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National RTAP Seeking Beta Testers for Rural INTDAS Product
Interested in beta testing a new product developed by National RTAP and Florida International University, with input from FTA? The INTDAS (Integrated National Transit Database Analysis System) is expanding to include Rural NTD data. This new system will provide a user-friendly interface for quick access to multiple years of rural NTD data. Transit industry stakeholders will be able to compare effectiveness and efficiency measures on a national, state, regional and local level. For example, a transit system can compare itself with several "peer systems" to see how its performance measures line up, allowing leadership to create goals for the future.
We are looking for several transit systems and state DOT personnel to beta test the Rural INTDAS for us. Please send an email to rtassinari@nationalrtap.org if you are interested, with the subject line "Rural INTDAS Beta Test."
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Resources and News
Newsletters and Magazines
Easter Seals Project ACTION's newest Update focuses on lift and ramp operation.
Other Opportunities
Smart Growth America is currently accepting applications for technical assistance workshops available at no cost to selected communities about how to implement smart growth principles in their communities. Deadline is Thursday, October 23rd at 5PM ET.
Need a trainer? Are you a trainer? Don't forget about our Directory of Trainers, a self-submitted listing of instructors in all regions of the US. If you'd like to be listed in the Directory, please send an email with your contact information, the area in which you are willing to travel, and the classes you teach.
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Sign up for Pre-Conference Training Sessions at the RIBTC Conference in Monterey, CA
Pre-conference training sessions at the Rural Public and Intercity Bus Conference (October 26-29, Monterey, CA) will be held with sufficient pre-registration on Sunday, October 26 from 1-5PM. There is still time to register for these! Visit www.ribtc.org for more information.
Cost Allocation for Rural Transit Agencies
Rich Garrity; RLS & Associates
This course is designed to teach transit managers and planners a service-based methodology for allocating transit costs to various services provided by the organization. Designed for individuals with little or no accounting background, this course will describe transit "cost allocation" issues, distinguish between financial-based and service-based cost allocation issues, build a service based on a cost allocation model based on actual system financial data, and explain scenarios where a cost allocation model could be applied.
FTA Bus Safety and Security
Ream Lazaro; Boyd, Caton & Grant Transportation Group
This session will focus on the activities of the Federal Transit Administration's Bus Safety Oversight Program. Information will be provided on the safety value of the basic components of a Safety Management System (SMS) and how SMS can be successfully implemented by all rural bus transit agencies, regardless of size and operating characteristics. In the context of SMS, the presentation will illuminate rural transit bus safety issues and concerns that the Bus Safety Oversight Program has identified through its outreach efforts over the past several years, and provide guidance on innovative actions rural bus transit agencies have taken to address these safety infrastructure challenges.
Access Board Guidelines and Requirements: A Two-Part Workshop
Part I: Review of Guidelines for Accessible Buses and Vans
Part II: Meeting Accessibility Requirements for Transit Shelters and Bus Stops - "Can't I just stick a sign in the grass?"
The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that, among other responsibilities, develops guidelines for accessible vehicles, facilities, technology, and equipment. A long-awaited update to their original 1991 "ADA Accessibility Guidelines" (ADAAG) for buses and vans is expected to be available later this year, and once adopted by US DOT, will form the requirements for the next generation of transit vehicles that we operate. In Part I we'll discuss how the new guidelines have been developed, and the major issues that came to light during the public comment periods. The guidelines will be reviewed to help operators and passengers understand the vehicle design characteristics that make travel more accessible for passengers who have disabilities. Part II of the workshop will include a review of the requirements for accessible transit shelters and bus stops and an interactive discussion of how to address new and existing facilities. And, no - you can't just stick a sign in the grass.
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