eNews - December 5, 2024

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 Status of Rural and Tribal Transit Survey Launched

Upcoming National RTAP LinkedIn Learnalong on Succession Planning

Upcoming State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable

National RTAP Review Board Member Spotlight Article - Tom Nutter

FTA Notice of Funding Opportunity for Bus Safety and Accessibility Research Program

Upcoming LinkedIn Learnalong on Succession Planning

Join transit leaders from the National RTAP Review Board for a LinkedIn Learnalong on succession planning on January 7, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. Participants will watch instructional videos and engage in a discussion on LinkedIn with our co-moderators on best practices and lessons learned. RSVP.

FTA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Bus Safety and Accessibility Research Program. FTA seeks projects that address critical safety issues and technology opportunities in public transit vehicle design. Applications are being accepted through January 17, 2025.

FTA announced the opportunity to apply for funding from Fiscal Years 2022, 2023, and 2024 in Public Transportation Innovation Program funds for a competitive cooperative agreement to develop and manage a new FTA Technology Transfer (T2) Program. This program will promote the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability. Applications must be submitted by February 11, 2025.

FTA announced its calendar year 2025 drug and alcohol random testing rates for specific recipients of FTA financial assistance. Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum random drug testing rate will remain at 50%, and the random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10%.

FTA is proposing an updated circular about procurements financed in whole or part with federal assistance awarded by FTA through grants or cooperative agreements (third-party procurements). This updated circular would cancel and replace Circular FTA C 4220.1F. Comments are due December 27, 2024.

Comments are invited through December 26, 2024 on the information collection of qualitative feedback on FTA's customer and stakeholder timeliness, appropriateness, accuracy of information, courtesy, efficiency of service delivery, and resolution of issues with service delivery.

U.S. DOT and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable stakeholders from state, tribal, territorial, local, and commercial entities to collaborate with NOAA climate scientists and communicators to exchange information and resources. The MOU will be in effect for 5 years.

U.S. DOT launched a Climate Strategies that Work Playbook that provides effective strategies for reducing transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies include public transit expansion, transit system integration, intercity buses, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and many others.

The 2024 United States Department of Transportation Annual has been published. It contains information on 2024 initiatives from U.S. DOT, FTA, and other U.S. DOT programs.

FTA published a web page with Frequently Asked Questions about General Directive 24-1: Required Actions Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers. Transit agencies must provide information to FTA by December 26, 2024 on how they are assessing, mitigating and monitoring the safety risk associated with assaults on transit workers, using SMS Report.

U.S. DOT issued a Request for Information to solicit feedback on its updated Transportation Community Explorer (TC Explorer) tool and index methodology. TC Explorer is an interactive dashboard to help users understand how a project area experiences disadvantage compared to all other census tracts nationally. Responses must be received by December 16, 2024.

U.S. DOT published a resource for Formula and Grant Funding Sources Available for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. Tables contain links and descriptions for grants that fund V2X initiatives.

FHWA offers an Introduction to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Federal Requirements – Guidance for Local and Tribal Agencies Online Course. This training provides an overview of the BIL along with federal program and project requirements.

Transportation for Massachusetts provides a People's Caravan learning series to help organizers, community members, and those interested in transportation work gain knowledge and collaborate on how to advance transportation justice.

South West Transit Association (SWTA) is holding a webinar on Protecting Passenger Health on Public Transit through SMART Air Quality Management on December 12, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM ET. The session will cover the impacts of air quality within a variety of public and private transportation on passenger health and safety, as well as emerging studies and regulations on bus air quality. 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) new Learning Management System has replaced the Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) and will replace multiple other platforms. It is free and available to the public and includes topics such as cloud security, risk management, malware analysis, and more.

The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) created an animated video about an older adult who went to a senior center and learned how to set up and use a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app on her mobile device. The video describes the process she uses to set up and pay for her rides and how the app texts her when the bus is 15 minutes away.

The Center for Rural Affairs Grant Application Guide for Rural Communities seeks to demystify the federal funding application process by walking you through the various stages and providing tips to make grant applications more competitive. The guide includes information on grant application timelines, grant writing, project justification, budget development, submission, monitoring, and reporting.

Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) is a tool for creating efficiencies in the transportation project development process to accelerate project delivery. FHWA's Planning and Environment Linkages Handbook provides an overview of PEL and how to incorporate it into NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) planning.

TRB created a Snap Search on Social Equity & Underserved Populations. Resources include Practices to Promote Equity in Transportation Funding, A Research Roadmap for Transportation and Public Health, Tactile Wayfinding in Transportation Settings for Travelers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, and other resources.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office provides data from its ITS Deployment Tracking Survey. Transit management deployment data on over 460 transit agencies can be filtered by state, region, or statistical area (rural, small urban, etc.).

The U.S. Census Bureau enables the embedding of its Census Reporter Profile Charts on any website. A webpage provides instructions, examples, and frequently asked questions.

The Shared-Use Mobility Center's (SUMC) Shared Mobility Benefits Calculator is an interactive map that estimates the emissions benefits from deploying various modes of shared mobility. Users can click on a city or search by city. Results will display reductions in emissions by bikeshare, transit, vanpool, and other options.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics updated its National Transportation Statistics. Updated tables include include Vehicle Miles, Transit Buses and Rail Stations with Disabilities Accessible, Injured Persons by Transportation Mode, Transit Safety and Property Damage, and other data.

Google Maps now shows traffic incident reports through Waze. These are self-reported reports from Waze users that other users can confirm whether they are still in effect.

A new organization has been established to support mobility managers and all transportation professionals. The Association of Mobility Managers aims to promote innovative, flexible, and sustainable mobility solutions that connect individuals and communities to tailored transportation options. Individuals can complete an interest form to receive more information regarding association activities.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for fiscal year 2025. Second quarter applications must be received by December 31, 2024. USDA is also seeking applications for its Rural Business Development Grant Program through February 28, 2025 and its Rural Energy for America Program through March 31, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program to assist at-risk communities, including Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2025.

Climate United NEXT offers a pre-development grant program to help nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Tribes, and others accelerate early-stage clean energy projects through planning to project financing. The deadline to apply for the first round of Climate United NEXT grants is January 10, 2025.

The Community Care Corps is accepting applications through December 11, 2024 for grants to develop innovative local models that provide volunteer, nonmedical support to family caregivers, older adults, or adults with disabilities. This initiative empowers organizations to refine or expand their efforts in helping individuals maintain independence.

The Internet for All's State Digital Equity Capacity and Planning Grant Program addresses the barriers and promotes the availability of affordable access to broadband technology, online accessibility and availability of public resources and services offered online. The deadline for Native Entities to apply is February 7, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy is soliciting applications for its Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas grant program through August 28, 2025. This program serves communities of 10,000 people or fewer. 

FMCSA intends to use quantitative data collection techniques through a self-administered online survey to understand commercial motor vehicle drivers’ perceptions and behaviors regarding safety belt usage and road safety. Comments are due December 23, 2024.

The Corporate Transparency Act was enacted by Congress in 2021. Under the Act, small businesses in the U.S. need to file beneficial ownership information reports with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025.

On November 18, 2024, NTHSA finalized updates to its 5-Star Safety Ratings program, which incorporated new advanced driver assistance technologies, adding a crashworthiness pedestrian protection program, and setting a roadmap for future program changes over the next 10 years.

The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology announced the formation of the Testing Risks of AI for National Security (TRAINS) Taskforce.

The General Services Administration (GSA) issued a Final Rule, effective December 26, 2024, on Transportation Payment and Audit Regulations that simplifies requirements, alters statutory references, and clarifies GSA's role in resolving disputes from audits of transportation bills. GSA also issued a Final Rule to update its Transportation Management regulation with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility language.

The U.S. Department of State requests information to assist in reporting on the degree to which the U.S. and foreign governments meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons that are prescribed by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Submissions are due February 3, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Labor tentatively concluded that subminimum wages are no longer necessary to prevent the curtailment of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and proposes to phase out Section 14(c) certificates. Comments on this Proposed Rule are due January 17, 2025.

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 5 or 6 for Hawaii (depending on daylight savings time).



Georgia Transit Association (GTA)

2024 GTA Annual Conference

Columbia, GA, December 4-6  

Please visit our booth!

