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
Webinars on National RTAP's Resource Share, Microtransit, and Veterans Transportation
Rural Integrated National Transit Database (iNTD) Updated with Data through 2021
Survey to Help Shape Tribal Transit Pages of the National RTAP Transit Manager's Toolkit
New FTA Resources on Census Urban/Rural Eligbility
Upcoming NCMM/N-CATT Systems Thinking for Technology Decisions Workshop
|
|
Three FTA TA Center Webinars this Month: Learn about Resource Share, Microtransit, and Veterans Transportation
On March 9, 2023, 2:00-3:00 PM ET, learn how to use Resource Share, to access free, high-quality training and technical assistance materials for rural and Tribal transit systems. Resource Share features National RTAP-developed resources and links to relevant resources developed by others.
NADTC, NCMM, National RTAP, and the VA Office of Rural Health will be holding a webinar on Mobility Management and Veterans Transportation to Healthcare on March 14, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET. The first in a two-part series, this webinar will focus on how people are coordinating VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) rides as part of the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP).
NADTC, NCMM, National RTAP, and SUMC are hosting a Microtransit vs. Micromobility Series Webinar on March 8, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET. This webinar answers questions including: What is Micromobility? How can it be integrated into existing mobility networks? The State of Kansas Mobility Manager will present on a bikeshare program called KANcycle. |
|
Rural iNTD Updated
The Integrated National Transit Database system for rural agencies (Rural iNTD) has recently been updated to include the 2019-2021 NTD data. Users now have access to 15 years of integrated NTD performance data dating back to 2007. The system interface has also been further improved, making it easy to use than ever before. Sponsored by National RTAP, the system also provides user-friendly tools to allow users to quickly perform peer comparisons and trend analyses.
The development team is working to include additional asset inventory data that were expanded under the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Rule (49 CFR Part 625). Stay tuned for our next announcement! If you are new to the system, you may register to gain system access.
|
|
Upcoming National RTAP Events
National RTAP is offering a free, targeted, hands-on training to help you develop your GTFS feed and publish your services online. The training will consist of three 1-hour sessions held on March 8, March 15, and March 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET. The third session will be optional, with the instructor available for questions and extra help. At the end of the training, you can expect to complete GTFS data for one bus route and will have the ability to create GTFS data for other routes. Register for all three workshops.
Our third #ClimateTransit Twitter chat on April 21, 2023, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET, will discuss how climate change could impact rural communities and transit agencies. Learn how transit agencies can prepare for the potential effects of a changing climate and tackle emissions to mitigate potential climate impacts. The chat will be moderated by Kate Mason, Communications Manager, Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), and Harrison Carpenter-Neuhaus, Communications Associate, Climate Nexus. RSVP for an invite.
National RTAP and AASHTO MTAP will be holding a Succession Planning 101 webinar on May 9, 2023, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. Learn from an expert panel of transit agency and State DOT managers about the components and steps to a successful succession plan. Be among the first to preview National RTAP’s new eLearning course on succession planning, which includes customizable templates.
Our Books in Transit Discussion Group has selected I was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman as our next book to read. A mother and daughter travel in a bus full of strangers for a college tour all along the east coast. Register for our meeting on August 22, 2023, 2:00-3:00 PM ET. The author will be joining us!
Rural TMA, TACL, and Microtransit vs. Micromobility Webinar Recordings Published
We've published webinar recordings and handouts for three of our recent webinars:
|
|
Help Shape Tribal Transit Pages of our Transit Manager's Toolkit
National RTAP is updating the Transit Manager’s Toolkit to include expanded information for Tribal Transit managers. Tribal Transit Managers can participate in a survey through March 24, 2023 to provide information on needs, knowledge gaps, and best practices. Please contact us if you would like a print survey.
