tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594400757038098582024-02-07T19:46:37.333-08:00NRC Technical Assistance NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-42628697835825628612012-12-12T09:50:00.000-08:002012-12-17T11:17:12.422-08:00Gleaning the Evidence: Needs and Preferences of the Aging Population<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.gao.gov/index.html" target="_blank">Government Accountability Office</a> (GAO) concludes a study of ADA paratransit services that does more than list the many challenges. In <a href="http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-17" target="_blank"><i>ADA Paratransit Services: Demand Has Increased, but Little is Known about Compliance</i></a>, there is a litany of woes - increased ridership for service that is expensive to provide, ride shedding (organizations or agencies that once did certain kinds of trips no longer do so), and increased fuel and labor costs. The gap between fares and costs per trip are huge for ADA paratransit. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some of the report focuses on the:
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> [t]ypes of actions agencies are taking include coordinating efforts among various service providers, transitioning passengers from ADA paratransit to fixed-route service, improving the accessibility of fixed-route service, ensuring more accurate eligibility determinations, realigning paratransit service with minimum ADA paratransit requirements, and improving technology for scheduling and dispatch. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What is wonderful about the report is the depth of coverage of the strategies transit systems are employing and the issues over which transit systems have no control, but which have huge consequences. Travel training is discussed as one of the strategies that both improves service for individuals and helps reduce expenses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5EtGoI0edO2n58pQQu2kNrcFnN9BfTJ1dQ8mZKj8KiR874QZE6aN6R6U1OFAYr_m5wo2N9QFVLlkbJgL7h6D9PbEeh4m2m5P_98xgexdPLuoAU6eYhQLunAKrZqSGjub8oTh3wJUxmQ/s1600/P6030022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5EtGoI0edO2n58pQQu2kNrcFnN9BfTJ1dQ8mZKj8KiR874QZE6aN6R6U1OFAYr_m5wo2N9QFVLlkbJgL7h6D9PbEeh4m2m5P_98xgexdPLuoAU6eYhQLunAKrZqSGjub8oTh3wJUxmQ/s320/P6030022.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[MAX rapid bus in Kansas City, MO.] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>My Dog Is Old and He Loves His New Doggy Bed - So Much for Cliches</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also examining the problem of a population that has higher-than-average mobility problems is the report <a href="http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/learn/transportation-mobility/meeting-transportation-needs-in-an-aging-friendly-community.html" target="_blank">Meeting Transportation Needs in an Aging-Friendly Community</a> from the </span><a href="http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AARP </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/" target="_blank">Livable Communities</a> project. It assumes that like the cliche, older people are unable to adopt new habits. It argues that older people do not give up their cars easily and that when they do, it is only to sit as a passenger in someone else's car. However true those conclusions may be for current seniors and while the report concedes that the quality of public transportation in a given area has much to do with travel habits, even the travel habits of seniors, the data is not examined for the differences between today's boomers and their elders; nor does it examine the increasing popularity of transit, biking and walking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another, also recent, AARP publication, <a href="http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com2/policy/transportation/articles/impact-of-baby-boomers-on-us-travel-1969-2009-AARP-ppi-liv-com.html" target="_blank">Impact of Boomers on U.S. Travel, 1969-2009</a>, takes a somewhat different perspective, acknowledging the dynamic role of the boomer generation and finding in the evidence an uptick since 1995 in boomer use of transit. So one must ask - and this report does - whether, just as this generation transformed what it meant to be politically involved, how to form and navigate long-term relationships, and even the way we view generations, they will now transform what it means to be a senior citizen and how people who are older get around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvVBRqdJTY_mlNmYhi7JcXByUG9mr2rKEwbKvSrMg6Wdr8wPyiPxppLEoBQ4Dbv0kHtiXtN_wxeNBaCqJWSKb9RI1HSoUxXVcsyLykmPTzpzsPblpKdc_0lC5fpqlmfrqOo40XjJgWMA/s1600/P6040043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvVBRqdJTY_mlNmYhi7JcXByUG9mr2rKEwbKvSrMg6Wdr8wPyiPxppLEoBQ4Dbv0kHtiXtN_wxeNBaCqJWSKb9RI1HSoUxXVcsyLykmPTzpzsPblpKdc_0lC5fpqlmfrqOo40XjJgWMA/s320/P6040043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[Fountain near Plaza area of Kansas City, MO. The MAX runs right by here.] </span><br />
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</span></b> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 1969-2009 study aptly points out that no matter the travel habits of this large cohort, they will be making medical trips in record numbers (though, with the recession, the number of total medical trips has leveled). </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The study also astutely observes that even if boomers will be exhibiting different travel behavior than their predecessors, where they live will influence their mobility options and habits. Raised on <i>Leave it to Beaver</i> and the <i>Brady Bunch</i>, this is primarily a suburban generation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many baby boomers have lived their entire lives in the suburbs—born and raised there, raised their children there, and most will age in place there. The place where people live as they age is critical to the kind of support networks and mobility options available to them at home. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Traveling Generation</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The study shows that boomers are travelers, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">more mobile than both their elders and subsequent generations. This is partly due to women's participation in the workforce and a generation in which women's driving habits resembled those of men. As a generation, they drove their children to more activities and included record numbers of active, traveling, individuals without children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, boomers are leading in other respects. "As the baby boomer cohort ages, retired couples and single-person households are growing faster than households with children." Likewise, multi-generational households have become more common as children move back home after college and as many boomers take care of their parents and aging relatives, though, the study points out, these phenomena represent a small percentage of the population and do not appear to have altered travel numbers or statistics.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other Shifts with Children Grown</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that most boomers no longer have young children or teenagers at home, there has been a downward trend in "maintenance trips," those necessary to sustain a household and transport people to regularly scheduled events, such as grocery shopping, daycare and after-school activities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Vehicle travel for the baby boomers increased greatly in the 1980s and early 1990s, and then started to decline after 1995. The trends in transit use show a steady increase in the number of transit trips per person as the Baby Boom Generation ages, and a noticeable increase in 2009. Note that transit use by all ages increased during the 2008–2009 NHTS data collection period, as the economic recession was beginning and gas prices first spiked up to four dollars a gallon. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like the aforementioned AARP report, this study shows that the primary mode of travel for boomers has been and continues to be the automobile. What neither publication discusses is the higher divorce rate and common situation of adult family members living at great distances from one another, which have the potential to significantly change the experience of old age from dependence primarily on a family network to dependence on a network of friends and community services, public and private. While most boomers will probably continue to age in the suburban communities in which they have lived for years "policymakers are carefully watching whether the baby boomers who chose to move will consider transportation issues in making their decision."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">[A quiet, mid-day Union Station in Kansas City, MO.]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The study concludes with recommendations for greater coordination in medical transportation, safety education and technology for drivers, and innovative alternative transportation options on the spectrum between the single occupancy vehicle and conventional transit. In terms of how this generation perceives itself, "[t]echnologies and services will need to be for <i>everyone</i>, without the stigma of being <i>for older people</i>." </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What Works Well for those in the Middle</span></b><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With attention going to new urbanist projects in large cities and the challenges for transit and alternative transportation in rural areas, attention is not as frequently paid to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">needs and challenges of our nation's </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> medium-size cities. <a href="http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/" target="_blank">Reconnecting America</a>'s new report, <a href="http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/news-center/reconnecting-america-news/2012/reconnecting-america-releases-report-on-transit-in-midsize-cities/" target="_blank">Midsize Cities on the Move</a>, is a welcome addition that discusses BRT, rapid bus, streetcars and their related street infrastructure in the context of smaller cities and satellite cities. Who championed the projects, the partnerships that pushed and now maintain them, and where the funding came from is discussed in detail. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Presentation Opportunity</b></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transportation is an important issue to the community of people with disabilities. The <a href="http://www.ncil.org/" target="_blank">National Council on Independent Living</a> is inviting proposals for presentations at its <a href="http://www.ncil.org/annual-conference/" target="_blank">annual conference</a>, to be held in Washington, DC n July 24-27, 2013. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 8, 2013. More details are available at <a href="http://e2.ma/click/njlsd/bmj3ad/zwn4y">http://e2.ma/click/njlsd/bmj3ad/zwn4y</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-74157958391163145962012-10-18T07:36:00.004-07:002012-10-19T07:26:05.241-07:00Technical Assistance Opportunities Offered<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you have a Safe Routes to School Coordinator in your area?</span></b><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you do, maybe it would be a good idea to connect with that person. <a href="http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/" target="_blank">Safe Routes to School</a> (SRTS) is a federally run program that operates in every state and many communities to promote safe walking and biking routes to schools. The program recently received a national <a href="http://www.ash.harvard.edu/Home/News-Events/Press-Releases/Harvard-s-Ash-Center-Announces-111-Bright-Ideas-in-Government" target="_blank">Harvard Bright Ideas in Government award</a>, which recognizes and promotes creative government partnerships. The national director of the SRTS program attributes the award to the willingness of local and state organizers to make data-driven program decisions. "The policy experts selecting SRTS as a Bright Ideas award recipient pointed to the program's ability to obtain information on school travel habits from so many schools and communities, as well as how accurate the data is in forming and understanding national trends." Some of the other winners include local government networks that promote sustainability, video interviewing of human services clients, due to transportation challenges, and many education and employment-related projects, among others. (Sources: <a href="http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/092812SRTSaward.aspx" target="_blank">AASHTO Journal</a>, Harvard Kennedy School of Government's <a href="http://www.ash.harvard.edu/Home/News-Events/Press-Releases/Harvard-s-Ash-Center-Announces-111-Bright-Ideas-in-Government" target="_blank">Ash Center</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">[Streetcar in Castro neighborhood of San Francisco.]</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Technical Assistance Opportunities</b></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/" target="_blank">Smart Growth America</a> is offering free technical assistance in the form of <a href="http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshops" target="_blank">one-or-two-day workshops </a>for communities on such topics as transportation performance measurement and planning for small communities. The application deadline is next week on Oct. 25. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.arts.gov/" target="_blank">National Endowment for the Arts</a> (NEA) is gearing up for a round of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Our Town grants</a>. These grants are $25,000 to $200,000 each, for creative placemaking projects that contribute towards the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful and sustainable places with the arts at their core. Our Town will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to: Improve their quality of life; encourage greater creative activity; foster stronger community identity and a sense of place; and revitalize economic development. I am thinking public art at bus stops, transit and intercity stations. The application deadline is Jan. 14, 2013.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Webinars: Fare Free and Advisory Committees</b></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As one of my panel members at a fare-free session a few years ago said, if the transit is good, fare free will make a big difference in ridership; but people will not use a lousy service even if it is free. That said, if you are intrigued (as I am) by the possibilities of fare-free service, next month the <a href="http://www.ntionline.com/" target="_blank">National Transit Institute</a> is hosting a webinar, <a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=236" target="_blank"><i>Implications and Outcomes of Fare-Free Transit Systems</i></a> (TCRP Synthesis 101), on Nov. 15, 2012.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoak9rps-DmuTHGoSf8XP5iKtGawGHc5E-lNZHy1D209cv7nJ5elwXooIk-sLEoz5cWxuxX9UojX-AyX4LOsNZcss7cv2TCpnWgSz_hsR68y_DIgQ-kAU-AVgCZ7o2fKUUOc-AvmMW4/s1600/bikestand+series2+Baltimore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoak9rps-DmuTHGoSf8XP5iKtGawGHc5E-lNZHy1D209cv7nJ5elwXooIk-sLEoz5cWxuxX9UojX-AyX4LOsNZcss7cv2TCpnWgSz_hsR68y_DIgQ-kAU-AVgCZ7o2fKUUOc-AvmMW4/s320/bikestand+series2+Baltimore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">[Bike parking opportunity in Baltimore, near the Convention Center and Camden Yards ballpark.] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A secret to effective partnerships and decision making groups is to have the right people involved, people who have authority, energy or magical charms to make things happen. An <a href="http://www.projectaction.org/AboutESPA.aspx" target="_blank">Easter Seals Project Action</a> webinar, <a href="http://www.projectaction.org/News/tabid/299/token/detail/nid/105/Default.aspx?utm_source=September+2012+Extra&utm_campaign=August+Extra+Email+1&utm_medium=email" target="_blank"><i>BORPSAT: Bunch of the Right People Sitting Around the Table --Lessons for Maximizing the Effectiveness of your Transportation Advisory Committee</i></a>, will address this issue on October 24. The webinar will discuss ways to ensure that diverse stakeholders, including representatives of the disability community, are involved as well as strategies for effective structure and operation of committees To register, email your name, ZIP code, phone number, email address, organization, and job title to <a href="mailto:registration@easterseals.com?subject=BORPSAT%20Registration" shape="rect" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">registration@easterseals.com</a> with the subject line "BORPSAT." (Caveat: There might not be a discussion of magical charms.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-57693919450205015442012-07-24T06:03:00.001-07:002012-08-01T05:57:31.912-07:00Opportunities for Communities - Funding, Health, Coordination<a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Federal Transit Administration</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FTA rolls out a new webpage devoted to <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/map21/" target="_blank">MAP-21 information</a>, including illustrative apportionment data for several programs. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">National Transit Institute</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get some chocolates, coffee and a cushy pillow because NTI is putting courses online and posting archived webinars. These audio and video offerings include understanding the FTA and its programs, livability in transportation, and the National Transit Database 2010 Census updates, among others. NTI is currently maintains a webpage with all <a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/list.php?program_id=11" target="_blank">online offerings</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> [Notice for a community bus in the Cotswolds area of England. The bus goes to supermarkets and the notice assures shoppers there will be "enough time to do your shopping."] </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ncsl.org/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">National Conference of State Legislatures</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NCSL issues its quarterly <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/TCNQ22012.pdf" target="_blank">Transportation Coordination Quarterly Newsletter</a> with news about new statutory mandates and lapsing ones regarding state coordinating councils, and state laws relating to transportation for welfare recipients and older adults. "A <a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=138&which_year=2012&SUBMIT1.x=0&SUBMIT1.y=0" target="_blank">task force was established in Connecticut</a> to study how the state can encourage aging in place, which includes an examination of infrastructure and transportation improvements."</span><br />
