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National RTAP and Easter Seals Project ACTION Present 101 Webinar: ADA Customer Service and Compliance

When: Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 
2:30-3:30pm Eastern

What: An overview of key requirements and best practices related to the ADA and customer service for rural and tribal transit operators. 
Join National RTAP and partner Easter Seals Project ACTION for the fourth 101 Webinar and brush up on ADA customer service and related requirements!

Customer service and sensitivity are critical when transporting passengers with disabilities, and the ADA requires all transit drivers be "trained to proficiency" to operate vehicles and equipment safely and to properly assist individuals with disabilities in a respectful and courteous way. Join us for an overview of this important topic.

Kristi McLaughlin, Training & Technical Assistance Specialist at Easter Seals Project ACTION, will discuss key issues, best practices, and requirements related to customer sensitivity, ADA transportation regulations, and how to provide reasonable assistance to customers.

This one-hour webinar will be beneficial for rural and tribal transit drivers and managers, for those who are new and as a refresher for more experienced drivers and managers.

The following will be covered in the webinar:
  • Customer sensitivity
  • The ADA and transportation - e.g., service animals, boarding and securing people who use wheelchairs, and effective communication
  • Reasonable assistance - what is required and what might be too much
This webinar is the fourth of the National RTAP 101 Webinar Series, and it will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at 2:30pm Eastern/1:30pm Central/12:30pm Mountain/11:30am Pacific.



Final 5311 Circular Released

In case you missed it last week, the Federal Transit Administration has released the final version of the Formula Grants for Rural Areas, Section 5311 Circular. For the Federal Register notice, which lists comments and changes to each section, please click here. The Section 5311 Program provides formula funds to states and federally-recognized tribes to support public transportation in rural areas (population of less than 50,000). The funds can be used for capital and planning projects, job access and reverse commute projects, operating assistance and administration costs. 


FTA/DOT Updates

 

ADA Proposed Circular Amendment 2 available for review. Comment by January 12, 2015. 

 

Final Guidance on Corridor Preservation and Updated Categorical Exclusions published

 

Updates to FTA's Transit Safety and Oversight (TSO) Program include a message on the status of implementation of the National Public Transportation Safety Program, and a TSO Update on Program and Training Activities

 

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Review of US Department of Transportation's TIGER Discretionary Grant Program for Surface Transportation released. 

 

Notice of Funding Availability for the Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program (Ladders of Opportunity). Proposals due on December 23rd for initiatives promoting employment transportation. 

 

Private Sector Participation in Public Transportation Online Dialogue open until November 26th. 

 


Resources and News

Journals

TR News for September 2014 highlights Transportation in Tribal Lands, and includes several articles relating to tribal transit. 

Web Resources

View Transit Planning 4 All's new Tip-Sheet on Planning Inclusive Meetings, and for further reading, take a look at the South West Transit Association's Accessible Meetings Guide.

Blogs

FTA recognized outstanding rural transit agencies at the Rural Public and Intercity Bus Conference in Monterey, CA. Find out who won the Administrator's Awards.

For Veterans Day, the Department of Transportation recognized Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in Transportation.

November 13, 2014
Events
Transit Planning 4 All
Strengthening Inclusive Coordinated Transportation Partnerships to Promote Community Living
November 18
3PM

National Center on Senior Transportation
The "New Section 5310 Program: State and Local Experts Discuss How 5310 Works to Enhance Seniors' Mobility
November 19
2-3:30PM

Easter Seals Project ACTION
Frequently Asked Questions on the ADA: Alternative Modes of Transportation
November 19
2-3:30PM

National Association of Development Organizations
2014 National Rural Transportation Conference
December 3-5
Cincinnati, OH

Easter Seals Project ACTION
Using 5310 Funds to Enhance Service
December 17
2-3:30PM

South West Transit Association 
Joint Annual Conference and EXPO (with NMTA)
March 1-4
Santa Fe, NM

Community Transportation Association of America EXPO
May 31-June 5
Tampa, FL

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
Annual Conference and Tradeshow
July 11-15
Philadelphia, PA

For a listing of all National RTAP and other national events, view our EventShare Calendar.

All event times listed as Eastern Time
Resource Spotlight
MAP-21 Program Changes Updated

We have updated our topic guide, MAP-21 Program Changes, to include the new 5311 Circular information. To look at or print out the topic guide, click here.
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.: 122 C Street NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC 20001