Technology and web-based applications are increasingly being used to provide mobility options. Several policy issues have risen that will affect the TDM industry. ACT is in the process of writing a white paper with best practices on two subjects, and asks members for their opinions:

Online Security/Privacy: There have been reports that executives of a transportation network company accessed users' online profiles, etc., in questionable ways. Additionally, more and more organizations are experiencing data breaches. U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) wrote a letter to several companies asking about privacy and online security. It is possible, and even likely, that different levels of government will take action to require a certain level of privacy and security. ACT wants to know:

a.) Are there civil, criminal, or other penalties in your state or locality that apply to your organization and those who have access to an online database? If so, what are they, and are your employees fully aware of them?

2. If there is an exchange of funds through your system, what protections are in place to protect against a data breach?

3. What practices and/or public policies should ACT endorse?

Rider/Driver Safety: The media has reported several physical confrontations between TNC drivers and their riders. Safety and perceived safety directly correlate to the growth in transportation network company use. ACT asks: 

1. Does your organization require background checks for any of the following and if so, what type of background checks?

a.) Vanpool drivers

b.) Carpool (real-time or other) drivers

c.) Vanpool riders

d.) Carpool (real-time or other) riders

2. What (if any) steps are taken to prevent altercations?

3. If an issue arises, what steps are taken to avoid or stop an altercation?

4. If an altercation takes place, what role does your organization play?

5. If you do not take any steps, is there a reason?

6. What should ACT endorse as a best practice?  

Contact Jason Pavluchuk (pavluchuk@actweb.org) with questions or to submit responses to the questions above.

About 25 years ago, several European countries sent representatives to the U.S. to learn about TDM. Since then, TDM, or Mobility Management as it is called there, has blossomed and taken on its own identity.

While there is limited experience with carpooling and vanpooling, Europe was the creative ground for carsharing and bikesharing. European TDM includes innovative ways to increase transit ridership, create better urban goods movement with cleaner vehicles, and the development of sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) for most cities.

The European Local Transport Information Service (ELTIS) is a great place to find examples and information, including SUMP guidelines (http://www.eltis.org/mobility-plans). The European Commission (EC), many member states, and most European cities have adopted sustainable urban transport policies. The EC initiated and funded the CIVITAS project, promoting "clean and better transport in cities" (www.civitas.eu), testing more than 800 TDM measures in 60 cities, and investing more than 200 million Euros.

The European Platform for Mobility Management (EPOMM), a network for countries that actively support TDM, helps organize the annual European Conference on Mobility Management (ECOMM). The 2015 event will be held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in May (www.epomm.eu).

(Contact Eric with questions at estc@san.rr.com.)

Best Workplaces for Commuters™ (BWC), a program of the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida designed to encourage sustainable transportation innovation, singled out 25 employers nationwide Jan. 29 during the annual "Race to Excellence" Virtual Awards Ceremony. The awards recognize organizations that have taken exemplary steps to offer transportation options for their employees. See the winners here.

BWC kicks off this year's Race to Excellence Feb. 24. The online kickoff will feature Melissa Clarke with Yale-New Haven Hospital. The hospital won "Best of the Best Workplaces for Commuters"-Employer Category. Visit www.bestworkplaces.org for more information, or contact Julie Bond at bond@cutr.usf.edu.

• Bikesharing: Programs recently launched in Philadelphia and San Diego.
• BRT: New York City weighs bus rapid transit expansion.
• Marketing: What are the benefits of bus marketing?
• BeyondTraffic: Check out USDOT's #BeyondTraffic initiative that invites the American public to weigh-in on the future of transportation.

The ACT Board of Directors revived and/or created a number of committees during its January meeting and your participation is eagerly sought. If you have fresh ideas and a willingness to invest just a little time, please consider serving on any of the following committees:

• Communications (Maureen Farrell, chair)
• Events (Katie Sihler, chair)
• Membership (Connie McGee, chair)
• Professional Development (Jim Barr, chair)
• Sponsorship (David Judd, chair)
• Strategic Planning (Luanna Huber & Rob Henry, co-chairs)

To volunteer, email your committee choice and contact information to info@actweb.org and include "Committee Participation" in the subject line.