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<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Community Transportation Association of America</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CTAA's <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=17&z=40" target="_blank">Joblinks</a> program is accepting applications for the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefiles/JobAccessInstituteOverview.pdf" target="_blank">Job Access Mobility Institute</a>, a multi-month, team-based research, design, and implementation process in which teams will develop and test a transportation service that solves a key challenge of their constituents. This opportunity will bring together community participants from the transportation, employment and training, and business sectors to solve mobility challenges. <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefiles/TeamApplication_Institute.pdf" target="_blank">Applications</a> are due by Aug. 24, 2012. <br />
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[Train decked out in Union Jack flag motif in London's Paddington Station.]<br />
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<a href="http://www.healthimpactproject.org/" target="_blank">Health Impact Project </a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Health Impact Project, which promotes the use of Health Impacts Assessments (HIAs) in public decision making has a <a href="http://www.healthimpactproject.org/project/opportunities%20" target="_blank">funding opportunity</a> "to support two types of health impact assessment (HIA) initiatives: 1) HIA demonstration projects that inform a specific decision ...; and 2) HIA program grants to enable organizations with previous HIA experience to conduct HIAs and develop sustainable, self-supporting HIA programs at the local, state, or tribal level." According to the Project, "HIA uses a practical approach that brings together scientific data, health expertise and public input to identify the potential health effects of a new proposal and to build in recommendations that minimize risks and capitalize on opportunities to improve health." </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Health Impact Project is a collaboration of the <a href="http://www.rwjf.org/" target="_blank">Robert Wood Johnson Foundation</a> and the <a href="http://www.pewtrusts.org/" target="_blank">Pew Charitable Trusts</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Proposals are due Sept. 28. 2012.</span></span><br />
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HIAs in transportation include coordinated transportation (Madison County, NY), expansion of bus routes (Indiana), and employer-sponsored transit subsidies (Tennessee). A <a href="http://www.healthimpactproject.org/hia/us" target="_blank">map of HIAs</a> across the U.S. has many more. You can view all projects or restrict the map to projects relating only to particular sectors, such as transportation or the built environment, among others. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-16952560765685867182012-06-29T12:59:00.000-07:002012-07-02T05:54:27.615-07:00Social Media Strategy for Technical Assistance and Transportation Providers<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<b>Social Media = Interaction = Lack of Control</b></div>
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Unlike traditional websites or blogs, the creator of a page or an account sends a message in one form or another, but does not control the direction any ensuing conversation will take. Many organizations use social media to announce events, news and resources. Others request feedback. Still others monitor in various ways how they are mentioned.<br />
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For the novices, at the end of this post please find a <i>Social Media 101</i> section with advice and resources. <br />
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This social media strategy brief suggests ways to maximize and more effectively employ social media whether an organization is already an advanced user or just starting out. Please let me know how you are employing social media. <br />
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[Sculpture at St. Pancras train station in London. Multimodal access by Underground, buses and intercity rail. Across the street from Kings Cross train station, where platform 9 3/4 can be found.]<br />
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<b>Purposes and Approaches </b><br />
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Social media has three primary purposes.<br />
<ol>
<li>News dissemination for promotion, outreach and public engagement; </li>
<li>Staying informed about news, opportunities, challenges, feedback, and stakeholder activity; and</li>
<li>Interacting with customers, clients, riders, and partners. </li>
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Most users concentrate on one or two of these, some effectively pursue all three. What most distinguishes social media use are the degree of uniformity and control that users exhibit and the individuality - or personality - of their voices.<br />
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Compare these two examples of twitter use. Each London Underground line has a separate twitter feed. They each sound exactly alike, without any personality (admittedly it is a huge, efficient and busy system with lots to do besides issuing tweets about happenings on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and other lines). Basically, the strategy is to get the word out, but not to interact. Compare that approach with Boulder Parking, which promotes various activities, multimodal opportunities, and the values of the city. There are many tweets and retweets. The feed reads less like mini-press releases from a public agency and more like a person who is excited about living in Boulder, CO. </div>
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<b>Social Media Policy - To Have or Not to Have?</b><br />
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I have read various opinions on the topics of whether to have a social media policy and what to include in one. As this post covers much more than social policies, this will not be an in-depth discussion of such policies. <br />
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Entities of all types range from not having policies to having detailed rules for who may use social media and what should and should not be expressed. For those that eschew formal policies, the opinion seems to be that staff should do their jobs well, in the realm of social media and otherwise, at the very least avoiding stupid mistakes and inappropriate statements. Translation from old media: Do not post written work or visual images about or of anything you would not want to see on the front page of a major newspaper.<br />
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If a social media policy is adopted, I would advise that it be short and sweet, concisely explaining what is and what is not allowed and perhaps describing the tone that is sought. What is probably superfluous is a list of previous mistakes or obvious types of misjudgments. Most likely that staff is already aware not to use inappropriate language or images in any work-related statements, whether internal or external. (If not, a better approach might be to revisit hiring and evaluation practices.)<br />
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This is entirely a personal opinion. What I propose is that any policy be clear, to the point and easily comprehensible. I would suggest brevity so staff are not tempted to skim over important material.<br />
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Needless to say there are other opinions and these are easily found via a Google search. Any number of approaches can work well in different organizational cultures. <br />
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<b>Social Media and Legal Requirements</b><br />
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This blog post does not contain legal advice.<br />
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Legal decisions lag a few years behind cultural developments because litigation is either settled (and does not produce case law) or takes time to reach appellate courts and produce rules of law. There is a lack of guidance about what record retention and freedom of information laws require of public agencies that participate in social media. One strategy would be to take a conservative approach to compliance with record retention laws and consider all content distributed via social media as “part of the public record subject to the state’s archiving requirements.” According to <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonlinepubs.trb.org%2Fonlinepubs%2Ftcrp%2Ftcrp_syn_99.pdf&ei=icrsT7WhN4T48wTAhrjFBQ&usg=AFQjCNE_qIoZj4qA9P1caRziLwZXFBInJg&sig2=c34W9xZz4jq4mOH1RnmNsQ" target="_blank">TCRP Synthesis 99: Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation</a>, most transit agencies are not taking such a conservative course. More information about social media record retention policies are available in the report.<br />
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The report finds that some agencies post disclaimers to alert social media users that commenting on a blog or video or replying to a tweet, just as examples, may be matters of public record and "the privacy settings of the application host applies."<br />
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Another area of legal concern are accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The TCRP report acknowledges that this is a murky legal area. One approach offered in the report is to create alternatives for any inaccessible media. "Orange County, California, does not require its social media sites to comply with Section 508 requirements; instead, the county requires noncompliant sites to contain links to identical material on a compliant website or social media network."<br />
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More information is available online and there are other approaches. <a href="http://www.projectaction.org/" target="_blank">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a> is a technical assistance center that works on issues of concern to people with disabilities. <br />
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<b>Mobility Services and Social Media</b><br />
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If you are interested in staying abreast on a daily basis with social media developments as they relate particularly to transportation and government, I recommend these sources. <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thetransitwire.com/">TheTransitWire.com</a> focuses on transit and other options available to the general public, specifically on organizational use of technology and social media. On twitter @TheTransitWire.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/transportationsocialmedia/407909949259449/" target="_blank">Transportation Social Media</a>, a Facebook page for transportation professionals who use social media. There are daily updates with suggestions and commentary. This is a group page and any member may post questions (which are promptly answered), ideas, news and links. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.govloop.com/" target="_blank">GovLoop</a> concentrates on social media issues for government entities. I follow them on twitter - @govloop - because there is a limited portion of their material that is relevant to my work. (A blog post on the site recently illustrated how <a href="http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/building-relationships-on-social-media-amtrak-gets-it/?utm_source=dailyawesome&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=manibody&elq=7787c89a9ae24ef4840d2ffae157c9dd&elqCampaignId=1715" target="_blank">Amtrak's good use of twitter</a> is an outreach success.)</li>
<li><a href="http://talkingtransportation.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Talking Transportation</a>, a blog, has social media as one of its areas of concentration. There is more than one blog with this name. This particular blog author is on twitter @LLloydBrown (who is a communications professional at AASHTO).<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> provides group discussions about all manner of transportation, transit and social media topics. If you are involved or interested in mobility management, join the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1790" target="_blank">Partnership for Mobility Management</a> and its LinkedIn discussion group.<br />
</li>
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<b>Personal News Feeds and Managing Social Media Accounts</b><br />
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I suggest using twitter to follow the sources you like. You can create your own personal news feed, with each entry taking little time to read, but stating enough that it is easy to determine whether or not to follow a link and read more. <br />
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[Paddington Bear kiosk at Paddington Station, London.]</div>
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<b>Managing Multiple Social Media Platforms</b></div>
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For anyone but the social media novice, it quickly becomes apparent that managing one's social media accounts can be a job in itself. Various options are available to lighten this load by allowing one to monitor multiple accounts on a single page. I personally use <a href="http://hootsuite.com/dashboard" target="_blank">hootsuite</a> and I am very happy with it, but must admit I have not tried any other options. (I did not see a wikihow post for this, but it is very easy to use.) Be advised that these platform services do not necessarily enable management of all types of social media. Facebook, Yahoo and Google also enable various linkages among accounts. Linkage services will likely continue to be improved.<br />
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Dashboard services other than hootsuite are nambu and seesmic. These allow scheduling of tweets, sharing easily with other social media and, for a fee, offer premium analytic tools. </div>
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<b>Develop Your Inner Harriet the Spy </b></div>
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For developing your approach to getting the word out, staying informed, and interacting with others, one should take the time to see how partners and similar organizations are using social media. Use relevant search terms and monitor for a few weeks. Twitter is especially useful for breaking news, but also explore blogs, youtube channels, facebook pages and other media.</div>
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For technical assistance centers, active users of social media are the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=8&z=62" target="_blank">National Resource Center</a>, <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=17&z=37" target="_blank">Joblinks</a>, <a href="http://www.ruraltransportation.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=59033" target="_blank">RPO America</a>, and <a href="http://www.projectaction.org/" target="_blank">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a>; they integrate social media into their core activities. Honorable mention goes to CTAA's senior transportation specialist for her impressive employment of twitter (@SeniorTransInfo). </div>
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Transit agencies and transportation providers cover the broad spectrum from social media shyness to full immersion. Read below about examples of some effective users that range from small to large transit systems.</div>
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[Old media: Bulletin board in church entry advertising for volunteer drivers in Toddington, England. See below for photo with details.]</div>
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<b>Learning from Others</b></div>
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As one of my expressions is "don't reinvent the wheel," a recent guide illustrates many uses of social media by public agencies and innovative examples. The <a href="http://issuu.com/govloop/docs/communications_guide_final/1?mode=window" target="_blank">GovLoop Guide</a> provides a wonderful introductory explanation of social media venues and includes examples of live chat use, apps for local governments, why to use Pinterest, and more. There is a discussion about measuring performance of social media use as well. Though I am conversant with different media, there was information relevant to all but the most advanced social media aficionados. (That means I learned quite a bit.)</div>
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One example in the guide that I like is the analysis that the Veterans Administration performed to analyze negative social media comments about its services, finding that health care was not the problem, rather people were unhappy with customer service at a few VA medical centers. This illustrates the value of social media to not only spread positive messages, but also to employ free tools to find out what your audience is saying about you, and what it wants and does not want.</div>
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I also like the case the guide makes for public agency use of <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> for posting photographs, charts, plans, even poll results. Are your vehicles attractive, iconic, your drivers friendly, your public adoring, your new free wifi or real-time bus info, or new bus shelters ready to be promoted? Sometimes the best way to toot those horns is go visual.</div>
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<b>Examples from Sectors beyond Transportation</b></div>
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Because transit, transportation services and technical assistance vary widely in purpose, size and audiences, here are some examples that demonstrate possibilities for creative social media use. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.businessofgovernment.org/sites/default/files/A%20Managers%20Guide%20for%20Using%20Twitter%20in%20Government.pdf" target="_blank">Managers Guide for Using Social Media in Government</a> is a solid guide for beginners in terms of how to proceed, marketing basics and good examples from government. A favorite is the United States Geological Survey (USGC) twitter campaign of "Did you feel it?" to engage the public, particularly amateur seismologists, to report how an earthquake felt and its actual damage. This increases USGC's data of an earthquake's impact. Another good example of the twitter newsfeed phenomenon is an agency's twitter warning to communicate by text, twitter, and other social media instead of cell phones after an emergency.</div>
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A <a href="http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Social-Media-Directors-Are-Finding-a-Place-in-Government.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> from <a href="http://www.govtech.com/" target="_blank">Government and Technology Solutions for State and Local Government</a> shows how local governments are using social media, hiring social media managers, and inviting citizens to participate in tough decision making. I have also seen examples of this in the transit realm. </div>
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<b>Highways, Byways and State DOTs</b></div>
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Here are just two examples of transportation use of social media, one from the private sector and one from a state department of transportation. </div>
