New FTA Resources Available for Reporting Assaults on Transit Workers | |
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FTA has published three new resources that will clarify the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) requirements for expanded reporting of assaults on transit workers to the National Transit Database (NTD). These resources will help transit agencies:
- Understand the difference between major and non-major events.
- Distinguish between physical and non-physical assaults.
- Know the “Who,” “What” and “Where” of an assault event.
New technical resources include:
These new resources serve as another tool in FTA’s NTD reporting toolkit; and additional details can be found on the new Transit Worker Assault webpage. For additional support related to reporting assaults on transit workers, please contact NTDHelp@dot.gov.
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Kansas and Oklahoma Mobility Managers Visit Transit Call Center | |
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On April 30, Kansas and Oklahoma mobility managers teamed up for a peer field trip to the Pelivan Transit Call Center in Big Cabin Oklahoma. The event focused on the unique call center business model and the technology that supported a better way of operating, coordination efforts and also data performance measures.
Michelle Coats, a mobility manager serving part of Kansas, proposed this event to learn more about how Pelivan found success in the PICK program and also using that same technology in their rural 5311 transit call center. This sparked the interest of Oklahoma mobility managers to learn more about the services to support efforts of rural transits across the state who are interested in learning more about how existing agencies have utilized technology.
The meeting on April 30 started with a preview of the technology used and how drivers interact with the system. The meeting covered the history of technology used, struggles including the COVID-19 pandemic and technology for regular services as well as enhanced after-hours on-demand transportation that includes multiple 5311 partners. Some of the keypoints found during the discussion include:
● Don’t be afraid of new technology, jump in with an open mind to give it a try. Doing the same old process will result in the same struggles and outcomes daily.
● Frequent communication is very important. Not only with the technology service provider, but also your transit staff and transit drivers to ensure they all are using the system the way leadership has in mind.
● Set realistic expectations and keep an open mind with a willingness to learn.
● System collects a lot of rider information including demographics that is perfect for mobility management programs to analyze.
The meeting concluded with reviewing performance measures and then scheduling transportation via the PICK mobile app to lunch. Some of the data metrics included trip purpose per month, wheelchair accessible requests per month, total ridership, booking method used and request status per month. Data like this is used to analyze where improvements are needed and where the service is supporting the needs of riders. Did you know PICK Transportation has transported more than 500 mobility device dependent passengers after hours since August? What a life changing service!!
In conclusion, technology has changed the way this rural system operates and they are continuing to improve in so many ways. As part of the transit family, Pelivan is happy to share information about lessons learned and how to implement change in a rural area. Many public transit agencies are going above and beyond and we want to encourage all of you to reach out to them for a peer field trip to learn more about how you can bring that innovation to your area.
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EMBARK Selected for Innovation Showcase | |
EMBARK'S Climb Ride Program Expanding | |
EMBARK and OMI are pleased to announce expansion of EMBARK’s award-winning Climb Ride Program (www.embarkok.com/climb-ride). Partnering with the Oklahoma Mobility Institute and Pivot, A Turning Point for Youth (https://www.pivotok.org/), EMBARK’s Mobility Management team will begin the three-year project in July 2024. The project is funded by a generous grant from the Arnall Family Foundation (https://arnallfamilyfoundation.org/). We will be hiring another Mobility Coordinator and I’ll send details once posted for application. | |
EMBARK Announces Expansion of Coordinated Human Services Transportation Network | |
EMBARK is excited to announce the next expansion of our coordinated human services transportation network. In June 2024, EMBARK will begin partnering with HopeHouse OKC (see: https://www.hopehouseokc.com/) to provide transportation to single mothers participating in diversion programs and workforce development services. HopeHouse participants will be comingled with participants of ReMerge (https://www.remergeok.org/). ReMerge and EMBARK have been partnering since November 2023. Additional partnerships are expected to launch throughout 2024 and 2025 as the network continues to expand. | |
MAPS 4 to improve 140 EMBARK bus stops in 2024 | |
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The City of Oklahoma City will improve 140 EMBARK bus stops this year in the first phase of the MAPS 4 Bus Stop Improvements project.
The enhancements will provide ADA-accessible, covered transit shelters with security lighting, trash receptacles and bike racks. The upgraded transit stops will result in a more comfortable public transit experience for residents and visitors.
Phase 1 includes $4.3 million to improve bus stops across the city, which were deemed the highest priority based on daily ridership and other factors, including proximity to certain facilities where there is a need to improve accessibility to public transit. MAPS 4 includes $11.2 million to improve approximately 500 of the system’s 1,400 stops.
