ITLC Update
Mass Transit – March 22, 2022
“We need an industry-wide mobilization to take the many separate training efforts and coordinate them in such a way to more effectively upgrade digital and other critical skills in agencies across the country,” said ITLC Program Director John Schiavone. “There is a lot of room for improvement and proactive training and strong workforce development programs with innovative tools like virtual learning are components of a comprehensive solution.” 
Public Transportation
Transit Center – March 22, 2022
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act–the “bipartisan infrastructure law” signed last year–offers limited relief when it comes to operating transit service. But the good news is that it represents a sea change when it comes to capital investment. It expands the size of the federal transit programs by at least 49%–not enough to meet all repair needs, but enough to allow many agencies to escape austerity and plan to improve the rider experience while modernizing what they have. 
 
Wisconsin Public Radio – March 17, 2022
The average price for a gallon of gas in Wisconsin has increased 70 cents in the last month to $3.99 as of Wednesday, according to AAA. Prices were already rising as the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic increased demand. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only pushed prices higher. That's placing pressure on some rural transit providers that often serve multiple counties and residents who are more spread out than their urban counterparts.
 
Smart Cities Dive – March 11, 2022
Women are three times more likely than men to worry about their safety on public transit. They also rely more on public transportation, where sexual harassment and more serious gender-based violence can be commonplace for many. That reality can lead women to choose more expensive travel options – driving or ride-hailing – creating what Sarah Kaufman, associate director at the New York University Rudin Center for Transportation, called a "pink tax" in a recent study she helped prepare.
 
The Guardian– March 13, 2022
Most American cities have some form of bus service. But travel can frequently involve people having to take multiple buses, or trains, just to get to work – something which has serious consequences. It can also be unsafe due to poor transit investment.
Transit Partners
Denver Post – March 18, 2022
After members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001 ratified the new collective bargaining agreement this week, RTD's elected board voted 14-0 Friday morning to approve it. It runs through the end of 2024 and, besides, pay raises, contains a host of changes that RTD and union leaders say will improve working conditions not only to attract new hires but to retain employees. Some of those changes allow more flexibility on vacations and work hours.
Labor News
Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO – March 22, 2022
“We are beyond inspired by the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people bravely defending their country in this war with Russia,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Many Ukrainian civilians have tragically lost their lives. Families have been torn apart and forced to flee their homes amid the destruction and violence of the war. We are hopeful that this donation for the millions of refugees will help those most in need of care.”


Northwest Labor Press – March 17, 2022
Labor leaders point to decisions she made in federal court as signs Ketanji Brown Jackson will side with unions and working people on the Supreme Court.
Economic Issues
Congressional Budget Office – March, 2022
The federal government has long provided significant financial support for public transportation. Federal spending accounted for about one-sixth of the $79 billion in public spending on transit in 2019. During the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government played an even greater role in transit funding. In addition to the government’s regular annual financial assistance to transit agencies, lawmakers allocated nearly $70 billion in onetime supplemental funding during 2020 and 2021. About one-third of that amount had been spent as of the end of 2021.
Workforce Development
New America – March 7, 2022
To be sure, colleges are already involved in apprenticeships in a variety of ways, like providing classroom instruction and developing curricula. Yet some colleges have taken on larger roles in delivering apprenticeships by serving as apprenticeship intermediaries. Apprenticeship intermediaries perform a number of leadership and coordination functions, from working with employers to establish apprenticeship programs to recruiting apprentices to connecting those apprentices with supportive services. Given policymakers’ interest in expanding apprenticeships in the U.S., what would it take for more higher education institutions, particularly community and technical colleges, to serve as apprenticeship intermediaries?
Green News
Mass Transit – March 17, 2022
Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) held a celebration March 16 to mark its complete transition to a zero-emissions fleet. The final piece of its fleet came in the form of its 20th electric MCI coach for its commuter routes, which joins AVTA’s 57 BYD zero-emission buses and 10 GreenPower EV Star Microtransit vans.
 
Streetsblog – March 21, 2022
“Life in the United States is organized around personal automobiles powered by petroleum. For a Green New Deal in transportation to be possible, that has to change. A climate-safe future requires a swift and just decarbonization of the transportation sector, a major expansion of public and active transportation, and the parallel decarbonization of the electricity sector.”
Upcoming Webinars
FTA will be hosting the following webinars to discuss the requirements of the funding opportunity and how to apply. Potential applicants are welcome to attend any of the webinars.

United for Infrastructure – April 14, 12:00 pm ET
On April 14th, United for Infrastructure is hosting an event focused on ways utilities, transit authorities, and local governments can accelerate the electrification of everything in our economy.
International Transportation Learning Center
301.565.4713