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Some entities allow staff or even drivers on facebook, twitter or wherever. One trucking company <a href="http://www.ccjdigital.com/journal-recruit-and-retain/?pg=1%20" target="_blank">embraces its drivers' experiences</a>.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/" target="_blank">Washington State DOT</a>, an early adopter of social media (using youtube since 2009), has created a website bulletin board of its social media use, a <a href="http://wsdot.wa.gov/news/socialroom/" target="_blank">social room page</a>, which enables even those who do not use any social media to visit a webpage with an instant visual of WashDOT's social media activity. The agency has a blog and is also on flickr, twitter, and facebook - all linked to the social room page. (Thank you to Jeremy Bertrand's post on the Transportation and Social Media facebook group for this. Bertrand commented that the social room would prove useful were an emergency to occur.)</div>
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<b>TCRP Synthesis</b></div>
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Many transit agencies are at the forefront of social media and public engagement. Certainly, citizens in some localities have embraced social media - particularly facebook and twitter - as channels to express their opinions about service. <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonlinepubs.trb.org%2Fonlinepubs%2Ftcrp%2Ftcrp_syn_99.pdf&ei=icrsT7WhN4T48wTAhrjFBQ&usg=AFQjCNE_qIoZj4qA9P1caRziLwZXFBInJg&sig2=c34W9xZz4jq4mOH1RnmNsQ" target="_blank">TCRP Synthesis 99: Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation</a> found that there is room for many transit agencies to expand their use and the report includes the experiences of early adopters, large and small. </div>
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The TCRP synthesis report covers much more than its title suggests. The author, Susan Bregman, who writes TheTransitWire (discussed above), explores government agency employment of social media and examples that go beyond public transportation, but are always relevant to both transit and other community transportation. I will share some of the resources and case studies from this TCRP report. It is well worth reading in full, but for those who do not have time, there are the relevant highlights below.<b> </b></div>
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<b>How Transit Employs Social Media</b></div>
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The following three examples are quotes from the TCRP report. There is more information about these systems in the report's case studies. These excerpts were selected for their usefulness to transit and technical assistance for systems of all sizes.<br />
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<u>Mountain Line Transit (Morgantown, WV)</u><br />
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Mountain Line’s manager takes a hands-on approach to social media for two reasons. First, updating the Twitter account is not time-consuming. Second, as a small agency, Mountain Line does not have many employees who are both qualified and available to post social media updates.</div>
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• Find the best way to communicate with riders using the tools they already use.</div>
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• Make it easy for the customers to get the information they need.</div>
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Mountain Line believes that university students along with choice, or discretionary, riders constitute the primary audience for its social media communications, especially Twitter updates. Although these individuals may have bet- ter access to technology than some rider groups, the agency believes that its social media strategy does not exclude other riders. Most customers can receive text messages on their cell phones, enabling them to subscribe to Twitter sta- tus updates as text messages. In addition, customers can access real-time service updates by means of telephone, on display boards at several locations, and on the agency’s website. Mountain Line does not consider social media an effective way to reach stakeholders such as community- based organizations; overall, these groups have not adopted social media.</div>
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Mountain Line does not have a social media policy. Only two people generate the online content for this small agency, and they can easily discuss issues or concerns on an infor- mal basis. If the agency developed a policy, it would most likely focus on messaging, image, and information control. Although such a policy could be beneficial, the general man- ager questioned whether a social media policy alone could take the place of hands-on training and experience. </div>
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As with most transit properties, Mountain Line has received negative comments on Facebook and Twitter. Although the agency deletes or edits material it considers offensive, managers treat criticism as an opportunity to offer an explanation and to correct misinformation. Social media allow Mountain Line to answer rider questions in a public forum, on the assumption that if one individual has a question, it is likely that others want to know the same thing.</div>
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<u>Metropolitan Transit Authority (New York City, Long Island and Westchester)</u><br />
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MTA retains electronic and paper copies of social media posts and staff members summarize social media activities for senior man- agement in monthly reports. Personnel use readily available statistics to track social media activity, to assess the impact of changes, and to identify successful practices.</div>
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On an everyday basis, social media benefit the MTA by allowing the agency to distribute its message unfiltered by reporters or traditional media outlets and provides other chan- nels for individuals to get information. This, in turn, has helped personalize an agency that many perceive as a “big faceless bureaucracy.”</div>
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•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Don’t overlook the value of incoming messages— </b>During a series of snowstorms, messages from customers helped MTA identify trouble spots in the field. </div>
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<u>Translink (Vancouver, British Columbia)</u><br />
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A key benefit of engaging customers is the unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into customer attitudes and priorities. In the survey, TransLink said, “Social media is a little like having a direct line into what customers are thinking.” Agencies that know how to tap into that information can learn a great deal about “customer pain points” and how to improve service. … <b>If </b>you use social media correctly, the questions and comments will prompt responses from departments throughout the organization. Legitimate questions and complaints can lead to real change or thoughtful responses from the relevant departments— not just sympathy and excuses from communications or customer service staff. ...<br />
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[I]n the short term, social media also provide the agency with an opportunity to have fun. Free from the constraints of traditional media, <i><a href="http://buzzer.translink.ca/" target="_blank">The Buzzer</a> </i>[the Translink blog] “tackles all kinds of stories about transit history, the SkyTrain chime, oddities of the system, and more.” [Editor's Note: The blog currently has questions for riders about what they do while riding transit.]</blockquote>
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Other examples abound. Phoenix Metro not only uses social media to promote its own services, but also to publicize businesses along its light rail line.This system has a social media staff person in its communications department. More information is available in this <a href="http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/article/Phoenix-METROs-social-media-strategy-helps-agency-better-connect-with-riders--31087" target="_blank">article from Progressive Railroading</a>.</div>
<a href="http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/article/Phoenix-METROs-social-media-strategy-helps-agency-better-connect-with-riders--31087"></a><br />
The <a href="http://www.psta.net/index.php" target="_blank">Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority</a> has a youtube series, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/ridepsta" target="_blank">Bus Buzz</a>. In its inaugual video, PSTA's driver of the year introduces the series. Other videos explain different modes, express services, serving people with disabilities, and more. A <a href="http://ridepsta.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/introducing-bus-buzz/" target="_blank">blog post announcing Bus Buzz</a> explains PSTA's intentions for the video series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeKav4mCf33EYCq9j_gBYH2hPE5kMh6Jg60b8uXmcqFvHzCTNM9cXMd_dDeeIqezizvdZfTWlySYwzdiO0Qb2Cdlwz04WvSh7p1gsINdH-xlmzuF86IZvQZGP1m5YsE9O6wYjD8Zeexk/s1600/P6050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeKav4mCf33EYCq9j_gBYH2hPE5kMh6Jg60b8uXmcqFvHzCTNM9cXMd_dDeeIqezizvdZfTWlySYwzdiO0Qb2Cdlwz04WvSh7p1gsINdH-xlmzuF86IZvQZGP1m5YsE9O6wYjD8Zeexk/s320/P6050054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
[Kansas City Union Station with the American flag.]</div>
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<b>Opportunities for Improvement</b><br />
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The TCRP report identifies opportunities that transit can take advantage of to better serve the public. These include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Reaching out to potential riders.</li>
<li>Coordination with other customer information services, including 511/traveler information, 311/citizen information, and 211/human services information. </li>
<li>For urban systems especially, "integrating social media with mobile applications, automated real-time information, special promotions, and other web-based activities.” </li>
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If you or your organization are using pinterest, youtube, SharePoint and other new offerings, please contact Sheryl Gross-Glaser (grossglaser@ctaa.org). We can learn from and possibly share your experiences. <br />
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<b>Social Media 101 </b><br />
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This section is intended for those unfamiliar with social media. Social media are interactive online opportunities, including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, and Flickr. Literally each day social media is evolving and new options are being created. Feel free to let the early adopters of each medium work out the kinks and provide models for how to move forward effectively and without consuming too much time.<br />
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For a quick summary of how different social media are used, read this amusing guide.<br />
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Each social medium has its purpose and the goal is to advance your agenda, not to fill out an imaginary dance card to show how many different media you use. Out of the office much? Not to worry, pretty much everything is available on smartphones, sometimes with a better interface than on a computer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org/Home.aspx" target="_blank">National RTAP</a> has a brief entitled <i>Leveraging Social Media</i>, available from its resource library. While this brief only covers twitter, facebook, youtube and blogs, (the primary social media when the brief was released last year), it is a concise and usable introduction to the basic media covered.<br />
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For a quick introductory lesson for many social media, visit <a href="http://wikihow.com/">wikihow.com</a> and enter in the search box the social medium you are curious about, followed by the word "account," for example "youtube account." Ads will show up first, followed by search results. I looked up pinterest and wikihow explained how to sign up, use, find resources, and link a pinterest account to facebook and twitter. There are also advanced how-to posts. Google is also quite helpful in this regard. Any question you have has probably already been answered. Just type it in. I have discovered amazing solutions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuy1V6NkYzS-KdVo-WHYw7FnXXg7SvkVYXyBg4KIXwkkNTe_EGRSqxzc4qT5sFAmQ6UuaMnMaL0lMO5oN17q27PbjmFOSe58TyUdYc1BDpdf57k-xWAKTQnBb4GZwiALw-sZ_LqGwhqs/s1600/P6120106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuy1V6NkYzS-KdVo-WHYw7FnXXg7SvkVYXyBg4KIXwkkNTe_EGRSqxzc4qT5sFAmQ6UuaMnMaL0lMO5oN17q27PbjmFOSe58TyUdYc1BDpdf57k-xWAKTQnBb4GZwiALw-sZ_LqGwhqs/s320/P6120106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
[Multimodal London at bikeshare station.]<br />
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For those new to social media, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonlinepubs.trb.org%2Fonlinepubs%2Ftcrp%2Ftcrp_syn_99.pdf&ei=icrsT7WhN4T48wTAhrjFBQ&usg=AFQjCNE_qIoZj4qA9P1caRziLwZXFBInJg&sig2=c34W9xZz4jq4mOH1RnmNsQ" target="_blank">TCRP Synthesis 99: Uses of Social Media in Public Transportation</a> offers a glossary of social media types and terminlogy as well as the case studies quoted above. Especially well done are the examples of making engagement with transit fun for riders, such as posting transit music performances on Youtube. The Long Island Railroad “mind the gap” rap music campaign illustrates the point. Remember to use various media as well as webpages to draw attention to such campaigns.<br />
<br />
It is not difficult for transit agencies and technical assistance centers to use social media. Particular uses are the youtube examples above. LinkedIn can be useful for publicizing employment openings and to communicate with individuals. Some agencies tweet a contemporaneous record of meetings open to the public. Some agencies tweet for all routes and services, while others have separate accounts for each line. Facebook pages are used for whole transit agencies or for specific transit or other transportation projects. Flickr, pinterest and instagram can be used for photographs and other visual aids. Any of these can be used in conjunction with other social media. <br />
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For specific instructions, use Google, wikipedia or wikihow. Or contact us at the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=8&z=62" target="_blank">National Resource Center</a>.<br />
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[Ad for volunteer drivers in posted on a bulletin board of a church in Toddington, England.]</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-13162442662369611262012-05-02T13:05:00.000-07:002012-05-02T13:05:08.368-07:00State Level Coordination, Taxi Study, Rural Meets GoogleNCSL has released the latest in its series of <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/transport/state-coordinating-councils-overview-and-profiles.aspx">state coordination profiles</a>, this one from the great state of <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/TX-HSTCprofile.pdf">Texas</a>. These profiles examine the statutory, regulatory or executive mandates for coordination, initiatives at the state level, funding and grant management, and the progress of coordination and mobility management. The Texas profile highlights statewide and regional efforts, a website clearinghouse, and funding.<br />
<br />
NCSL also releases its first 2012 <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/transport/transportation-coordination-quarterly-newsletter.aspx">coordination newsletter</a>. The <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/TCNQ12012.pdf">new issue</a> lists pending and recently-passed state legislation requiring coordination or making changes to human services or Medicaid transportation delivery.<br />
<br />
<b>Survey - Statewide Coordination</b><br />
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"NCSL is in the midst of a survey of all the states and territories on state coordination and other activities that facilitate access to transportation mobility for veterans. Planned for release in Aug. 2012, the report will feature a state-by-state comparison, three case studies and a synthesis of best practices from across the nation." Contact Jaime Rall at jaime.rall@ncsl.org to participate in the survey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6986505906_34b34e98a9_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="205" width="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6986505906_34b34e98a9_n.jpg" /></a></div>[Conductor and passenger during a station stop on Amtrak's Vermonter route.]<br />
<b><br />
The Original Guaranteed Ride Home<br />
</b><br />
By way of introduction to a very good study about taxi service, I cannot resist telling about a recent ride of my own. While making my way to a conference in Vermont, taking the Vermonter train to the Burlington area, I was reminded how a taxi driver can give a visit local flavor. My driver was a taxi advocate and local history buff. How many people do you know who can tell romantic and daring tales about the War of 1812? Probably not too many. Nicholas was so engaging that I contacted him for the ride back for my trek home. Stories of Champlain, for whom Lake Champlain is named, filled that trip. Champlain, according to Nicholas, was a visionary, though somewhat naive about tribal relationships. Nicholas left me with a reminder to read the book Taxi from Hell, written by an immigrant taxi driver with his own tales. <br />
<a href="http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/166621.aspx"><br />
Local and State Partnerships with Taxicab Companies</a> is a TCRP report that offers an in-depth analysis of many different types of taxicab/public partnerships, from subsidized services to a taxi-friendly regulatory environment. Covered are human services transportation programs, guaranteed rides home, accessible taxis and much more. Not only does the report cover a broad swath of programs, but it honestly examines the incentives and some disincentives for taxi owners and drivers to participate in publicly-run transportation programs.<br />
<br />
If you want models of types of partnerships with taxi operators, how the public/private divide is handled, and incentives and arrangements that work, this is the study to read. This report will take time to sift through, but the time will be worthwhile. Examples from large cities and rural areas alike seemed amenable to adaptation in different types of places. Adequate compensation for participation is crucial for the taxi companies, with paperwork another concern; whereas the public agencies are concerned with protective practices, such as adequate insurance, drug and alcohol testing, and fraud prevention. The wonderful thing about the report are the examples of how these concerns have been negotiated and resolved.<br />
<br />
The only fault I find with the report is the small number of respondents, particularly that only eight taxicab companies responded to the survey. Those respondents cited as obstacles to public/private taxi partnerships "insufficient financial incentives, low demand for service, and lack of government interest or participation." Despite the obstacles, which are examined in detail, there are case studies of partnerships that have discovered ways of navigating barriers and have figured out how to adequately compensate companies and drivers, while satisfying the need of public agencies to maintain records, ensure driver safety and guarantee sufficient insurance coverage.<br />
<b><br />
Google Changes Transit Way Beyond the Big Cities<br />
