eNews - March 28, 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

Upcoming National RTAP Early Property Acquisition and NEPA Compliance Webinar

Updated National RTAP Copyright Technical Brief

National RTAP Releases RFP to Update Volunteer Driver Program Guidebook

New Grant Opportunity: FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

Consolidated Appropriations Act Provides Funding through September 30, 2024

Updated National RTAP Copyright Technical Brief

This updated National RTAP technical brief, Copyright: Tips for Being a Good Digital (and Real-World) Citizen, informs transit professionals about the importance of adhering to copyright laws, gives practical and easy-to-follow advice for following copyright law online and in the workplace, and helps transit agencies protect their own rights by developing a straightforward copyright policy. Updates include information from the revised Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices.

Active transportation networks include bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use trails. U.S. DOT created a new Active Transportation web page. The page includes data, resources, funding announcements, tools, and other information.

The new U.S. DOT Equity Hub provides tools, metrics, and data to analyze communities' access to the transportation they need, and the challenges they face. Here you can leverage USDOT data to understand causes, effects, and impacts. Data includes the National Household Travel Survey, the Equitable Transportation Community Explorer, and more.

FTA’s new Procurement Cost and Price Analysis - Regulations and Best Practices e-learning course provides recipients with an understanding of the fundamentals and best practices for procurement cost and price analysis. The lessons from this e-learning course can be helpful for FTA recipients in mitigating procurement findings during State Management and Triennial Reviews.

The March 2024 issue of the FTA Drug & Alcohol Program Newsletter contains guidance on the minimum threshold prohibition, changes to the Drug and Alcohol Management Information System (DAMIS), information on uses of urine hats, guidance on re-attempts due to shy bladders, and other information. 

FTA published a new web page on Fatigue Resources for Transit Operations. It contains infographics, data, and links to resources about understanding sleep, causes of fatigue, transit driver fatigue, and other topics.

The National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) is holding The First Steps to Defending Your Agency in Cyberspace: an N-CATT Forum in West Palm Beach, FL, on June 10, 2024. The workshop will introduce foundational cybersecurity concepts and terminology to leaders of small- and mid-sized organizations who may have limited technical knowledge.

The National Operations Center of Excellence's (NOCoE) Operations Academy™ is a total immersion transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) program. The program uses a mix of classroom instruction, speakers, workshops, and analysis of existing systems to ensure the retention of the principles being presented. Nomination forms are due May 6, 2024.

NCHRP's Measuring Investments in Active Transportation When Accomplished as Part of Other Projects documents the methods that State DOTs are using to track and record their investments in active transportation infrastructure when accomplished as part of other projects. For example, Utah DOT found that tracking active transportation investment improvements at transit stations and as part of any first-mile/last-mile improvement could serve as a gateway for tracking more active transportation investments.

The Shared-Use Mobility Center's (SUMC) A County-Wide Transformation of Demand-Response Service into Microtransit, Baldwin County, Alabama is a case study on how Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) in Baldwin County, Alabama (which has many rural areas) partnered with Via to transition its demand-responsive transit service to an on-demand microtransit service.

FHWA's Applying Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) to Rural Areas provides local and State agencies with resources they can use to explain the benefits of implementing TSMO in rural areas. The report discusses issues such as special events, and how the increase in travel demand on transit systems can benefit from TSMO strategies. This report cites National RTAP.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center released distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack guidance for federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to serve as a comprehensive resource to address the specific needs and challenges faced by government agencies in defending against DDoS attacks.

NHTSA created a Check for Recalls database where users can search vehicles, tires, and other equipment for safety recalls, investigations, complaints, and manufacturer communication. Users can search by vehicle license plate number, VIN, year made, or model. Tires can be searched by brand and line.

The National League of Cities released a new Civic Mapping Initiative, to help local governments and transit planners identify opportunities for improving public transit access to critical civic infrastructure and resources. This tool allows local policymakers to measure the proximity of local transit stops to public services such as Head Start centers and community colleges so that access can be improved where needed.