New

Micromobility Industries

Mobility Shifts and the Impact on Micromobility in the US Webinar

December 5, 11:00 AM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

December 5, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates Pre-Release Webinar

U.S. Census Bureau

December 5, 1:00-2:00 PM

Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

CTS Webinar: Expanding the Transportation Workforce

December 5, 2:00-3:30 PM

Great Lakes ADA Center

Accessible Bus and Van Transportation Webinar

December 5, 2:30-4:00 PM

New

Climate United NEXT

Climate United NEXT Webinar

December 6, 2:00-2:45 PM

New

U.S. DOT

U.S. DOT Climate Strategies that Work Playbook Launch Webinar

December 6, 2:00-3:00 PM

Center for Transportation Studies, Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

CTS Webinar: Unlocking Autonomous Transportation Potential—Key Insights from the goMARTI Shuttle Pilot

December 6, 2:30-4:00 PM

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

APTA Safety and Risk Management Seminar

Atlanta, GA, December 8-11

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

APTA Transit Ballot Initiatives Workshop

Cincinnati, OH, December 9-11

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

December 10, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Assault Awareness and Prevention for Transit Operators (Train-the-Trainer) Online Course

December 10, 1:00-4:30 PM

FTA

TAM Webinar: Resource Updates and Learning Opportunities

December 10, 3:00 PM

Broadband USA

Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Additional Funding & Other Certifications

December 11, 3:00 PM

U.S. Census Bureau

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

December 11, 3:00-4:30 PM

Q'Straint

Q'Straint: Q'LIVE Wheelchair Securement Training Webinar

December 12, 12:00 PM

New

South West Transit Association (SWTA)

Protecting Passenger Health on Public Transit through SMART Air Quality Management Webinar

December 12, 12:00-1:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

December 12, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

TRB 

Recruitment & Retention to Support Transit Workers' Mental Health Webinar

December 12, 1:00-2:30 PM

U.S. Access Board

Preliminary Findings on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Disability Community and AI Practitioners Webinar

December 12, 2:00-3:30 PM

New

U.S. DOT

FY 2025 RAISE Webinar Round 2: Location Designations 

December 12, 2:00-3:30 PM  

National Transit Institute

Violence in the Transit Workplace - Prevention, Response and Recovery (Train the Trainer) Online Course

December 16, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

December 17, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

U.S. DOT

FY 2025 RAISE Webinar Round 2: How to Prepare A Benefit-Cost Analysis for RAISE Grants

December 17, 2:00-4:00 PM  

New

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC)

MCSAC Public Meeting

December 17-18, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

National Transit Institute

National Transit Database: Annual Reporting for Indian Tribes Virtual Course

December 17-18, 1:00-4:30 PM

National Transit Institute

Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment

Long Beach, CA, December 17-19

New

National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)

Food Access and Mobility Community Coordination Guide Webinar

December 18, 11:00 AM - 12 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

December 19, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

U.S. DOT

FY 2025 RAISE Webinar Round 2: Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet Template and Office Hours

December 19, 1:00-2:00 PM  

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 2, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

TRB

TRB Annual Meeting

Washington, DC, January 5-9

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

January 7, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Succession Planning LinkedIn Learnalong

January 7, 2:00-3:00 PM

Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)

CES 2025 - PAVE Roundtable

Las Vegas, NV, January 8, 1:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 9, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable

January 9, 2:00-3:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

January 14, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

U.S. DOT

Navigating Climate Challenges: Enhancing Transportation Resilience Webinar

January 15, 2:00 PM

U.S. Census Bureau

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

January 15, 3:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 16, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

January 21, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

Risky Business III: Insurance for NEMT

January 23, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 23, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Seminole Tribe of Florida 

Renewable Energy & Sustainability 7th Annual Conference 

Hollywood, FL, January 27-29

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

January 28, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

January 30, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

February 4, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 6, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

Transportation Energy Partners

Energy Independence Summit 2025

Washington, DC, February 10-13

New

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

February 11, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 13, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

February 18, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

Southwest Transit Association (SWTA)

SWTA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo

Tucson, AZ, February 18-21

New

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 20, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

Books in Transit Discussion Group Meeting - The Lost Ticket

February 20, 2:00-3:00 PM

New

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

February 25, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

New

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

February 27, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

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.

National RTAP | 888-589-6821 | info@nationalrtap.org | nationalrtap.org