</b><br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fta.dot.gov%2Fdocuments%2FFTA_Report_No._0006.pdf&ei=LLqZT9H8JY-50QHe0omSCg&usg=AFQjCNHQTdkP5-IdoNyjh_CykuGZ6RbFgQ&sig2=OT1L7Z4OhKvywrH0kzsaMQ">Evolution of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Mobility Management and Coordination Serving California’s Rural Frontier</a> is an honest account of the barriers to coordination via technology for rural frontier communities. Google comes to the rescue in a sense with new possibilities, but systems designed for urban settings, with frequent service and many passengers, are not easily transferable to this very different setting.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Google Inc. added real- time updates through the same trip planning interface. Riders can see if their particular trip plan will be delayed by traffic, breakdowns or weather. In deploying a real-time interface, there are new standards that allow multiple agencies to communicate on behalf of the rider. Another recent feature offers all lodging options up to a span of time on transit, defined by the rider. These data integration features are the future of ITS projects. Riders will demand that innovative companies push technology solutions to meet their needs.<br />
</blockquote>Yes, this report is about technology making mobility management be truly customer focused, but it is also about expectations, patience, and knowledgeable interaction with consultants on complex projects. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7132590231_099e721fb4_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="233" width="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7132590231_099e721fb4_n.jpg" /></a></div>[Old railroad car at a Vermont Amtrak station.]<br />
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<b>DOT Agencies Create Joint Webinars </b><br />
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Webinar - (SR500) <a href="https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/viewconference.aspx?webconfid=24326">FHWA FTA TPCB Transportation Planning Information Exchange</a> - May 22, 2012. This webinar will be an introduction to the Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program, particularly its web-based resources, peer exchanges and events, manuals, training, and newsletters. The event kicks off a FHWA and FTA webinar series, the Transportation Planning Information Exchange (T-PIE). T-PIE is a web-based forum to connect the transportation planning community with information on training, technical assistance, and technical support for State, local, regional and Tribal governments, transit operators, and community leaders. The webinars will address issues like scenario planning, land-use modeling, livability, environmental quality, operations, and maintenance. The May 22 webinar airs at noon to 2 p.m. Eastern time. <br />
<b><br />
Upcoming Events<br />
</b><a href="http://www.ntionline.com/"><br />
National Transit Institute</a> has courses coming up around the country in mobility management, public involvement in transportation planning, environmental reviews, state and metropolitan land use, bus rapid transit, procurement and asset management, and many aspects of technology. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a>has a webinar on May 16, 2012. <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/R?i=WnHNgjZn1_FedvhlSFeNKQ">Best Practices in Premium Paratransit Service</a> will cover ACCESS Transportation Systems in Pittsburgh, Pa., and its successful premium paratransit services. <br />
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<b>DOT Requesting Collegiate Assistance</b><br />
<br />
This is a call to action. The <a href="http://www.dot.gov/">Department of Transportation</a> (DOT) is engaging in a dialogue with the public and requesting assistance. Following the recent <a href="http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/03/saferbus-arrives-in-app-store.html">announcement</a> of its <a href="http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/03/saferbus-arrives-in-app-store.html">SaferBus</a> app, DOT is asking the nation's students to submit improved apps that give consumers easily accessible, comprehensible, and navigable safety information about intercity bus services. The Secretary himself made the request in a <a href="http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/04/fmcsa-challenges-student-developers-to-create-next-saferbus-app.html">Fastlane blog post</a>. Submissions are due by August 30, 2012.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-78992290341139758802012-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:002012-04-23T07:26:33.455-07:00Benefits Outweight Costs: Travel Training and Transit<a href="http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166815.aspx?utm_medium=etmail&utm_source=Transportation%20Research%20Board&utm_campaign=TRB+E-Newsletter+-+03-27-2012&utm_content=Customer&utm_term=">Can Travel Training Services Save Public Transportation Agencies Money?</a>, a <a href="http://www.trb.org/Main/Home.aspx">Transportation Research Board</a> publication, calculates the cost-benefit ratio of travel training for public transportation systems. The article is a quick read and does not identify the transit systems surveyed. What it does is identify the costs and savings related to travel training programs. Karen Wolf-Branigan, director of the <a href="http://seniortransportation.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=NCST2_homepage">National Center on Senior Transportation</a> is one of the authors. NCST is a technical assistance center administered by Easter Seals Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.<br /><br />
<b>Rural Transit Reality</b><br />
<br />
The recent <a href="http://www.sddot.com/transportation/transit/Docs/SDDOTPublicTransitResearchProject.pdf">South Dakota Public Transit Research Project report</a> paints a picture of the crucial role that transit plays in rural areas. "In the absence of public transit, many of them would have no choice but to forego their trips. This implies that some people would lose their job and apply for public assistance, or require home care, or move to a nursing home facility." The report concludes that for every dollar spent on public transit, the state generates $1.90 in economic activity, or almost double the return on investment.<br /><br />
Though the report finds a connection to the recession, with an increase in ridership since 2008,rural transit is largely transportation to medical care.<br />
<blockquote>[T]he more rural the service area and the larger the share of benefits attributed to medical trips. For instance, benefits attributed to medical trips represent 73 percent of total benefits for Rural systems whereas they account for just 38 percent of total benefits for Urbanized systems. This difference can be explained by two factors: the share of medical trips is typically higher for rural transit providers than for urban transit providers ...; congestion related benefits (travel time savings and emissions cost savings in particular) are non‐existent (or slightly negative in some cases) in rural settings.<br /><br />
Another consequence of the recession is that rural transit systems are experiencing “load shifting”, in other words an increase in ridership as a result of transportation service cuts from human service agencies.</blockquote><b>Disability Rights: Quick Course</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.humancentereddesign.org/neada/disabilityrights/Welcome.html">Self-Paced Course on Disability Rights Laws</a> from the <a href="http://www.newenglandada.org//site/home">New England Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Center</a> is a free web course on federal disability rights laws will take approximately 90 – 120 minutes to complete. The course will provide an overview of the legal definition of disability; an overview of each of the disability rights laws and a discussion of the four laws that apply.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-70407385650809768802012-03-27T06:00:00.001-07:002012-03-28T05:35:58.770-07:00Driving Safely - Technical Assistance for Transit and Transportation Services<a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov">Federal Transit Administration</a><br />
FTA issues a <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/newsroom/12910_14467.html">Dear Colleague letter</a> about training for transit workers about distracted driving. The agency offers a <a href="http://transit-safety.fta.dot.gov/Training/new/CourseDetails.aspx?csid=53">half-hour course</a> "to educate, inform, and increase awareness among all transit workers about the dangers and challenges associated with distracted driving." The course is available online and can be accessed at any time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">Community Transportation Association of America</a><br />
CTAA's <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles//anmviewer.asp?a=2851&z=109">EXPO conference</a> will feature <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=2853&z=110">safety and vehicle maintenance trainings</a> as part of the one-to-three-day intensives available on May 21-23 in Baltimore, Md. The EXPO conference is on May 21-25.<br />
<br />
CTAA's <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=41&z=5">Safety and Security Manager training</a> certifies managers. "[T]his is a protocol for on-site assessments by Certified Safety and Security Managers of their respective transit systems preparedness in the critical components and core elements of the Federal Transit Administration's Bus Safety and Security Program." <br />
<a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org"><br />
Rural Transit Assistance Program</a><br />
RTAP has a number of safety-related introductory training products. These are available on the website via a search for safety materials. They are also available via the RTAP <a href="http://demopro.nationalrtap.org/getfile.aspx?id=270">catalog</a>.<br />
<b><br />
Local Stories</b><br />
<br />
Support for transit, first mile/last mile service, coordinating human services transportation, and just having another mode of transportation to get an impromptu cup of coffee are gearing up in nearby towns in Massachusetts. The <a href="http://www.wickedlocal.com/maynard">Wicked Local Maynard</a> (now that's a great news source name) reports that "a $184,575 grant from the state aims to identify these redundancies and propose solutions for a more efficient regional transit network in the towns of Acton, Maynard, Boxborough, Littleton and Stow." The article, <a href="http://www.wickedlocal.com/stow/news/x738245245/Maynard-Stow-among-communities-receiving-grant-from-state#ixzz1qEwrvYaZ">Maynard, Stow among communities receiving grant from state</a> describes ambitious goals for the grant, to "pay for geodetic positioning systems for the 13 vans ... and a project coordinator to analyze trip data and develop a shared dispatch service. The long-term goals, according to the grant application, are to improve economic viability and realize cost savings for towns in the region." Though the grant will not pay for fixed-route service, some see it as a step in that direction. A transportation summit is planned for May in Maynard.<br />
<br />
Wichita wants bus shelters with real-time bus information. The city is applying for "a $1.08 million grant from the FTA’s Bus Livability Initiative to establish eight bus shelters every two blocks along the Douglas corridor downtown." <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2012/03/21/2266103/wichita-seeks-us-grant-for-douglas.html#storylink=cpy">Wichita seeks U.S. grant for Douglas bus shelters</a>, an article in the <a href="http://www.kansas.com/">Wichita Eagle and Kansas.com</a>, discusses Wichita's goal to make transit an attractive alternative to car use in the downtown area.<br />
<blockquote>“We’d like to get wait times to 10 minutes or less at these shelters so the bus becomes a car alternative,” Fluhr said. “We have a large geographic area for our downtown, 800 acres, and within that we have a number of epicenters like Old Town, the Douglas corridor, City Hall, the arena and WaterWalk.<br />
...<br />
Other Douglas corridor projects that would be covered by the grant project include streetscape amenities, parking for 175 bicycles, a signalized pedestrian crosswalk between Mead and Rock Island and pedestrian wayfinding signage.</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-51172335428660223292012-03-05T11:06:00.000-08:002012-03-05T11:06:53.538-08:00Innovative Partnerships - Resources, Events, StoriesThe Federal Transit Administration will hold an informational webinar on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 2:00pm EST for any agencies interested in applying for the FY 2012 Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI). Please visit <a href="http://vtcli2.eventbrite.com/">http://vtcli2.eventbrite.com/</a> to register. For those who are unable to attend, the session will be recorded and posted along with Q&As for later viewing.<br />
<br />
The application deadline for the FY 2012 VTCLI grant competition is April 19, 2012. For more information on the VTCLI, please visit the FTA website at <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/veterans">www.fta.dot.gov/veterans</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.volpe.dot.gov/coi/outreach/index.html">John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center</a><br />
Webinar or in-person event - <a href="http://www.volpe.dot.gov/coi/outreach/index.html">Transportation Trajectories - Weaving silos into tapestry: Cross-modal safety through the U.S. DOT Safety Council</a> - Mar. 22, 2012 in Cambridge, MA. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6426879155_a0f4c70bfa_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="164" width="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6426879155_a0f4c70bfa_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Light rail at Denver's Union Station hub.]<br />
<b><br />
Statewide TA Resources</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.transportation.org">American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials</a><br />
AASHTO posts on its <a href="http://scopt.transportation.org/Pages/MTAP.aspx">Multi-State Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) site</a> a state DOT directory that lists state staff contacts for different federal programs and purposes, such as insurance, vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness.<br />
<a href="http://www.planning.dot.gov/"><br />
Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program</a><br />
TPCBP provides training, technical assistance, and support for State, local, regional, and Tribal governments, transit operators, and community leaders. TPCBP has produced three <a href="http://www.planning.dot.gov/focus_transit_attable.asp">Transit at the Table</a> guides. <a href="http://www.planning.dot.gov/Documents/tat.htm">Transit at the Table I</a> explores how transit agencies in larger metropolitan areas (more than 200,000 in population) could be more effective partners with MPOs in the metropolitan transportation planning and programming process. <a href="http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/TransPlanning/TransTableII.htm">Transit at the Table II</a> is about how transit in smaller metropolitan areas (populations between 50,000 and 200,000) can be effectively involved in planning. <a href="http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/TransPlanning/TAT_III_FinalReport.pdf">Transit at the Table III</a> serves rural and small urban areas by covering partnerships with state agencies and state planning. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6192/6123733863_4a062b5446_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6192/6123733863_4a062b5446_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Public art on a Portland, OR., street.]<br />
<br />
<b>Local Stories</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/50931/">Florida Food Bank Wins Award for Transportation System for Low-income Residents</a> shows partnership in action and long-term goals. A Florida food bank decided that a crucial link in reducing hunger is getting people to employment, medical care and other important destinations. <br />
<blockquote>The food bank started the Transportation Coordination Network six months ago after a Hunger Free Community Coalition town hall meeting with agencies and partners. There, food bank officials heard that transportation after public transit hours was a need for St. Lucie residents. The St. Lucie County Housing and Community Services Department, FL and its transportation partners spearheaded the network.</blockquote>The transportation network is already expanding, serving college students going to and from school, and planning to provide service soon to more counties. The article appeared on the <a href="http://www.infozine.com/">Kansas City Infozine</a> site. <br />
<b><br />
Mobility Options</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cts=1330962617123&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.completestreets.org%2Fwebdocs%2Fpolicy%2Fcs-ny-greatneckplaza-policy.pdf&ei=tOBUT4HWNeTk0QHNxP3KDQ&usg=AFQjCNEuWSJFwitiV3hr7vj9lD521IyXyw&sig2=WAoWAN_s31ysaQO8BTSD4Q">Village of Great Neck Plaza Complete Streets Policy Guide</a> does a nice job of explaining what are complete streets, what they can accomplish and their significance to seniors, children, and public transportation. The guide also provides a clear explanation of local versus state versus county roads, which jurisdictions have authority over each, and how the village can partner with and encourage complete streets design on the roads over which it does not have jurisdiction. <br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cts=1330963123571&ved=0CDcQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mdt.mt.gov%2Fother%2Fresearch%2Fexternal%2Fdocs%2Fresearch_proj%2Fintercity%2Ffinal_report_dec11.pdf&ei=puJUT8zBPIry0gHZjIXUBQ&usg=AFQjCNEGfFLcd8yY-hXiZrXiOWbv8Mma1Q&sig2=hF-KQe47qQ7D-qxHcrgCAw"><br />
Montana Intercity Bus Service Study</a> discusses analyses to determine unmet demand for intercity bus service, particularly in Montana. Examples are from North Dakota, Ohio, and Texas, among others, with information about funding sources and uses. The study also examines why passengers in Montana use intercity bus service, how passengers access information about the service, and physically how they access the actual bus - whether through a ride, walking, another bus, etc. Montana transit connections for intercity service, whether bus or train, or airplane, are reviewed for frequency, type of service and fares. <br />
<blockquote>To understand how transit agencies are aligned with the other modes of services, agencies were asked specifically whether they provide a transit connection within an hour of arrival or departure time of ICB, Amtrak or airline services. Nine transit agencies reported they provided a connection to an ICB location within an hour, with five agencies providing a connection within an hour to airports and train station.</blockquote>This is a fascinating read about estimating demand, satisfaction and user preferences, specifically in a mostly rural state.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-68219903375917854782012-02-24T05:50:00.000-08:002012-02-24T05:50:48.929-08:00Doing Errands While in TransitThe need to do errands on the way to or the way home from work is a major hassle of taking transit. These are a couple of recent examples of transit bringing the errands to the station; perhaps, one day, coming to a bus stop or subway station near you.<br />
<br />