The National Transportation Noise Map enables users to track trends in transportation-related noise, by mode, and collectively for multiple transportation modes. The data also allow viewing of the potential exposure at the state or county level. 

New Flyer created a Technology Explorer Tool to provide a 3-D, interactive tour of one of its battery-electric buses. Users can click on systems including charging, propulsion, battery thermal management, and others for a digital tour of the features.

FHWA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Prioritization Process Pilot Program Discretionary Grant, which provides funds for the development and implementation of pilot prioritization processes that address and integrate the components of existing transportation programs and support projects that improve safety, climate change and sustainability, equity, and economic strength and global competitiveness.

The National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) is accepting applications for its first State of the Industry Tech Demonstration, which will take place in Grand Rapids, Minn., from July 22-25. Transit operators will study goMARTI: an automated vehicle deployment in a small-town setting. Applications are due May 3, 2024.

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is accepting assignment and lease applications to participate in the Enhanced Competition Incentive Program (ECIP). ECIP establishes incentives for wireless licensees to make underutilized spectrum available to small carriers, Tribal Nations, and entities serving rural areas. 

FHWA is seeking applications for funding for projects that will strengthen safety and improve bicycling, walking, and access to public transit in communities across the U.S. through its new Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). Applications are due June 17, 2024. 

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program is accepting applications. These grants support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets. Implementation Grant applications must be submitted by May 16, 2024. Planning and Demonstration Grant applicants have three deadlines: April 4, May 16, and August 29, 2024.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize honors the work of communities that are at the forefront of addressing structural racism and other injustices to advance health, opportunity, and equity for all. Previous funding winners have included those who submitted community-led solutions that incorporated transportation. The application deadline is June 3, 2024.

The Administration for Community Living's (ACL) Commit to Connect initiative, in collaboration with engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is seeking social engagement innovations through April 12, 2024. The aim is to identify innovative interventions, programs, and services that are addressing social isolation and loneliness. All submissions will be considered for inclusion in the Innovations Hub.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications until May 21, 2024 for funding under the ReConnect Program. The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. 

On March 9, 2024, H.R. 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, was signed into law. The Act provides in divisions A through F, full-year funding through September 30, 2024, for departments and agencies of the Federal Government covered by 6 of 12 appropriations bills, including the U.S. Department of Transportation.  On March 23, 2024, H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, was signed into law. The Act provides funding through September 30, 2024, for all projects and activities of departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

FHWA posted a Request for Information to solicit feedback from stakeholders on updating FHWA’s minimum standards and requirements for EV charging stations to allow for new technology and continued innovation. Responses are due by April 5, 2024.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments through April 19, 2024 about an information collection request for Fuels and Fuel Additives: Health-Effects Research Requirements for Manufacturers. The health-effects data will be used to determine if there are any products that have evaporative or combustion emissions that may pose an unreasonable risk to public health, which can result in further investigation and potential regulation.

EPA also published a final rule on Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, that sets new, more protective standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with the model year 2027.

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes to amend the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to remove the requirement for lease offerors to have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration when submitting offers and instead allow offers up until the time of award to obtain an active SAM registration. Comments will be accepted through May 28, 2024.

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.

ActivEnviro

Active Living Conference

Chattanooga, TN, March 25-28

Smart Growth America

Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit

Washington, DC, March 27-28

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.

2024 USET/USET SPF Impact Week

Arlington, VA, March 27-29

We're participating!

