The new Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a sustainable methodology and platform for access and findability of coordination resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA. Please join us for a webinar on February 23, 2:00-3:00 PM ET, to learn more about TACL and how to utilize it to find transportation coordination technical assistance resources.

National RTAP is updating resources and training for intercity bus stakeholders involved in meeting rural transportation needs through Section 5311(f). We are working with FTA and TRB’s AP055 Rural, Intercity Bus, and Specialized Transportation Committee to reach stakeholders interested in supporting national and regional networks. We will hold a Peer Roundtable on March 9, 2021, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET to develop webinars, peer roundtables, technical briefs, and/or other training formats. Register for the Roundtable. In addition, the deadline for our Intercity Bus Survey has been extended to February 21, 2021.

Join National RTAP staff, Review Board members, and your peers on March 25, 2021, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET for a Transit Manager Peer Roundtable and discuss issues affecting your job, your agency, and your community. Topics may include COVID-related challenges, employee leave, Public Transit Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) development and implementation, Internet access issues on rural roads and workarounds, and planning for the new normal.

In this special workshop held on February 17, 2021, built on principles of National RTAP's Healthy Habits technical brief, participants learned how to manage stress and truly relax, even during difficult times. Access the webinar recording, presentation slides, and summary with audience recommendations for relaxation.

U.S. DOT's FY 2021 SBIR Phase I Solicitation is open through March 8, 2021. FTA research topics are Robots for Unmanned Disinfection and Decontamination of Transit Assets and Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Inspect, Repair and Sanitize Transit Vehicles.

The U.S. DOT Connected Vehicle Deployment Technical Assistance Equipment Loan program has restarted. Equipment that can be borrowed includes Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) and Map Message Test Devices and onboard equipment. For more information, email [email protected].

FTA published its Fiscal Year 2021 Apportionments tables, providing the amounts available for FTA’s programs appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The apportionments are divided into tables by grant (such as Section 5311). The page also includes CRRSAA Act Supplemental Public Transportation Apportionments and Allocations, as well as the prior year's unobligated allocations.

FTA published its annual list of certifications and assurances applicable FTA grants and cooperative agreements for 2021. The page also includes a summary of changes. Coronavirus Relief and CARES Act Certification, PTASP, and Tribal Transit Programs certifications were added. The restricted telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services certification were removed.

The FTA Master Agreement was updated on February 9, 2021. This agreement applies to projects financed with federal funds after the effective date of the Agreement, until the new Agreement is published. The addition is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Order on Requirements for Persons to Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs.

On February 11, 2021, FTA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Solicitation of Project Proposals for the Low-No Emission Program. $180 million of Fiscal Year 2021 funds are available. All applicants must also complete the supplemental form and attach it to their submission. Submissions are due April 12, 2021. A webinar (see link at the bottom of the page) about this opportunity will be held on March 4, 2021, from 2:00-3:30 PM ET.

FTA issued a Dear Colleague Letter on February 16, 2021, rescinding a June 2018 Dear Colleague letter regarding the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. FTA will now rely on the CIG statutory framework to ensure projects awarded funding have met the requirements of federal public transportation law, the Major Capital Investment Projects regulation, and the CIG Final Interim Policy Guidance.

National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) and Foursquare ITP will be conducting a free Digital Tools to Facilitate System Redesigns workshop on March 24-25, 2021 from 12:00-4:00 PM ET. The first day is intended for public transit agency staff and decision-makers, focusing on formulating an approach for a redesign. The second day will be for technical transit agency staff, and will provide opportunities for hands-on exploration of tools.

National RTAP staff will be exhibiting at the virtual Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) 2021 Western Regional Meeting on February 24, 2021, from 1:30-2:15 PM ET.

Southwest Transit Association's (SWTA) 2021 Freedom Through Transit Virtual Annual Conference on February 17-19, 2021 is free and includes an original word search challenge.

Inclusion's Business Models for Inclusive Mobility Guidance for Successful Implementation shows the potential benefits that could be achieved for vulnerable users. The recommendations provide an overview of the relevant decision points to consider for the business models’ introduction and delivery. Cross-comparison considerations for the promotion of inclusive mobility solutions discuss how public, private, and community users could act for a more inclusive transport system.

The Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council published a Getting There Guide: A Resource Guide to Transportation Services for the Denver Metro Area. The Guide assists passengers in finding transportation to an area with four rural counties. Modes include fixed route public transit, on-demand services, volunteer transportation, ride share, and others.

The latest National Transportation Knowledge Network (NTKN) blog post, written by National RTAP and Montana DOT staff, features the National Transportation Library Persistent Identifier LibGuide. The LibGuide explains about persistent identifiers for researchers and research documents, including how to obtain them.

Transit Planning 4 All's Guide for Outreach and Engagement of Diverse Cultural Populations provides strategies for outreach and engagement with individuals whose first language is not English, and those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It lists strategies to contact, inform, and recruit target populations, tips to navigate language barriers, and strategies to communicate and engage people effectively to get meaningful feedback.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance on how to Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19. Options include nose wires, mask fitters and braces, and knotting and tucking.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) created a database to find eligible Paycheck Protection Program lenders. Users can search by zip code, which will bring up an interactive map.