National RTAP Participation in Upcoming Conferences
We're presenting and exhibiting at the following conferences and meetings:
- Alaska Tribal Transportation Symposium, March 28-30
- Transit Training on Capital Projects, March 31
- AzTA/ADOT Statewide Transit Conference, April 3-5
- 2023 TTA State Conference, Expo and Roadeo, April 11-15
- 2023 NCPTA Conference, Expo, Roadeo & Golf Tournament, Concord, NC, April 14-19
- CalAct Spring 2023 Conference & Expo, April 17-20
- 2023 NJ TransAction Conference, April 18-20
- MLA/SLA Annual Conference, May 16-19
National RTAP Disasters Topic Guide Updated
National RTAP continues our annual Topic Guide updates with our Disasters Topic Guide. New resources include:
Call for Presentations and Student Posters are Open for the National RTAP 2023 Conference
|
|
|
FTA published new guidance concerning the new Census Bureau urbanized areas to allow potential applicants to determine their urban/rural eligibility for USDOT grant programs:
The US DOT Research Hub is a database of about 20,000 U.S. DOT-sponsored research, development, and technology project records. The database acts as a central repository for information on active and recently completed projects, providing a comprehensive account of the U.S. DOT's research portfolio at the project level.
U.S. DOT issued a Request for Information to solicit feedback through March 18, 2023 on its updated Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tracts Tool (now named Equitable Transportation Community Explorer) and Index methodology that supports the Administration’s Justice40 initiative. The proposed online tool will provide information on transportation insecurity, climate and disaster risk burden, environmental burden, health vulnerability, and social vulnerability.
FTA finalized changes and clarifications to the National Transit Database (NTD) Safety and Security (S&S) reporting requirements based on comments received. Comments included information on transit worker assaults and fatalities that result from an impact with a bus.
Effective March 1, 2023, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation updated the regulation that adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR part 200). These were changes to cross-references and do not impose a substantive impact on the public. |
|
NCMM and N-CATT are sponsoring a free, full-day Systems Thinking for Technology Decisions Workshop on May 22, 2023 in Oklahoma City, OK. This workshop will address how to more effectively plan, procure, and implement major technology changes within your agency and introduce systems thinking and the tools it provides to support technology use in an organizational setting. |
|
In Federal Financial Support for Public Transportation, the Congressional Budget Office describes public transportation in the United States and explains how the federal government supports mass transit. The report also explains how financing subsidies provide additional federal support.
AARP provides a series of Broadband Fact Sheets. Fact Sheets include What is Broadband, Broadband Access Challenges, and Expanding Device Availability for Broadband. |
|
Findhelp is a searchable database by zip code of social support organizations. Transit is a filterable category. Organizations displayed may include youth bus pass programs, voucher programs for qualifying riders, and other support sources.
Google now shows the annual fuel cost for cars in its search results, along with emissions estimates.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database is a collaboration between NAATBatt International and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to identify every company in North America involved in building lithium-ion batteries.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) updated several of its data tables, including:
|
|
TCRP is seeking potential synthesis study topics for the 2023 TCRP Synthesis Program. The deadline for the upcoming submission cycle is March 24, 2023.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) partners with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) to help remote (such as Alaska) and island communities transform their energy systems and increase energy resilience. Through the ETIPP, communities receive substantial support from experts in the form of technical assistance in energy analysis and planning.
Forth is providing technical assistance to communities to apply for the competitive grants available for electric vehicle charging under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program. The CFI program provides competitive grants to states, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and other public-sector entities to support the installation of publicly accessible charging infrastructure.
Smart Growth America is offering free Technical Assistance focusing on climate and land use/housing topics—and we're looking for community-based organizations across the U.S. to partner with them. The submission deadline is March 15, 2023.
The FHWA Build a Better Mousetrap program is a national recognition program spotlighting the use of innovative transportation solutions at the state, local, and Tribal government levels. Nominations are open through June 9, 2023.
The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) program provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities burdened by environmental harms. The application deadline is April 14, 2023. |
|
FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS) identifies motor carriers for safety interventions. A Notice in the Federal Register explains proposed changes to the SMS and seeks public comment through May 16, 2023. Proposed changes include reorganizing safety categories, creating violation groups, and updating violation severity weights.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued guidance to reinforce the importance of supportive service programs (such as transportation) and the many allowable uses of supportive services funds to support independent living for older adults.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updated U.S. poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The updated poverty guidelines range from $14,580 for a household of one person to $50,560 for a household of eight people.
FHWA issued an updated policy memo on February 24, 2023 that describes how states retain the control and responsibility for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding.
FHWA published a final rule on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements, effective March 30, 2023. The standards and requirements apply to the installation, operation, maintenance, and interoperability of EV charging infrastructure and related resources (such as signage).