Intelligent Transport

Driving Sustainable Progress: Harnessing the Potential of Alternative Power in Public Transport Webinar

March 28, 10:00 AM

Micromobility America

How Connectivity Helps Pave the Way to Increased Profitability for Micromobility Webinar

March 28, 12:00 PM

World Resources Institute

Delivering EV Charging Infrastructure to Rural and Underserved Communities through Justice40 Webinar

March 28, 12:30-1:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

March 28, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

April 2, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

FTA

Integrating TAM Data into NTD Reporting Webinar

April 2, 1:30 PM

National RTAP

Active Shooter Preparedness Training for Rural Transit Systems - Overview Webinar

April 2, 2:00-3:00 PM

Native Learning Center

Stand Out or Sit Down: How to Communicate the Value of Your Native Business to Customers Webinar

April 2, 2:00-3:30 PM

FTA

17th Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference

Atlanta, GA, April 2-4

Connecticut RTAP

Connecticut RTAP Spring Conference

Hartford, CT, April 3

We're presenting and exhibiting!

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

April 4, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Center for Rural Road Safety

Communication Roadblocks Webinar

April 4, 1:00-2:00 PM

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Renewable Fuel Standard Set Rule Implementation Webinar

April 4, 1:00-4:30 PM

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Older Americans Act (OAA) Regulations Back-to-Basics Series: Fiscal Policies and Procedures Webinar

April 4, 2:00-3:30 PM

North Carolina Public Transportation Association (NCPTA)

NCPTA Conference, Expo, Roadeo & Golf Tournament 

Concord, NC, April 5-10

Please stop by our table!

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

April 9, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Forth

Increasing Community Impact with Meaningful Engagement Webinar

April 9, 1:00-2:00 PM

National Transit Institute

FTA Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel Online Course

April 9, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Crisis Communications for Transit Managers Online Course

April 9-10, 1:00-4:30 PM

COMTO

2024 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN) Awards Breakfast

Washington, DC, April 10

FHWA

FHWA Training Course for Communities on P3s for EV Charging Infrastructure 

Vienna, VA, April 10, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Registration deadline: March 29, 2024

National Transit Institute

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

April 10, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

April 11, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

TRB 

When Our Technology Solutions Do Not Work for Everyone Webinar

April 11, 2:00-3:30 PM

Native Learning Center

Preparing for the Small Business Journey in Indian Country Webinar

April 11, 2:00-3:30 PM 

California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT)

CALACT Spring Conference and Expo

San Diego, CA, April 15-18

Please visit our booth!

Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC)

2024 Tribal Self-Governance Conference

Chandler, AZ, April 15-18

Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) and Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI)

Transportation and Aging—Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Communities Webinar

April 16, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

April 16, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

U.S. Access Board

U.S. Access Board Public Town Hall Meeting 

Los Angeles, CA, April 16, 4:30 – 7:00 PM

To register, send an email to events@access-board.gov with your name and organization by April 8, 2024. 

Community Transportation Association of the Northwest (CTANW)

CTANW Summit

Ocean Shores, WA, April 16-19

Please visit our booth!



Forth

Design and Fund Equitable Electric Transportation for Communities Workshop

Chicago, IL, April 17

National Transit Institute

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

April 17, 1:00-4:30 PM

U.S. DOT ITS JPO

From Outreach to Enrollment: How HIRTA is Promoting Health Connector Enrollment, Presented by Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) Webinar

April 17, 2:00-3:30 PM

National Institute for Transportation and Communities

Marginalized Populations’ Access to Transit Webinar

April 17, 3:00-4:00 PM

FTA

Advancing Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance Workshop

Denver, CO, April 17-18

Registration deadline: April 3, 2024

BusRide Maintenance

Preparing Your Transit System for a Changing [EV] Fleet Webinar

April 18, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

April 18, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE)

Empowering Tomorrow's Transportation Leaders: A Spotlight on Dynamic Workforce Training Resources Webinar

April 18, 1:00-2:00 PM

National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE)

Transportation Operations Manual (TOM) Series: Resources to Support the TOM Webinar

April 18, 2:00-3:00 PM

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine

Technology Transfer Symposium: Approaches to Advance Commercial Applications

Washington, DC and Online, April 22, 10:00AM - 5:00 PM

National RTAP

National RTAP Rural and Tribal Transit Training - Capital Projects

Spokane, WA, April 22-24

ITS America

ITS America Conference & Expo

Phoenix, AZ, April 22-25

National Transit Institute

Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Online Course

April 22-25, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

April 23, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Safety Council (NSC)

