Forty-two federally-recognized tribes in 19 states have been awarded Tribal Transit Program Discretionary funds under the Section 5311(c) program. Funds will be used for starting new service, enhancing existing service, or planning. View a list of tribes who were awarded discretionary funds, and the FTA news release, or take a look at the FY2014 formula allocations. The program seeks to connect tribal members with services and employment through public transit on tribal lands. 

Under new management, the MV-1 vehicle for passengers with disabilities has resumed production. Automaker AM General is currently making the MV-1, which is the only factory-ready vehicle built in the US to accommodate passengers and drivers in wheelchairs. Last year, the company who designed and built the first MV-1s went bankrupt. Under AM General, the vehicle comes with several options, at price points between $45,000 and $55,000. For more information about the new MV1 vehicles, read the news story, or an account of driving one of the vehicles.

Book your conference rooms at the Monterey Plaza Hotel for the October 26-29 conference in Monterey, CA. The early bird registration fee is currently in effect, and online registration should be available March 25th. For more information, and to sign up for the conference email list, visit www.ribtc.org.

FY14 Allocations and Apportionments Federal Register notice available. 

FastLane blog entry about transportation investment through capital grants.

Application period for the LoNo Program (Low/No Emissions) have been extended to April 10th.

The one-day substance abuse training sessions list has been updated.

TCRP's Synthesis 110: Commonsense Approaches for Improving Transit Bus Speeds identifies ways in which bus speed may be improved to increase ridership, efficiency, and attractiveness of transit.

ESPA has created the Checklist for Assessing the Accessibility of Transportation and Mobility.

Exercise Handbook: What Transportation Security and Emergency Preparedness Leaders Need to Know to Improve Emergency Preparedness, from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose University.

Nominate an inspiring transportation leader for the White House Champions of Change in Transportation, by March 27th.

The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) is collecting information about mobility management and coordinated transportation practices. Contribute by filling out the survey.

 

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians (CA) has launched a Dial-A-Ride service.

METRO Magazine Safety blog offers an explanation for executing right turns into bus stops correctly, and information about mobile surveillance technology on transit.