Farm stands at bus stops? Markets at transit stations? How about virtual grocery shopping, with just pictures of supermarket products? Virtual shopping at stations is happening in Korea and, perhaps, coming to places around the United States if we all learn a lesson from Philadelphia's transit agency. <br />
<br />
<b>Next Bus: 10 Minutes; Milk and Bread Available</b><br />
<br />
Read <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/trends/commuters-and-virtual-storefronts--a-match-made-in-heaven-20120215-1t5lq.html#ixzz1n8nwnVHI">Commuters and virtual storefronts - a match made in heaven?</a> from the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/">Sydney Morning Herald</a>, via the <a href="http://www.thetransitwire.com/">TransitWire</a>. Phillie transit riders will soon be able to use a smartphone app to shop from a virtual wall of grocery items. Reminds me of being a little girl and having a milk machine in the basement of our apartment house and seltzer and soda delivered weekly (yes, we had a seltzer man). As a New York native, any delivery or convenience pick up resonates; I am sure across the demographic and density spectrums, convenience is appreciated (though few have experienced seltzer delivery).<br />
<br />
This is a nice solution for cities and suburbs, anywhere where delivery services work well. But can something like online ordering or shops at the bus station work in rural areas? Can supermarkets deliver pre-ordered items to bus stops? The answer is "it depends," which means odds of success probably increase with flexibility to try an idea that is developed with local conditions, culture and partners.<br />
<b><br />
And Pick Up the Kids</b><br />
<br />
Two of the biggest logistical concerns for working parents are transportation and child care. One transit agency is doing both. To attract good employees who can work the nontraditional hours that transit and other industries demand, Prairie Transit in Spearfish, S.D., "opened its own state-licensed child care facility right in its new transit center." The article, <a href="http://rapidcityjournal.com/business/community-care-day-care-centers-draw-workers-to-towns/article_d2ceb05c-43fd-11e1-9cea-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1mMmuv0fL">Community care: Day care centers draw workers to towns</a>, appeared in the <a href="http://rapidcityjournal.com/">Rapid City Journal</a>.<br />
<br />
Barb Cline, the executive director of the Prairie Hills Transit system and a CTAA Board member, explained the symbiotic needs of employers and parents.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"One of the things we found in our hiring process is that when potential candidates were given the hours they needed to work, they said, ‘I'm sorry we can't work before 6, or I'm sorry we can't work after 5, I'm sorry we don't have child care on weekends,'" Cline said.<br />
<br />
Cline knew that she wasn't the only employer with that problem. As a United Way agency, she had visited with others who agreed there was a need for more, quality day care providers in the community.<br />
<br />
So the system, which operates a public bus system as well as a dial-a-ride service for people of all ages, decided to take the problem under its wing.</blockquote><br />
Now transit riders can arrive at the transit center and get the kids. Perhaps groceries will be next.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-31522021852418641362012-02-16T12:17:00.000-08:002012-02-16T12:17:14.923-08:00Project ACTION Offers Practical Answers for People with Disabilities<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a><br />
The new <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/R?i=hvSBNc2rPjijMc99AHfTWA">Accessible Transportation for Students—New Online Community</a> will help students, their families, educators, human service providers, and transit professionals to learn from each other. Participants can use this forum to share stories and strategies related to providing accessible and inclusive transportation for students who are in school as well as those transitioning to post-school settings. Participants may discuss how transportation education content is integrated into class curriculum, instruction and academic standards; and upload or post links to helpful resources, projects or organizations. <br />
<br />
ESPA's newsletter has a new feature, Ask Project ACTION, which poses a practical query from a person with a mobility disability. <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_ask_project_action_feb2012_2_snow">This month's question and answer</a> are about who is responsible for snow removal at bus stops. For the person writing in, this is an important issue because he or she is afraid that ice and snow at the stop will interfere with walking with a cane (though rubber tips have no traction on ice) and cause a fall.<br />
<b><br />
Local Stories - Coordination</b><br />
<br />
In Campbell County , WY., coordination is moving forward. The <a href="http://www.basinsradio.com/basin/index.php">Basin Radio Network</a> reports that a team of organizations are working together on a coordination plan, one of the first steps of which is to educate and seek support from local political leaders. The article, <a href="http://www.basinsradio.com/basin/local/local-news/government/22974-group-works-to-coordinate-public-transportation.html">Group works to coordinate public transportation</a>, lists the organizations involved and goes into detail about the near-term plan. Staff from the team of organizations attended the recent Colorado/Wyoming <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=106&z=39">Institute for Coordination</a> held in November 2011.<br />
<br />
Like many communities, Yuma County, AZ., is experiencing reductions in transit service. For people with disabilities, these cuts are significant because there are limited or no transportation alternatives available. <a href="http://www.yumasun.com/news/service-76159-ride-yuma.html">Dial-A-Ride alternative arranged</a>, an article on the <a href="http://www.yumasun.com/">YumaSun</a> website, tells the story of a woman who retired early due to a disability and what dial-a-ride cutbacks, ADA transportation rules, and non-profit efforts have meant for her. <br />
<b><br />
NYC Engages Riders - And They Have Opinions</b><br />
<br />
Miracles do happen and one is going on in my hometown of New York (that's the city). The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">New York Times</a> reports that <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/stand-by-for-an-improbable-announcement/">subway announcements may be suggested by the public</a>. The comments, with suggested announcements, are the best part. Warning: Some of the comments to the New York Times article have a biting, NYC humor. Other comments suggesting announcements are charming, such as requests for facts about construction of famous buildings, sports scores, and fanciful destinations (platform 9 3/4 was one; anyone heading to Hogwarts?). My favorite announcements when I lived in New York were on the D train, when it was still the Brighton Line. When the train left the city, a conductor every evening would declare that we were entering the bee-bopping borough of Brooklyn. How right he was.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-5937103904596602622012-02-07T06:06:00.000-08:002012-02-07T06:06:05.380-08:00Mobility Management Webinars Very Soon<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1790">Partnership for Mobility Management</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cvent.com/events/performance-measures-for-mobility-managers/registration-3cdf6cec5f6344faa67e37d9b1d5dc0a.aspx">Performance Measures for Mobility Managers</a> - Feb. 9 webinar. This webinar will discuss performance measures as they relate specifically to mobility management. It will cover the state of performance measurement of mobility management programs and where there is room for improvement. Speakers include one of our regional ambassadors and authors of <a href="http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6633-1.pdf">Performance Measures for Public Transit Mobility Management</a>, a national survey of the current use and types of performance measures for mobility management. The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) study offers recommendations that will support mobility management programs in telling their stories and providing evidence of their value. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a><br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/Calendar/1168692468?view=Detail&id=37286">Connecting CILs and Mobility Managers for Accessible Transportation</a> - Feb. 29. The webinar will explore ESPA's work to strengthen the link between the disability community, specifically independent living centers, and mobility management programs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-1983771627881658172012-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:002012-01-30T12:53:05.809-08:00Accessibility - Tools, Classes to Make it Happen<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage"><br />
Easter Seals Project ACTION</a><br />
<a href="http://www.easterseals.com/site/Calendar/1021477778?view=Detail&id=37445">Fundamentals of Travel Training Administration</a> - Online course - Feb. 20. The course will cover launching, operating and maintaining a travel training program, including details such as job descriptions; hiring, training and supervising travel trainers; developing budgets; and understanding travel training services offered throughout the country. <br />
<a href="http://www.dot.gov/new/index.htm"><br />
Department of Transportation</a><br />
Not infrequently, I get calls from people seeking information about long-distance travel options for people with disabilities. Here is a new website and toll-free helpline resource. <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/tsa_cares.shtm">Transportation Services Administration Cares: Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions</a> was launched in December by the <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/">Transportation Security Administration</a> (TSA) to provide information and assistance to passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly. TSA Cares is available toll free at 1-855-787-2227, which operates Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. <br />
<a href="http://myopinion.oregonstate.edu/transportation/"><br />
National Transit Communications Accessibility Survey</a><br />
Funded by the <a href="http://ncam.wgbh.org/">Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH</a>, the <a href="http://www.stat.oregonstate.edu/src">Oregon State University Survey Research Center</a>, and the <a href="http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/">National Center for Accessible Transportation</a> (housed at Oregon State University), this survey will collect data about the technologies, policies and practices relating to transit-related communications. "Our goal for this study is to identify opportunities for universal and accessible design considerations in the chain of communication from inside a transit agency all the way to travelers."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-8086782845954865262012-01-27T06:40:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:43:15.093-08:00Coordination: Regional, at National Parks, for Seniors, and Courses<a href="http://www.ncsl.org/index.htm">National Conference of State Legislatures</a><br />
NCSL issues its quarterly Coordination Newsletter. News of taxi involvement in accessibility for people with disabilities and low-income populations. The newsletter mentions a few statewide reports, two of which studied mobility needs of older adults. The Michigan report announces a startling statistic. "By far the most common help given by caregivers was related to transportation, with more than 90% of respondents statewide reporting to have provided this type of care." <br />
<br />
NCSL also issued <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/transportation/regional-coordinating-councils-report.aspx">Regional Human Service Transportation Coordinating Councils: Synthesis, Case Studies and Directory</a>. The directory lists regional coordinating councils across the country and contact information for each. The synthesis defines these councils as:<br />
<blockquote>... multidisciplinary, in that they coordinate among diverse transportation and human services providers; regional, in that they coordinate across multiple cities, counties or other local jurisdictions; and ongoing, in that they engage in active, ongoing coordination, not just coordination planning or other intermittent activities.</blockquote><br />
The synthesis also explains the requirements in federal legislation for coordinated transportation planning. The complementary relationship of state and regional coordinating councils is discussed. Different state and regional structures are explored. The case studies are quite interesting. They look at different states, their legal frameworks, how regional councils were created and what they are doing. The publication does not cover the performance results of regional coordinating councils that have existed for several years and whether services to communities are improved and people are enjoying greater mobility.<br />
<br />
More acronyms to add:<br />
regional coordinating council - RCC<br />
local coordinating council - LCC<br />
statewide coordinating council - SCC (not to be confused with the SEC, which refers either to football or to regulation of publicly-traded companies).<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to and around National Parks</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.triptac.org/">Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks</a><br />
TA center in the news: Secretary LaHood's <a href="http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/01/transit-in-parks.html">Fastlane</a> blog praised the <a href="http://www.triptac.org/">Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program</a> (TRIPTAC). The program brings mobility options to park visitors and helps "green" the park experience and environment.<br />
<blockquote>Federal lands in 24 states and the District of Columbia will use funds to enhance transportation choices for a cleaner, greener visitor experience. Projects range from redesigning and widening the Nauset Bicycle Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts to purchasing new buses to transport visitors between Sausalito and the Muir Woods National Monument in California.</blockquote><br />
<b>Funding for Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors</b><br />
<a href="http://beverlyfoundation.org/"><br />
Beverly Foundation</a><br />
The Beverly Foundation, which fosters senior transportation programs, is accepting <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012STARAward">applications</a> for awards to 18 senior transportation services program of grants of $10,000 each. Previous applicants (including past STAR Award winners) are eligible. <br />
<br />
The eligibility criteria for a 2012 STAR Award include delivery of transportation services to senior passengers; knowledge of the organization's transportation service data (e.g. miles driven, number of drivers, number of vehicles, cost per ride, number of senior passengers, etc.); and ability to describe good practices employed in delivering transportation services to senior passengers. "Senior transportation programs that mobilize (or plan to mobilize) volunteer drivers will be looked upon favorably."<br />
<br />
The application deadline is February 1st. <br />
<blockquote>The Beverly Foundation’s mission is to foster new ideas and options to enhance mobility and transportation for older adults. The Foundation’s STAR Search program has gathered information on more than 1,400 services that provide transportation to older adults in communities across America. </blockquote><b>Upcoming Courses</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/"><br />
National Transit Institute</a><br />
NTI has many courses listed on its website. Here are a few that are currently available.<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=44">Managing Community Mobility</a> - a few classes coming to the South.<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=8">Comprehensive ADA Paratransit Eligibility</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=12">Paratransit Management and Operations</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-5401822643094964622012-01-24T12:39:00.000-08:002012-01-24T12:39:36.052-08:00TA Opportunities for Rural & Tribal Communities<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">Community Transportation Association of America</a><br />
CTAA is currently seeking applicants for its <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=49&z=5">2012 Rural and Tribal Transportation Technical Assistance Program</a>. Through the rural and tribal programs, CTAA offers free hands-on technical assistance to rural communities and tribal organizations. The assistance can help start new transit programs, expand or enhance existing services, or develop facilities. <br />
<br />
Projects will stimulate economic development and small business growth. The results of the Maine project, described below, were featured in a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">New York Times</a> opinion piece, <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/thinking-outside-the-bus/">Thinking Outside the Bus</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Typical Project Gets Attention</b><br />
<br />
The following are some typical projects.<br />
<br />
Brunswick, Maine-Technical assistance project developed plan for implementation of new transit service in Brunswick, serving local residents and students of Bowdoin College. The Brunswick Explorer service will interface with extension of Amtrak's Downeaster trains to Portland and Boston. The transit service will also serve the multiuse redevelopment of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station site.<br />
<br />
According to the New York Times (the primary news source for my extended family):<br />
<blockquote>In the world of public transit, the Brunswick Explorer is a radical idea. Its genesis came from a coalition of local social service agencies — organizations that work with the elderly, mentally ill, disabled, homeless, as well as with college students and local hospitals. They approached Coastal Transit, a nonprofit regional transit provider to be a part of their coalition. Coastal Transit’s executive director, Lee Karker, had worked on two other rural bus systems that fell apart. Both were designed to fill objectives other than helping riders; one was supposed to clear congestion out of a tourist town, and the other just drove from one end of town to the other without much regard for where riders wanted to go. Karker describes the process of setting up the Explorer as “more organic.” “Before when we looked at bus routes we got input on traffic patterns, not input from the users,” he said. “Now we’re trying to be more entrepreneurial.” Working as part of the coalition, rather than as transit engineers, changed their worldview. “We have a tendency to make a transit system look the way we think it should look rather than what the community needs and what they want,” Karker said.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6208/6124287450_65f3760de9_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6208/6124287450_65f3760de9_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Klamath Falls, Ore., where Amtrak meets local transit.]<br />
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Sitka, Alaska- CTAA provided service planning assistance that led to establishment of public transit services operated by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Assistance also helped identify facility needs for transit operations and vehicle maintenance.<br />