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules establishing a comprehensive and coordinated nationwide approach to managing the 4.9 GHz band while retaining its locally controlled, public safety nature. The rules will go into effect on March 30, 2023. |
|
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.
AASHTO
Washington, DC, February 28 - March 3
Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC)
Columbia, SC, March 1-5
We're presenting and exhibiting!
FTA
March 7, 1:00-2:30 PM
National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program
Washington, DC, March 7-9
Indiana Commission for Women
March 8, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)
March 8, 2:00-2:30 PM
National RTAP/NADTC/NCMM/SUMC
March 8, 2:00-3:30 PM
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
March 9, 2:00-3:00 PM
TRB
March 9, 2:00-3:30 PM
APTA
Washington, DC, March 12-14
National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA)
Arlington, VA, March 12-15
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
March 13, 10:00-11:00 AM
FORTH
March 14, 10:00-11:00 AM
NADTC, NCMM, NRTAP, and the VA Office of Rural Health
March 14, 2:00-3:30 PM
Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC)
March 14, 3:00 PM
FTA
San Diego, CA, March 14-16
U.S. Access Board
Washington, DC and Virtual, March 15, 1:00-2:30 PM
Minnesota LTAP
March 16, 2:00-3:00 PM
Native Learning Center
March 21, 2:00-3:30 PM
TRB
March 22, 1:00-2:30 PM
Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA)
Las Vegas, NV, March 22-25
Automotive Fleet
March 23, 2:00-3:00 PM
Native Learning Center
March 23, 2:00-3:30 PM
Ability360
Phoenix, AZ, March 24, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
TRB
March 27, 1:30-3:00 PM
Transit Workforce Center (TWC) American Transit Training & Apprenticeship Innovators Network (ATTAIN)
March 28, 1:30 PM
TRB
March 28, 3:00-4:30 PM
ATTWG
Anchorage, AK, March 28-30
We're participating.
FTA
March 29, 2:00–3:30 PM
National RTAP
March 31
APTA
Portland, OR, April 2-4
AzTA/ADOT
Mesa, AZ, April 3-5
We're presenting.
National Transit Institute
April 3-6, 1:00-5:00 PM
National Transit Institute
April 11, 1:00-5:00 PM
TRB
Washington, DC, April 11-12
AASHTO
Oklahoma City, OK, April 11-14
Texas Transit Association
Corpus Christi, TX, April 11-15
Please visit our booth!
North Carolina Public Transportation Association (NCPTA)
Concord, NC, April 14-19
California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalAct)
Truckee, CA, April 17-20
Please stop by our table!
National Transit Institute
April 17-20, 1:00-5:00 PM
New Jersey TransAction
Atlantic City, NJ, April 18-20
Please visit our booth!
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA)
April 19, 10:00 AM - 4:10 PM
National RTAP, CTE, and Climate Nexus
April 21, 2:00-3:00 PM
APTA
Minneapolis, MN, April 23-26
National Transit Institute
April 24-27, 1:00-5:00 PM
National Transit Institute
April 24-27, 1:00-5:00 PM
ITS America
Grapevine, TX, April 24-27
FHWA
April 26, 1:00-3:00 PM
DePaul University
Chicago, IL, April 27-28
U.S. DOT
Grapevine, TX and Virtual, April 28, 9:30-6:00 PM
National Transit Institute
May 1-4, 1:00-3:30 PM
National Transit Institute
May 8-11, 1:00-4:30 PM
National Transit Institute
May 8-11, 1:00-5:00 PM
National RTAP and AASHTO MTAP
May 9, 2:00-3:00 PM
National Transit Institute
May 9-10, 1:00-4:30 PM
WTS International (Women's Transportation Seminar)
Atlanta, GA, May 10-12
National Transit Institute
May 11, 1:00-5:00 PM
FORTH
Portland, OR, May 15-17
National Transit Institute
May 15-18, 1:00-5:00 PM
Medical Libraries Association/Special Libraries Assortation
Detroit Michigan and Virtual, May 16-19
We're presenting
National Transit Institute
May 17-20, 1:00-4:30 PM
National Transit Institute
May 18, 1:00-5:00 PM
National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) and the National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)
Oklahoma City, OK, May 22, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
National Transit Institute
May 22-25, 1:00-4:30 PM
National Transit Institute
May 22-25, 1:00-5:00 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
