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National RTAP Photo Contest Extended to April 12th

National RTAP has decided to extend the photo contest deadline until Friday, April 12th in order to give more of our customers a chance to participate. Photos relating to the theme of Putting Training to Work will be accepted. Ideas for photos involving this theme include a training taking place, a bus driver demonstrating a training technique, or any other related interpretation. The prizes are an Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom for the winner, and a $250 American Express Gift Cheque for the runner-up.
 
To read the contest rules and download the consent forms needed with every photo submission, please view the press release on our home page. Questions can be directed to Jess Wallis at info@nationalrtap.org, or 888-589-6821. 
Federal Transit Administration Updates

FTA Substance Abuse Training Sessions are free one-day sessions that can be requested from the FTA. They have updated the schedule through August of 2013. 

Federal Register Notice: Allocation of Public Transportation Emergency Relief Funds in Response to Hurricane Sandy
What's New in the National RTAP Resource Library...

Open for Business: The Business Case for Investment in Public Transportation focuses on considerations for private investors interested in funding public transportation. 

 

And other resources of interest...

 

Florida DOT released a report about the Dynamic Delivery of the National Transit Database Sampling Model. This report describes some updates to the data collection for the NTD, including a web-based delivery model. 

 

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at USF has released a new edition of the Journal of Public Transportation, with several articles related to BRT, safety, and accessible busing. 

Watch Archived NTI Webinars on YouTube

The National Transit Institute's (NTI) YouTube channel is a great way to catch up on the webinars and presentations you may have missed. Archived webinars include presentations about Transit Asset Management, social media, and sustainable transportation. To view the videos, visit the Rutgers NTI channel. 
Reminder: Submit Your Top Three Training Needs

National RTAP is looking for input for the development of future training. If you have not already done so, reply to this email, or email info@nationalrtap.org with your top three (3) training needs.
Applications Due April 12th: National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. The agency recognizes communities that use innovation to drive positive change in areas relating to housing choice, smart corridor development, and protecting the environment. Improving and increasing transportation options is one of the smart growth development practices that the EPA is interested in recognizing. Visit EPA's Smart Growth Achievement site for more information. Applications are due April 12, 2013.
April 4, 2013
Events
ESPA 
Frequently Asked Questions on the ADA: Fixed Route and Paratransit
April 10, 2-3:30PM

ESPA
Introduction to Travel Training
April 22-24
Nashville, TN

CTAA EXPO
June 2-7
Albuquerque, NM

LTAP/TTAP National Conference
July 22-25
Boise, ID
 
For a listing of all National RTAP and other national events, view our new EventShare Calendar!

All event times listed as Eastern Time
Resource Spotlight
Get Started Using Our Builder Series

Looking for a Web App to help you build upon your existing transit program? Try our "Builder" series, including Website Builder, GTFS Builder, and the upcoming Contact Builder. 

Website Builder will provide a convenient and free environment in which you can build your agency's website. Although the tool is fairly easy to use, some transit agencies have hired a student intern to design the website, a great option if your current staff doesn't have time or IT knowledge.

GTFS Builder is a template for the easy integration of your routes into Google Transit. 

The upcoming Contact Builder app, which is currently under development, will allow your agency to communicate with contacts, and store contact information, in a simple online tool. 
National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration dedicated to creating rural and Tribal transit solutions through technical assistance, partner collaboration and FREE training materials.

Contact us:
Main: 5 Wheeling Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801, 888-589-6821
Washington, D.C.: 1050 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-772-2039