Road to Zero Webinar- Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April 23, 4:00 PM

AASHTO

2024 AASHTO Spring Meeting

Madison, WI, April 23-26

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

April 25, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Early Property Acquisition and NEPA Compliance Webinar

April 25, 2:00-3:30 PM ET

U.S. DOT ITS PCB

Foundational Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Training

Phoenix, AZ

April 25, 3:00-7:00 PM

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

APTA Mobility Conference

Portland, OR, April 28 - May 1

National Transit Institute

Enhancing Your Transit Asset Management Program with Lifecycle Management Online Course

April 29-May 1, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

April 30, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

ALTRANS & Transportation Association of Alabama

2024 ALTRANS & Transportation Association of Alabama Conference

Gulf Shores, AL, April 30-May 2

Please visit our booth!

National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)

N-CATT Spring 2024 Workshop: Putting Your GTFS Data to Work

April 30-May 2, 2:00-4:30 PM

The Drug and Alcohol Testing Institute, Inc.

2024 Drug and Alcohol Testing Institute Summit for DER's and Program Managers

May 1-2, Kansas City, MO

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

May 2, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

May 7, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Introducing the Tribal Sections of the Transit Manager's Toolkit

May 7, 2:00-3:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Crisis Communications for Transit Managers Online Course

May 7-8, 1:00-4:30 PM

Government Fleet

Public Transportation Conference

Louisville, KY, May 7-10

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

May 9, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Paratransit Management and Operations Online Course

May 13-16, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

May 14, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

FTA Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel Online Course

May 14, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Safety Council (NSC)

Spring NSC Safety Conference & Expo

Rosemont, IL, May 14-16

FTA

Advancing Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance Workshop

Atlanta, GA, May 15-16, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 

Registration deadline: May 1, 2024

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

May 16, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Online Course

May 20-23, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

May 21, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

2024 Investing in Rural America: Building and Sustaining Momentum Conference

Roanoke, VA, May 21-22

Registration Deadline: May 6, 2024

Virginia Transit Association (VTA)

2024 VTA Annual Conference & Bus Expo 

Harrisonburg, VA, May 22

Please stop by our table!

FHWA

Equitable Data Analysis Webinar

May 22, 1:00 PM

National Transit Institute

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

May 22, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

May 23, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

May 28, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

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

May 29, 1:00-4:30 PM

U.S. DOT

DOT Climate Change Center 2024 Webinar Series: Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Transportation

May 30, 1:00 PM 

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

May 30, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Transit Service Planning Online Course

June 3-6, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Transportation Planning Process Online Course

June 3-6, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

June 4, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

FTA Uniform Act Basics for Transit Agency Personnel Online Course

June 4, 1:00-5:00 PM

National Transit Institute

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

June 5, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

June 6, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

CTAA Expo

Palm Beach, FL, June 9-12

Please visit our booth!

National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)

The First Steps to Defending Your Agency in Cyberspace: an N-CATT Forum

West Palm Beach, FL, June 10, 10:15 AM - 2:00 PM

National Transit Institute

Introduction to Paratransit Management and Operations Online Course

June 10-14, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

June 11, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National Transit Institute

Crisis Communications for Transit Managers Online Course

June 11-12, 1:00-4:30 PM

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

June 13, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

June 18, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

June 20, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

Rural Grocery Initiative

National Rural Grocery Summit

Montgomery, AL, June 24-25

Please visit our booth!

TRB

TRB's 4th International Conference on Access Management

Boston, MA, June 24-26

National Transit Institute

Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Online Course

June 24-27, 1:00-5:00 PM

National RTAP

Website Builder Office Hours

June 25, 1:00-1:30 PM

No preregistration necessary - join at the time of the meeting

National RTAP

GTFS Office Hours

June 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