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Rhinelander, Wisconsin- Project enabled community to establish mobility management program to provide coordinated public transit service in three counties.<br />
<br />
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina- Technical assistance helped Cherokee Transit enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its services, including a park shuttle serving the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Assistance also helped Cherokee develop plan for new transit facility. <br />
<b><br />
Guidelines</b><br />
<br />
The Programs provide planning assistance only, from CTAA staff and consultants. Although CTAA cannot provide operating or capital funding through the Programs, potential funding sources for implementation will be identified.<br />
<br />
Rural projects must be located in communities of less than 50,000 population, and outside designated urbanized areas. Applicants must be for-profit or not-for-profit entities; potential governmental applicants should contact CTAA for further guidance.<br />
<br />
Tribal applicants should be federally-recognized tribal entities.<br />
<br />
<b>Deadline Approaching</b><br />
<br />
Applications are for long-term projects and are due at CTAA by February 7, 2012. Long-term projects will be selected competitively. CTAA also provides short-term technical assistance; applications can be submitted at any time. For more information contact Charles Rutkowski at 202.299.6593, e-mail at rutkowski@ctaa.org, or visit the website of the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=49&z=5">Rural and Tribal Transportation Technical Assistance Program</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-36802361159328997092012-01-23T07:20:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:44:56.092-08:00Access for Low-Wage Workers and People with Disabilities; Local Mobility Management Stories<a href="http://www.ADAta.org">ADA National Network</a><br />
The ADA National Network distributes an <a href="http://www.adachecklist.org/checklist.html">ADA checklist for public facilities</a> - including transit and transportation facilities, with the exception of airports, and social service locations, such as daycare centers and offices. The checklist visually and with minimal text shows the standards, including parking, entrances, hallways, sloped surfaces, handrails, seating and much more.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dol.gov/">Department of Labor</a><br />
DOL releases a Training and Employment Notice (TEN) No. 21-11, <a href="https://disability.workforce3one.org/view/2001200358096177098/info">Strategies to Meet One-Stop Career Centers' Business and Job-Seeker Customer Needs for Employment-Related Transportation Services</a>. In case you do not know what a TEN is (I do not), in seven-pages this document explains what workforce professionals can do to find out about transportation needs for employees in the community and what partnerships can accomplish to improve transportation options. The TEN has a how-to approach and links to 25 profiles compiled by the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=17&z=40">Joblinks</a> program at <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">Community Transportation Association of America</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6426883435_24b47110c3_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="167" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6426883435_24b47110c3_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Galesburg, Ill. Amtrak station at dusk.]<br />
<br />
<b>Local Stories</b><br />
<br />
With federal and state funding, Hopelink in the Seattle area is starting a "Ride Around the Sound program and information kiosks serving veterans and medical facilities, as well as the existing Mobility Management program." Hopelink has travel training; it is working on a one-click transportation website and smartphone apps; and it is part of coordination efforts at the county and regional levels. Programs focus on self-sufficiency, which will save tax dollars. The article, <a href="http://www.bothell-reporter.com/community/137046923.html">Hopelink secures funding for new and existing transportation programs</a>, appeared on the <a href="http://www.bothell-reporter.com/">Bothell and Kenmore Reporters</a> website.<br />
<br />
The Broome-Tioga Mobility Management Project, which operates in the area of Binghamton, New York, will be using a mobility management approach to assisting riders with upcoming service cuts at Broome County Transit. "The county is eliminating some late-night runs and instituting longer waits at some bus stops as part of the service changes." The one-call service is staffing two mobility management associates to give riders advice and information about car-sharing and carpooling options. The one-call service is located at the United Way of Broome County. <a href="http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120116/NEWS01/201160343/Program-aims-help-transit-riders?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE">Program aims to help transit riders</a> appeared on <a href="http://www.pressconnects.com/">pressconnects.com</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-46248595752454351872011-12-20T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:40:32.216-08:00Local Coordination News from PA, TX & ORA study of transportation in the York, Pa. area recommends coordination as a strategy to improve transit service. Analyzing transit in a nine-county area that has five transit systems, the study, funded by the <a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/">Federal Highway Administration</a> (FHWA), found:<br />
<blockquote>-- Projected population growth between 2000 and 2030 is significant in the southcentral Pennsylvania region.<br />
-- The need for more express services, multimodal linkages and park and rides was identified.<br />
-- A common way to pay for fares on different transit systems is essential.<br />
-- Transit is viewed as a choice for the younger generation.<br />
-- Separate funding for inter-county transit service coordination is needed in legislation with local political support.<br />
-- Partnerships with local government and employers are very important for regional transit coordination. </blockquote>To encourage transit use, county borders must become seamless, the study recommends. A potential market is young adults.<br />
<blockquote>Amenities like wireless Internet on buses, such as Rabbit Transit express buses that run between York and Harrisburg and to Maryland, appeal to younger riders.<br />
<br />
"It seems the younger generation is more open to mass transit and living a sustainable lifestyle," Heilman said. </blockquote>Source: <a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_19516720">Study finds need for transit coordination in York region</a>, from the <a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com/">YorkDispatch.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6426884367_116415f8bf_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="153" width="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6426884367_116415f8bf_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Bus outside Chicago's Union Station.]<br />
<br />
<b>Texas Partnerships Moving Forward</b><br />
<br />
A disability navigator in Corpus Christi, Tex., a member of the new <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4097430&trk=hb_side_g">LinkedIn group</a> for the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1790">Partnership for Mobility Management</a>, sent information about his region's experience with the <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_2010_ATCI_success_stories">Accessible Transportation Coalitions Initiative</a>, a project of <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a>. The ATCI team became the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Mobility Options Project, a <br />
Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living demonstration project, funded by a JARC grant from Texas Department of Transportation that: <br />
<blockquote>partners with Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services to increase mobility options for people with disabilities seeking employment-related opportunities. The two-year Mobility Options Project advances the plan developed at the ATCI event primarily regarding increasing access for people with disabilities in rural area, and expanding hours and days of service. To further promote new initiatives in their community that promote the team’s priorities, the ACCESS TEAM advocated for the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority’s successful application for funding through the Department of Transportation’s Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative. This initiative will support the development of a regional call center that will provide a single point of access for regional transportation.</blockquote>The team hosted a mobility management summit in the fall and discussed creation of a "united mobility management system" by examining "the positive and negative aspects of three models of mobility management: human services/independent living-based, workforce development-based, and public transit system-based."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6209/6123737125_eff767b2a4_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6209/6123737125_eff767b2a4_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Portland light rail train near convention center. Hardly any wait and just a few free minutes to downtown near the federal courthouse (free tour available), department stores and the cute animal fountains.]<br />
<br />
<b>Social Media Meets Depressing Transit Choices</b><br />
<br />
In a story of partnering with the public to decide how to make up for revenue shortfalls and inevitable service reductions or fare increases, the <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/">Oregonian</a> reports that Portland's TriMet transit agency is asking residents to offer their opinions about how to plug a budget hole of $17 million. The article is entitled <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2011/12/want_to_tell_trimet_how_to_run.html">Want to tell TriMet how to run a railroad (and buses)? Now's your chance</a>, about a social media campaign survey that is more like a game.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>The site is part poll and part make-painful-choices game. "Love Connection" it's not. Think "Wheel of Fortune" meets a version of the "Sims" video game that allows players to manage a transit agency. There's a red bar reading "$17 million." You control a green bar, which moves depending on whatever service cuts and fare changes you click on. The goal is to balance the green and red. <br />
... ... ... ...<br />
(Yes, TriMet riders and payroll tax payers, it may be the most depressing interactive survey you've ever taken.) <br />
<br />
"We're hoping to get an idea of what the public sees as the best approach," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We also want to help people understand the tough tradeoffs that the agency faces." </blockquote><br />
The "game" is available at <a href="http://trimet.org/mailforms/budgetchoices">trimet.org/mailforms/budgetchoices</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Can I Borrow Your Car?</b><br />
<br />
One more Portland story that I think is relevant for rural and suburban areas as well, though probably needs a few kinks worked out, is carsharing that is similar to, but goes beyond asking to borrow a neighbor's car. The Oregonian reports that federal funding, changes to the state's automobile insurance law and a venture by a private company will allow <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2011/12/peer-to-peer_car-sharing_servi.html">cheap pay-by-the-hour car rentals</a>. Basically, you might be able to borrow - for a fee - the old hatchback down the street that has junk all over the front passenger seat or maybe the neat Audi convertible you admire.<br />
<br />
With $1.7 million in federal grant money, California start-up Getaround will debut its personal car-sharing service in February, assuming a test period at the Portland State University campus goes well. The pilot starts on Jan. 1. <br />
<br />
My source for the Portland stories is my-ever-reliable source, the <a href="http://www.thetransitwire.com/">TransitWire</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-38376016450804561922011-12-07T10:22:00.000-08:002011-12-07T10:22:32.284-08:00Public Participation - Legal Requirement, Resources, TA ProvidersWhat do you as technical assistance providers say when you are asked for advice about public participation aspects of planning, transit development and creating transportation services? What are resources that are written for laypeople? What staff from within our network can assist you and your constituency? This blog post describes some common issues to keep in mind, legal requirements, just a few recommended resources and a list of staff within the TA Provider Network who can help when public participation issues arise. <br />
<br />
<b>Legal Requirement </b><br />
<br />
Public involvement is a legal requirement of SAFETEA-LU and is increasingly used at all levels of government to inform official decisions and projects. A successful public consultation process is proactive and provides complete information, timely public notices in relevant media, and opportunities for early and continuous participation. Early issue identification and cooperative solution-building can reduce the potential for conflict later in the process. <br />
<br />
Planning for public participation should account for costs, reasonable timelines, and serious consideration of community voices. To stay in communication with community members, organizations and leaders throughout a planning or other process, establish and maintain a list of all parties interested in transportation in the region or in the particular project at issue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6051/6426882949_6e257486ae_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="163" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6051/6426882949_6e257486ae_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Mural near Amtrak station in Galesburg, Ill.]<br />
<br />
<b>Outreach</b><br />
<br />
The digital divide looms large for community outreach because methods of outreach, particularly use of social media, email and the Internet, will depend on the lifestyles of the community at large and populations within the community. To rely only on social media and the Internet, however, is to ignore rural populations in areas without good Internet access and people who do not use the Internet and social media. <br />
<b><br />
Effective Participation</b><br />
<br />
Guidance for effective participation applies both to those seeking public input and people who wish to contribute their input. It takes a champion, a committed individual, to identify the players and organize and facilitate meetings in a way that others can see the merit of participation. <br />
<br />
Community members should coordinate with other individuals, groups and local and regional political leaders. If possible, it is best to reach a unified position because it is more likely result in success than a lone voice. Newspaper editorials and letters, blogs and comments, Facebook, Twitter, and email campaigns can be useful for publicizing a position and gathering support.<br />
<br />
Local political representation should be included from the start so that politicians may take ownership (credit) of the idea and guide it to success. It is best to keep politicians informed all the way through the process, as they can be instrumental in moving the projects along.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6118/6426880497_af8cd6039e_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6118/6426880497_af8cd6039e_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Bus serving what will be Denver's renovated Union Station transit hub; right now the bus appears in the middle of the construction site of the station area.]<br />
<br />
<b>Channel Your Inner Boy Scout: Be Prepared</b><br />
<br />
Community members should prepare for a public workshop by obtaining the necessary materials and studying each suggested alternative for any given project. As much factual information as possible should be employed to support a position on a project. Data will be more persuasive and credible than an unsupported opinion. Similarly, enumerating specific concerns and providing explicit suggestions for improving a project are likely to be better received than a general statement of opposition. <br />
<br />
Effective participation requires knowledge of the planning process and methods of participating that are proven. Community members may attend the meetings of the MPO or other regional body, its board of directors, technical advisory committee (professional staff from the county and larger municipalities), and its citizen advisory council, all of which are open to the public.<br />
<br />
Stakeholder Committees: Convening a stakeholder committee is a strategy that is widely used for supplying transit agencies and governmental entities with feedback about proposed projects and changes to service. Some are used from the planning through the implementation stages of specific projects; some are permanent fixtures.<br />
<b><br />
Resources</b><br />
<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1827"><br />
Coordination: It’s the Law</a> - explains SAFETEA-LU’s public participation legal requirements. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=FP203">Public Involvement in Transportation Decisionmaking</a> - a course offered by the <a href="http://www.ntionline.com/ ">National Transit Institute</a> (NTI) that discusses public participation and federal requirements. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/lowlim/webbook.pdf">How to Engage Low-Literacy and Limited-English-Proficiency Populations</a> - excellent resource for including people who either are unable to read well or are not fluent English speakers. Low literacy is generally a marker for low income populations. The report offers a multitude of methods for reaching people who do not read well, including places to go, people to use, and ways to conduct a meeting. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/tt2.php">The Do's and Don'ts of Working with Local Communities: Tips for Successful Community-Based Public Meetings</a> - provides a checklist for effectively leading a public meeting. <br />
<a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/decisionmaking/decisionmaking.pdf"><br />
A Guide to Transportation Planning for Citizens</a> - explains in simple language the planning processes contemplated in federal mandates and how to become involved. <br />
<a href="http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/163653.aspx"><br />
TCRP SYNTHESIS 85: Effective Use of Citizen Advisory Committees for Transit Planning and Operations</a> - a must-read about public involvement via stakeholder committees. Provides a veritable cookbook for residents, political leaders, government personnel, and non-profit staff of all stripes. Descriptions of a range of purposes for the committees, procedures, membership, sizes, and types of projects and project phases for which the committees were utilized.<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprojectaction.easterseals.com%2Fsite%2FDocServer%2FIncluding_People_with_Disabilities_in_Coordinated_Planni.pdf%3FdocID%3D108843&ei=q6TfTsLIKabd0QH3yoXDBw&usg=AFQjCNEUB509RwiJ-ZfJe9pjfoG-KvGd6A&sig2=71KOKLjMyS_VdtnDILl5yw"><br />
