National Transit Institute

Understanding ADA Virtual Course

February 21, 1:00-5:00 PM

Native Learning Center

Developing a Tribal Nonprofit Training

Pala, CA, February 22

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 22, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Transit Service Planning Virtual Course

February 26-29, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Principles for Effective Management and Supervision Virtual Course

February 26-29, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Project Management for Transit Professionals Virtual Course

February 26-29, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Transportation Planning Process Virtual Course

February 26-29, 1:00-5:00 PM

Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

2024 Tribal Clean Energy Summit

Temecula, Ca, February 27-28

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 29, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

National RTAP Rural and Tribal Transit Training - Capital Projects

Spokane, WA, April 22-23

For a listing of all National RTAP and other national events, view our Calendar. Also, see the FTA Events Calendar. To submit an event, email info@nationalrtap.org.

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