National RTAP began our annual update of its topic guides. Our ADA Topic Guide was updated in February 2021. New resources include:

The White House formed a Climate Innovation Working Group and the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $100 Million Climate Innovation Research Opportunity. Research opportunities include very low-cost zero carbon on-road vehicles and transit systems.

Mass Transit magazine will recognize 40 individuals for their contributions and a job well done in their 2021 40 Under 40 contest. Criteria for selection include such things as job commitment, industry involvement, and contribution, achievement in their position, and innovation in their field. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2021.

The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) launched a Transportation Data Standards Survey to gather state and local transportation and human services stakeholders' input on collecting, reporting, sharing, and coordinating transportation-related data.

Studio Six is holding a Share the Transit Love contest for the top positive and uplifting staff, driver, or rider stories about how transit service is making a difference in people’s lives. The deadline is February 19, 2021.

The application period is open for the 5th annual AARP Community Challenge "quick-action" grant program. Funding is available for local governments and nonprofits to work on a community-improving project that can be started and completed before the year's end.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a Determination of a National Emergency Requiring Actions to Protect the Safety of Americans Using and Employed by the Transportation System on January 27, 2021. This directed the Transportation Security Administration to take action to promote safety in and to secure the transportation system and to mitigate the spread of COVID–19 through the transportation system.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends a fine for those who refuse to wear a mask on transportation, from $250 for the first offense up to $1,500 for repeat offenders. TSA may seek a sanction amount that falls outside these ranges. TSA has provided transportation system providers with guidance on how to report violations so that TSA may issue the penalties.

On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act) was enacted, extending Paycheck Forgiveness Program (PPP) loans through March 31, 2021, and permitting second draw PPP loans. An interim final rule published by the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department on February 5, 2021, consolidates prior rules, including forgiveness of second draw PPP loans.

FMCSA declared an extension of the expanded modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 through May 31, 2021, to provide regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19. The relief covers transportation of COVID-19 vaccines, medical supplies, equipment, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants.

The 24th National Conference on Rural and Intercity Bus (RIBTC) is scheduled for October 24-27, 2021 in Charleston, SC. Undergraduate and graduate students can take part in research paper competitions. Two winning student research papers will be awarded and the authors will receive travel funds to attend the conference (U.S. travel only).  If you would like to receive instructions on either contest, please contact us. The entry must be sent electronically to Del Peterson by April 15, 2021.

National RTAP will be launching a Books in Transit Book Discussion Group this summer. The group will meet (virtually for now) twice a year to participate in a facilitator-led book discussion about fiction books focusing on buses and bus drivers. Please take our survey to select the first book we will read.

Please join us for a #ClimateTransit Twitter chat on April 20, 2021, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET to discuss how climate change could impact rural communities and transit agencies. We will also discuss how transit agencies can prepare for the potential effects of a changing climate, as well as tackle their emissions to mitigate potential climate impacts. The chat will be moderated by Josh Goldman, Associate Director, Climate Nexus. Panelists are Jimmy O’Dea, Senior Vehicles Analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Camron Gorguinpour, Director of Sustainability Solutions, ENGIE Impact. RSVP for an invite.

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.

Feb 17-19

February 18, 3:00-5:00 PM

On the Brink: 2021 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States Webinar

February 19, 1:00-2:50 PM

Email [email protected] to register

February 22-24

February 23, 1:00-2:00 PM

February 23, 2:00-3:00 PM ET

February 23, 2:00-3:00 PM

February 23, 3:00 PM

February 23-25

February 24, 1:30-3:00 PM

February 24-25

February 25, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

February 25, 12:00-1:00 PM

February 25, 2:00-3:00 PM

February 25, 3:00 PM

Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Webinar

March 1, 3:00 PM

Email your full name and agency to [email protected].

March 3, 2:00-3:30 PM

March 4, 12:00-1:00 PM

March 4, 2:00-3:00 PM

March 4, 2:00-3:30 PM

Join link at the bottom of the page

March 4, 2:00-4:40 PM

March 8, 2:00-3:30 PM

March 9, 10:00-11:30 AM

March 9, 2:00 PM

March 15-16, 1:00 PM

APTA

March 16-18

Washington, DC, March 17-19

March 18, 2:00-4:00 PM

March 23, 1:00 PM

March 23, 2:00-3:30 PM

March 24-25

March 25, 2:00-3:00 PM

March 30-31

Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Webinar

April 5, 3:00 PM

Email your full name and agency to [email protected].

April 6, 12:00-9:00 PM

April 6, 1:00 PM

April 10

April 13, 1:00-2:00 PM

April 14-15

April 14, 2:00 PM

April 20, 2:00-3:00 PM

April 21, 2:00–3:30 PM

April 21, 2:00-3:30 PM

Second International Conference on 3D Printing and Transportation

Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Webinar

May 3, 3:00 PM

Email your full name and agency to [email protected].

May 11, 1:00-2:00 PM

FTA

May 11-14

May 18-20

Washington, DC, May 18-21

May 19, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM

May 20, 12:00-1:30 PM

May 25, 1:00-2:00 PM

Email your full name and agency to [email protected].

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 [email protected].