Including People with Disabilities In Coordinated Transportation Plans</a> - gives a simple explanation of coordinated planning, benefits of coordination, and improving coordinated planning through the involvement of people with disabilities. This <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a> brief includes resources for facilitating the process of coordination.<br />
<br />
<b>Contacts</b><br />
<br />
For information about reaching people in rural areas or places where many people are not connected to the Internet, contact Kelly Shawn (shawn@ctaa.org, 202-299-6596).<br />
<br />
Remember that including people with disabilities means outreach that is accessible to those populations. Contact Ken Thompson (kthompson@easterseals.com, 800-659-6428) for more information about including people with disabilities.<br />
<br />
Convening public meetings and stakeholder groups to discuss issues that will require supporting technology has been a key component of the Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA) project. For more information, contact Yehuda Gross (yehuda.gross@dot.gov, 202-366-1988).<br />
<br />
Contact Sheryl Gross-Glaser (grossglaser@ctaa.org, 202-386-1669) at the National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination for more information.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-53234763749885836192011-12-01T11:54:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:54:31.415-08:00You All Work Very HardI don't even know where to begin with news,events, and resources because the TA Provider Network is such a busy crew that I am starting to feel like keeping up is about as possible as being on the candy assembly line with Lucy and Ethel. They keep on going because you of the importance of their work and the need to provide assistance to states, communities, regions, human services agencies, and transit and transportation providers, among others. <br />
<br />
I therefore sincerely apologize for the long blog post. These are are all indicative and good examples of the work technical assistance staff produce and how they can assist clients with the resources of TA peers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6426881387_f4aa91dce6_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="148" width="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6426881387_f4aa91dce6_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Part of the already-realized multi-modal Denver Union Station project. Exciting at day's end to see all of the commuters and ongoing construction. Thank you to MTAP for the tour.]<br />
<br />
<b>New Dialogue and Mobility Management</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://seniortransportation.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=NCST2_homepage">National Center on Senior Transportation</a> <br />
<a href="http://ncsttalks1.ideascale.com/">Online dialogue</a> - Nov. 28 to Dec. 16, 2011 - Intended for individuals and organizations from the aging network and transportation industry. "The dialogue will give the aging network, older adults, advocates, volunteers, policy makers, public and private transportation providers, federal, state, and local transportation agencies, human services agencies, and municipal planning organizations the chance to submit, comment on, and rate ideas related to planning for senior-friendly transportation services." NCST is a technical assistance center administered by Easter Seals Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.<br />
<br />
NCST also has grant money available for mobility management. It is <a href="http://seniortransportation.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=NCST2_grant_opportunities_2012">soliciting proposals for senior transportation projects</a> that demonstrate innovative and effective solutions to enhance the mobility of older adults. Funding may be used to create comprehensive mobility management systems, increase mobility in urban and rural areas, and improve public transit access for older persons. The grants will be $50,000 or less. The NCST anticipates making a total of eight awards. These are the categories:<br />
1. Peer-Mobility Management and Employment<br />
2. Mobility Management in Rural/Frontier Areas<br />
3. Mobility Management Integration within Current Practices<br />
4. Mobility Management Applied to the Family of Senior Transportation Options<br />
<br />
All proposals must be submitted by December 23, 2011.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6426886311_aab827a895_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="153" width="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6426886311_aab827a895_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Chicago's Union Station.]<br />
<br />
<b>RTAP Events and New Resource</b><br />
<a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org/"><br />
National Rural Transit Assistance Program</a><br />
Webinar - <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/658393409">Resource Library Overview and Tools</a> - Dec. 5, 2011. The webinar will provide overview of the latest National RTAP web app, the Resource Library. Through National RTAP in the Cloud, this web app can be installed on any transit agency's website and may be used to upload, share and manage resources. You will also learn how you can install the Resource Library web app on your website and use it to upload, share and manage resources. Features of the web app will help you manage, track and report on resources using an easy-to-use web interface. <br />
<br />
Conference - <a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org/Conference2012.aspx">Creating Partnerships for Rural Transit Solutions</a> - March 18-21, 2012, Scottsdale, Ariz. The conference will provide technical assistance with RTAP products on four tracks: Tribal, Transit Management, Transit Operations, and RTAP/5311 Program Management.<br />
<br />
RTAP releases a new brief, <a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org/Admin/NationalRTAPNews/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?NewsID=80">Livable Communities: Tips for Designing Transit Services and Infrastructure that Promote Livability</a>, which explains in simple terms what livability is and what the relationship to and benefits for rural transit are. The brief links to technical assistance resources and federal government information.<br />
<b><br />
What Are the Procurement Rules?<br />
</b><br />
Federal Transit Administration [www.fta.dot.gov] <br />
The FTA has a new page on its site, <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13054_6039.html">Third Party Procurement FAQs</a>, which answers questions about a few dozen topics about what procurement rules apply and when. Plus, the sleek look of the FTA site is worth a visit if you have not gone there in a while. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6426883435_24b47110c3_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="167" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6426883435_24b47110c3_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Galesburg, Ill. train station platform.]<br />
<b><br />
State Coordinating Council Profiles</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ncsl.org/index.htm">National Conference of State Legislatures </a><br />
NCSL has added to its <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=20357">State Human Service Transportation Coordinating Councils: State Profiles</a>. These are in-depth examinations, approximately five to 10 pages, of how the state coordinating councils were created, their goals and evolution, how their objectives are being addressed across the state, and funding details. So far, NCSL's library includes five states.<br />
<br />
NCSL also releases a livability brief. Though titled <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=23795">Recent State Livability Initiatives in Minnesota: An Analysis</a>, the brief very much explains the integrated components that comprise livability and the type of projects that fall under its umbrella. <br />
<br />
<b>Wayfinding</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a><br />
ESPA releases a brief about technology to assist people who are visually impaired. <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/es/site/Ecommerce?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=7641&store_id=9663&JServSessionIdr004=lzan2uqrs2.app239b">Improving Transit Facility Accessibility by Employing Wayfinding Technology</a> discusses tactile maps, detectable warnings, talking signs, smartphone apps and other assistive technology that enables a visually impaired person to navigate streets and transit on his or her own.<br />
<br />
<b>Information & Referral Training</b><br />
<a href="http://www.nasuad.org/"><br />
National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities </a><br />
Online training - <a href="http://nasuad.org/newsroom/archive/2011/July_Dec/i_r_basic_training.html/">Basic Training for Aging I&R/A Professionals</a> - This training will give an overview of the broad array of health, social, and long-term services and supports for seniors and individuals with disabilities; tools and strategies to provide culturally appropriate services; and the fundamental phases of the I&R/A process with a focus on learning how to support the decision making of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6063/6123745945_edb778c253_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6063/6123745945_edb778c253_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Photo taken in California from the Coast Starlight train. I was mesmerized by the landscape.]<br />
<br />
<b>Local Story</b><br />
<br />
The transit authority in Wichita, KS, is serving a reduced ridership following a 50-cent fare increase. The authority, in response, is soliciting feedback via an <blockquote>interactive website to learn more about the public’s needs. The virtual town hall seeks community input about public services. The site provides a convenient way for residents to share ideas, offer opinions and make recommendations on a broad variety of Transit subjects including routes, services and possible expansion plans. </blockquote><br />
The fare increase was due to a budget shortfall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-39544962784192772122011-11-11T12:51:00.000-08:002011-11-11T12:51:06.306-08:00Veterans and Other Resources on the NRC WebsiteHappy Veterans Day and 11-11-11!<br />
<br />
Today, the <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/newsroom/12286_14075.html">Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative</a> officially begins and the National Resource Center (NRC) releases a new report, <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefiles/NRCVeterans.pdf">Transportation for America's Veterans and Their Families</a>. The report showcases the NRC's - particularly, its <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=72&z=84">ambassadors</a>' - successes in assisting veterans by improving transportation through effective partnerships and coordination. Some of these stories involve transporting veterans to VA medical centers and others involve travel to the same places we all need to go to. The report demonstrates what coordination and committed partnerships can achieve to improve transit and transportation services.<br />
<br />
For more resources relating to veterans and serving their transportation needs, please visit the NRC <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=2693&z=62">Veterans Transportation Bookshelf</a>. Like all of the NRC bookshelves, there is comprehensive information about the topic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JlYqusxYIRLcgLaye75C8BHdUgwkbVQjwYgph8-Rhmg60B7Ypdt5q7Ikjegryu0v6KJvr9HwW0g9xKRcF2qdaZXNWj1ywNCzKYnMpAZsAmS9XydbhdzPazRYWEOg51jVgDKz45UD830/s1600/Fort+Snelling-20110731-00071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JlYqusxYIRLcgLaye75C8BHdUgwkbVQjwYgph8-Rhmg60B7Ypdt5q7Ikjegryu0v6KJvr9HwW0g9xKRcF2qdaZXNWj1ywNCzKYnMpAZsAmS9XydbhdzPazRYWEOg51jVgDKz45UD830/s320/Fort+Snelling-20110731-00071.jpg" /></a></div>[Snoopy and Woodstock at the Minneapolis airport.]Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-15629206936717583082011-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:002011-10-14T11:36:23.267-07:00Upcoming Events & Training; Local Perspectives on Livability<a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov">Federal Transit Administration</a><br />
FTA has upcoming <a href="http://fta.dot.gov/civilrights/title6/civil_rights_13041.html">listening sessions and webinars about civil rights and environmental justice</a>. The listening sessions will discuss the proposed circulars about those topics.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/">National Transit Institute</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=213">Strollers, Carts, and Other Large Items on Buses and Trains (TCRP Synthesis 88)</a> - webinar - Nov. 17, 2011. This webinar will highlight practices implemented by transit agencies to manage the capacity on vehicles carrying customers with large items, including wheelchairs; Segways; scooters and other mobility aids; strollers; bicycles; luggage, and miscellaneous items, such as skis and dog carriers. A review of the various types of transit vehicles and modifications agencies have made to their vehicles to accommodate large items will be discussed.<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=44">Managing Community Mobility</a> - various dates to March 2012.<br />
<a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=8">Comprehensive ADA Paratransit Eligibility</a> - various dates to March 2012.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">Community Transportation Association of America</a><br />
CTAA Train-the-trainer for driver training, safety and security, and transportation solutions coordinator work. Visit <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=32&z=36">CTAA's training page</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a><br />
<a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_Mobility_Planning">Accessible Transportation Coalitions Initiative</a> - currently accepting applications. ESPA will select 10 communities through a competitive application process to participate. ATCI is a systems change model designed to improve accessible transportation options for people with disabilities. Selected communities will receive on-site facilitation and targeted technical assistance during a two-day event to learn the ATCI model and develop an accessible transportation plan. ESPA will continue to provide targeted technical assistance over the subsequent year while communities implement this plan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6124280192_b92291135b_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6124280192_b92291135b_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Portland light rail station with biker waiting for the train.]<br />
<b><br />
Misconceptions about Livability</b><br />
<br />
A new report from the <a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/">Federal Highway Administration</a> (FHWA) looks at perceived barriers to livability projects in rural, tribal and other types of areas. The <a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/regional_livability_workshop/">Regional Livability Workshops report</a> summarizes five workshops held across the country and suggests strategies<br />
"to raise awareness of transportation linkages to livability, and to provide resources to practitioners and the public to more effectively consider livability issues within the Federal transportation planning process."<br />
<blockquote>While most communities do have a set of goals or vision statements, workshop participants noted that the most effective visions are those that emerge from a collaborative visioning, planning or scenario development process. Participants noted quite often, these efforts include a strong outreach process that brings together both multidisciplinary interests as well as public and private constituencies. These processes can spur lasting relationships and coalitions that ultimately help create local keepers of the vision. It was also noted when a strong vision is present, project prioritization and project delivery methods can demonstrate clear policy choices between various alternatives. This direct link helps foster identification and implementation of transportation investments in support of community goals.<br />
<br />
Community goals reflect the unique character, values, and priorities of a given place. Participants discussed the need to better align regional, State or Federal goals in transportation and mobility with local community goals. One strategy includes documenting existing goals at each level (Federal, State, regional and local) or across differing agencies and identifying where commonalities or conflicts exist. This can help to understand the tradeoffs or policy issues that need to be considered to more effectively align transportation priorities with local livability goals.</blockquote><br />
<b>Livability TA</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/ ">Environmental Protection Agency</a><br />
EPA’s fall 2011 Request for Letters of Interest (PDF: <a href="http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/buildingblocks_2011_rfli.pdf">http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/buildingblocks_2011_rfli.pdf</a>) for direct assistance from the agency is now open. EPA will be accepting letters of interest for the next round of Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities from September 28 to October 28, 2011. Subsequent application periods will depend on budget constraints and will be announced on the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/">Smart Growth page</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Local Stories<br />
</b><br />
Twitter brings interesting stories to me and succinctly exposes my brain to useful and inexpensive tools for transit and other mobility options. This article from the <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/">Tennessean</a>, <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110923/NEWS01/309230080/More-cyclists-walkers-counted-Middle-TN">More Cyclists, Walkers Counted in Middle TN</a>, demonstrates that a cheap, volunteer tool can provide a snapshot of how people travel at what locations. Since a pedestrian-friendly street network is essential to transit, a one-day audit in a Tennessee community supplied useful information about where people are willing to walk and bike. Although biking is not an option for many handicapped individuals and is not a preference for many others, the bicycling rate is an indicator of how safe the street network feels to non-auto users.<br />
<br />
Th Broome County, New York area (Binghamton area) is creating a one-call transportation center. This week, CTAA hosted a Transportation Solutions training, which was covered in the <a href="http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Broome-Tioga-Mobility-Management-Project-Launches/jpO1zAlnW0qL876GG2gN2A.cspx">local news</a>. The Broome-Tioga Mobility Management Project (BTMMP) call center will be housed at the local United Way. The BTMMP partnership was created to help meet the need for increased transportation services in both Broome and Tioga Counties. BTMMP will help those in need to arrange and coordinate transportation using all available resources. The BTMMP partners have been planning the project since December 2010.<br />
<blockquote>BTMMP is a multi-agency partnership funded in part by the Community Foundation for South Central New York; the AmeriCorps National Service Program; Tioga Transport, Inc.; and with in-kind contributions from BTMMP partner organizations. </blockquote><br />