Oklahoma City’s current bus stop shelter configurations are 5-by-8 feet and include a two-seat bench. With the addition of the MAPS 4 bus stop improvements, over half of the transit stops in EMBARK’s network will be ADA-accessible with a shelter.
MAPS 4 Bus Stop Improvements Phase 1 include:
- Shelter upgrades: Many bus stops will be equipped with upgraded shelters to protect customers from weather, offering commuters a protected waiting area. The new bus shelters will be the standard eight-foot shelter size or upgraded to 12 feet or 16 feet if ridership warrants a larger structure.
- Accessibility enhancements and paving flatwork: Paving improvements will increase ADA accessibility at all shelters in the first phase, including the installation of sidewalks and ramps at select stops.
- Seating and display boards: New seating will be installed, and all shelters in the first phase will receive a new display board.
"Improving EMBARK bus stops is a significant step forward for Oklahoma City’s public transit infrastructure and advances the City’s commitment to providing residents with a safe, convenient, and efficient transit experience,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “By replacing existing benches with ADA accessible transit stops with a shelter and amenities we will improve the transit experience in Oklahoma City, encouraging more people to choose public transit as their preferred mode of transportation."
Construction on the concrete pads will begin in northeast Oklahoma City this month. Crews will install shelters and amenities later this year. Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in early 2025. The contractor is Atlas Construction Group, LLC.
Visit embarkok.com/maps4 to learn more about this project. Stay up to date on the MAPS 4 Connectivity projects and other MAPS 4 projects at okc.gov/maps4
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Grants Available to Support Replacement of Heavy Duty Vehicles | |
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To address harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new program to support the replacement of Class 6 and 7 heavy duty vehicles (which includes some transit vehicles) with zero-emission vehicles. The funding through the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program is available thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which provided $1 billion to support the transition.
Eligible applicants include states, including U.S. territories; municipalities (the definition covers transit agencies, if they are public bodies created by or pursuant to state law); and Tribes.
The EPA, which anticipates awarding up to $932 million under the Notice of Funding Opportunity, aims to provide cleaner air and benefit communities across the United States, especially those disproportionately burdened by air pollution and marginalized by underinvestment.
Funding may also be used for:
- zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure
- workforce development and training
- project implementation costs
Applications are due by Thursday, July 25.
Read More Here
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RENEW YOUR OkTA MEMBERSHIP | |
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Your membership in the Oklahoma Transit Association helps protect and improve transit in our state and we appreciate your support and participation. 2023 was a very productive year for the organization and our future is exciting!
Our biggest victory on behalf of ALL Oklahoma Transit Agencies was maintaining the doubling the state revolving fund allocation for a second year in a row! This allocation of $10.7 million dollars will allow public transits in Oklahoma to have access to more match funding and not leave federal dollars on the table. We are already hard at work engaging with our state legislators to ensure this funding continues in 2024, as well as, working to sponsor a bill to address driver assaults with more severe penalties on a state level.
This chart reflects the transit increases in the last two years because of the efforts of the OkTA. Join us and let's keep doing this, together!
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FTA Addresses Transit Worker Fatigue | |
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To improve the transit community’s understanding of the effects of fatigue in the workplace, FTA published a new Fatigue Resources for Transit Operations resource webpage. This resource webpage is designed for the transit community, including bus and rail transit workers (drivers, maintenance staff, etc.), agency management and other transit professionals.
Fatigue-related resources include articles, videos, reports, websites, guides, and more, in the following categories:
- Understanding Sleep
- Causes
- Symptoms and Warning Signs of Fatigue
- Effects
- Transit Employees
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Transit Employers
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The ROC Bus continues its mission to provide training and support in various locations across Oklahoma. In June, we're excited to visit Guthrie and First Capital Trolley's quarterly training June 20-21. July includes a visit to Durant and Big Five Community Services on July 23. Reach out today to schedule the ROC Bus for your event, festival or meeting!
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Have a public event coming up in your area? Invite the ROC Bus! | |
OkTA COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED | |
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Interested in Volunteering?
OkTA is seeking committee members! OkTA has a several committees that help drive transit forward in Oklahoma and would love your help! Most committees take no more than 1-2 hours per month and meet via Zoom. If you are interested, please contact the OkTA office to learn more or sign up!
- ROC Bus Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Communications Committee
- Finance Committee
- Grants Committee
- Education Committee
- Convention Committee
- Membership Committee
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NOMINATE A DRIVER DOING GOOD!
In this day and age, a kind word and a steady presence is especially meaningful and is the mark of quality customer service. Professional drivers know that their job has the potential to change a person’s day for the better. Help the OTA to recognize these special individuals who go out of their way to care for others! Submit "Drivers Doing Good" stories or photos by sending an email to admin@oktransit.org.
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