Food for thought: One thing I noticed in reading a local article about transportation options desired in a rural community was that the meeting to air the community's wish list was taking place on a weekday morning during traditional work hours. Well-organized advocates and staff of government organizations were expected. No mention was made of remote access or feedback or why a time that would exclude most working people would be chosen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6123735353_3e8d46f652_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6123735353_3e8d46f652_m.jpg" /></a></div>[Portland light rail on a Saturday morning.]Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-34990399747081889622011-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:47:29.581-07:00State DOT Survey Responses - Effectiveness of Federally Mandated Coordination PlanningNational Cooperative Highway Research Program Research Results Digest 354, <a href="http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/A_Review_of_Human_Services_Transportation_Plans_an_165471.aspx">A Review of Human Services Transportation Plans and Grant Programs</a> is worth a careful read. While I am summarizing parts of the report here that apply nationally, there are in-depth portions about particular states that are illuminating. This report is part of the series of ongoing research that is performed for <a href="http://scopt.transportation.org/Pages/default.aspx">AASHTO's Standing Committee on Public Transportation</a>. The NRC Director, Chris Zeilinger, serves as a liaison to the panels that oversee all the work that is conducted under <a href="http://144.171.11.40/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=650">NCHRP Project 20-65</a>. <br />
<br />
State DOTs were surveyed to state the effectiveness of the coordinated planning effort (1) in meeting "FTA goals of enhancing transportation access, minimizing duplication of services, and facilitating the most appropriate and cost- effective transportation possible with available resources; and (2) "ascertain[ing] the cost of developing and maintaining these Coordination Plans (in terms of time and money) to ensure that resources are being used wisely and effectively, resulting in the better, more cost-effective and coordinated programs that the plans are expected to foster."<br />
<b><br />
Opinions from 21 states</b><br />
<br />
Twenty-one states responded to the survey. Afterward detailed telephone discussions in six geographically and demographically representative states were conducted with staff from state DOTs, planning organizations, transit agencies, human service transportation providers and non-governmental organizations. <br />
<br />
Benefits reported from the requirement to draft coordination plans with stakeholder input were "enhancing transportation access for target populations, increasing commitment/participation in the plan development at both the state and local levels, improving coordination, and creating a general understanding of eligible JARC and NF grants." Disadvantages of the current funding streams and their administrative requirements included burdens on existing staff, while not having the resources to hire additional staff. Another problem reported was the uncertainty of future funding, which inhibited taking advantage of available funding for fear that services could not be sustained.<br />
<b><br />
Specific improvements suggested</b><br />
<br />
Prominent among the suggestions for improving transportation funding to meet coordination goals was "the consolidation of the Section 5316 JARC and Section 5317 NF grant programs with other federal grant programs such as Section 5310, 5311, and 5307." <br />
<blockquote>With consolidation, the respondents indicated that the individual grant program goals could still be reflected in program and planning requirements, including dedicating percentages of funding to each program goal. Section 5310, Transportation for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities, was the most frequently mentioned program for consolidating the JARC and NF grants, and several respondents indicated that these grant programs could also be consolidated with Section 5311, the Rural and Small Urban Areas grant program. By consolidating the JARC and NF grants with Section 5310 and/or 5311, the respondents felt that the states could manage the program more efficiently, while still developing a Coordination Plan (as required for Section 5310) and serving similar target populations. </blockquote>The report authors pointed to concern expressed in an AARP report that the needs of target populations would be neglected were funding streams to be consolidated. That report is <a href="http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-04-2010/i39-specialized-transportation-new.html">Policy Options to Improve Specialized Transportation</a>.<br />
<br />
Especially interesting is the discussion of the benefits reported about coordinated planning and its limits given the realities of current funding, lack of local control, and the difficulty in meeting the local match requirement. "[M]any of the states noted either that they believe human services transportation did not necessarily improve because of the plan, or it was difficult to tell if it had." There was broad spectrum of sources for local matching funds. Some states supplied the funds, while others did not or did so only in rural areas. <br />
<br />
<b>Money and performance metrics</b><br />
<br />
Those involved in the telephone discussions expressed a desire for sustained funding and concrete guidance about performance measures beyond traditional transit rubrics.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>[M]any respondents believe the use of standard performance measures fails to sufficiently measure the human services aspect of the projects and often favors urban areas over rural because often rural areas have higher transportation costs due to longer distances, dispersed customers and destinations, and little other infrastructure to support human services customers, which may make rural transportation appear ineffective or inefficient. </blockquote><br />
One suggestion made would be to tie grants to coordination and performance. <br />
<blockquote>[R]espondents believe that by using performance measures and data, and linking federal funds to the results of this process, coordinated planning could make better use of quantitative information and link plans to results more closely. They believe that stakeholders making use of a performance-driven coordinated planning process would get even more out of the process of developing and working to implement the Coordination Plan.</blockquote><br />
<b>Has the coordinated planning requirement delivered results?</b><br />
<br />
The qualitative answer - in terms of improved and more efficient service to riders and potential riders - is generally no, or perhaps, not yet. Respondents indicated that the plans have achieved average to little success in meeting FTA's goals of minimizing the duplication of transportation services (81 percent) and facilitating the most cost-effective transportation possible with available resources (76 percent). However, states reported average to moderate success in "enhancing" transportation options for target populations. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>Respondents felt the funding level and restrictive federal requirements for the JARC and NF grant programs often make it difficult to attract participants to the process. To increase participation of Section 5310 participants, one state offered an incentive for the participating agencies’ applications for vehicle grants.</blockquote><b><br />
Commitment and funding</b><br />
<br />
It could be that in many places, the coordination process is ongoing and leading to improved efficiency and service. The respondents indicated that "the level of commitment/participation in the development of the Coordination Plans has been relatively strong at both the state and local levels. Over 70 percent of the survey respondents indicated that the level of commitment/participation at the state and local levels was average or better." Some states reported that the coordination process did add parties who had not been at the table before. <br />
<br />
A pervasive issue the report discussed was funding, its sustainability and adequacy.<br />
<blockquote>Many respondents indicated that the Coordination Plans have a “shelf life” of 4 years for non-attainment areas and 5 years for attainment areas, and they do not anticipate that the costs will be in excess of $250,000 (at least for the state). Additionally, while some states paid for the cost of initial Coordination Plan development, no state responded that the state would pay for the maintenance of the plans.</blockquote><br />
Later on in the report, responses about funding adequacy and obstacles showed widespread belief that "there is not enough money in these programs (particularly JARC) because the need is significantly larger than the funds. As a result, they report that the funds frequently are used for existing/on-going services (preservation) rather than new projects." There was also a perceived lack of clarity about the "beyond ADA" requirement for New Freedom grants.<br />
<br />
Many of the plans were developed by consultants or existing staff, and a very few by mobility managers. There was no discussion about the effectiveness of the process, the plans or the resulting service in terms of what party prepared the plans.<br />
<br />
<b>Projects chosen</b><br />
<br />
The JARC and New Freedom projects chosen were, from most to least, Mobility Management, Operating Funds, Capital Purchases, ADA Service, Flex Route Bus Service Travel Training, Expanded Service, Dial-a-Ride Demand Response, Feeder Service and Volunteer Transportation, with the last five each garnering one state response.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-22258766180041130992011-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:002011-09-22T13:18:01.999-07:00Emergency Planning - Collection of Resources & EventsMaybe it was the week of the earthquake and the hurricane that jolted the thought of emergency preparedness to come to the attention center of my brain. We have had a spring and summer with quite a bit of emergency planning, actual disasters and the recoveries that follow. In some cases, the weather events were less than expected and in others, much worse. Here are some resources and events for transportation-related emergency planning issues. <br />
<br />
<b>Resources</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/npm2011webinars.shtm#aging">Preparedness Considerations for Aging Americans</a> - recorded webinar - This webinar provides information about specific preparedness steps for Aging Americans. Speakers will include representatives from the <a href="http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a> and leaders at the forefront of Aging American Preparedness. Advanced registration for this webinar is not required.<br />
<br />
This and other emergency planning webinars are archived at <a href="http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm">http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.naccho.org/"><br />
National Association of County and City Health Officials<br />
</a>NACCHO has a <a href="http://www.naccho.org/topics/HPDP/healthdisa/learncomm.cfm?utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=grossglaser@ctaa.org&utm_content=disabtest2&utm_campaign=Recording%20Now%20Available%20|%20Emergency%20Registries%3A%20An%20Objective%20Analysis%20Tool">Learning Community on Emergency Planning and Preparedness for People with Disabilities</a>. NACCHO’s Health and Disability Project is supported by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <br />
<b><br />
Events</b><br />
<a href="http://www.apwa.net/Events/items/5327/How-To-Be-FEMA-Ready-When-Disaster-Hits-%28Rebroadcast%29"><br />
How to be FEMA Ready When Disaster Hits</a> (Rebroadcast) - audio/web broadcast - Oct. 11, 2011 - Pointing out that within the last five years, every state has had at least one disaster declaration, APWA presents this program to help identify what should be ready before disaster strikes and what can be expected when dealing with FEMA after the disaster. Participants will learn how to justify the value of a good asset management system that gives quantifiable information to help identify the cost of bringing assets back into use and how to estimate the length of time and resources involved in the recovery process.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=659440075703809858&postID=2225876618004113099"><br />
National Evacuation Conference</a> - Feb. 7-9, 2012, New Orleans - Conference brings together the fields of transportation and emergency management to discuss evacuation planning to accommodate the needs of all people before, during and after a major disaster. The objective is to foster an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas surrounding a broad range of evacuation issues, particularly mass evacuations. <br />
<b><br />
Public Works Peer Activity</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.apwa.net/">American Public Works Association</a><br />
APWA is developing an emergency management peer network. It requests that members share their expertise about the different facets of emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, planning, and recovery. The "database will operate as an in-house listserv for APWA members who need advice or information on emergency management matters."<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridetransitgirl-photos/6123747373/" title="Coast Starlight train - Calif. by Ride Transit Girl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6123747373_397a678dc5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Coast Starlight train - Calif."></a><br />
[View from a California train ride.]<br />
<b><br />
Blasts from the Past</b><br />
<br />
Here are some emergency preparedness resources featured before.<br />
<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2"><br />
Community Transportation Association of America</a><br />
<a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=8&z=37">National Resource Center</a><br />
The NRC keeps an <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1522&z=62">Emergency Preparedness and Response bookshelf</a> with reports about transportation issues in disaster planning. <br />
<br />
CTAA has an <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=721&z=5">Emergency Evacuation page</a> on its site with checklists, toolboxes and other resources that focus on populations, locations, and different types of professionals.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nationalrtap.org/">National RTAP</a> - the Rural Transit Assistance Program<br />
RTAP has a free training module, <b>Emergency Procedures for Rural Transit Drivers</b>. The training includes a Learner’s Guide, a Self-paced eLearning Course Disc, an Instructor’s Guide, and a disc with videos and a trainer’s PowerPoint presentation. It can be used in a classroom setting or by a single student, and is appropriate for both new and experienced transit drivers. The training offers information on preparedness for hazards and threats that may be encountered as a transit operator. This training module also offers targeted training on the Seven Steps of Crisis Management.<br />
<br />
For more information, please contact Pam Russell DiGiovanni at 888-589-6821 or pdigiovanni@nationalrtap.org. <br />
<br />
For those even more involved in emergency planning is <a href="https://www.llis.dhs.gov/index.do">FEMA's lessons learned website</a>. For those updates, there is a lessons learned newsletter available at the site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-59125810019428724152011-09-01T10:48:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:48:48.483-07:00Webinars and Events<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1790">Partnership for Mobility Management</a>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">Community Transportation Association of America</a></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cvent.com/events/performing-for-individual-organizational-and-collective-impact-webinar/event-summary-79973680ff1343cda8d95456d32eb560.aspx">Performing For Individual, Organizational and Collective Impact</a></b><span style="font-size: small;"> - webinar - Sept. 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=1790">Partnership for Mobility Management</a> and <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=23&z=2">CTAA</a> jointly present this webinar to explore the fundamentals of performance measurement. The webinar will cover results-based accountability to support quality of life, and mobility management measures that gauge success of programs and outcomes for customers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=70&z=78">National Consortium on the Coordination of Human Services Transportation</a>
<b> </b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/771560786">Creative Solutions to Reduced Funding for Public and Human Services Transportation</a></b><span style="font-size: small;"> - <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">webinar - Sept. 20, 2011 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Webinar speakers are representatives of communities that have taken different approaches to solving or alleviating the problem of cutbacks as well as a panel representing national organizations.
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<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.dot.gov/new/index.htm">Department of Transportation</a>
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<b><a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/R?i=DtDBmDEov-t3a2VmFbtICQ" target="_blank">Digital Transportation Exchange (DTE)</a></b> - Stakeholder meeting in-person or via webcast or phone - Sept. 16, 2011 at 9 a.m. Eastern time. DTE is being created by DOT as an online platform for transportation
solutions. The stakeholder meeting is taking place during the platform's formation to give DOT feedback from stakeholder groups and
subject matter experts<span style="font-size: small;">. <u>Respond by </u></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><u>tomorrow</u>, September 2</b>, by <span style="font-size: small;">e</span>mail to <a href="mailto:open@dot.gov" target="_blank" title="E-mail open@dot.gov">open@dot.gov</a> and indicate how you intend to participate.
<span style="font-size: small;">Thank you to <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_homepage">Easter Seals Project ACTION</a> for this news. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFkqYg-EFODi8h9WMMIfuwmhE2qskOPHLxKtBjnEZMy2peldofwdHqBoP8kWKK67llHKd7zuqhhcIFs6JZQPaYFuOzODbW-23biTdVmJSnoJetJDM1kwIMFKkdJa5kXWH8eF21DWV9LY/s1600/Angel%2527s+Flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFkqYg-EFODi8h9WMMIfuwmhE2qskOPHLxKtBjnEZMy2peldofwdHqBoP8kWKK67llHKd7zuqhhcIFs6JZQPaYFuOzODbW-23biTdVmJSnoJetJDM1kwIMFKkdJa5kXWH8eF21DWV9LY/s320/Angel%2527s+Flight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">[Angel's Flight railway in downtown Los Angeles.] </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/">Federal Transit Administration</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=c5blcdfab&oeidk=a07e4drs6p9c7e23b52&oseq=a0233ugq9kc22e">Office of Civil Rights Workshop</a></b> - Sept. 22-23, 2011, Berkeley, CA. FTA Staff will be available to review DBE Goals and Title VI & Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Programs. There will also be trainings covering Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program requirements, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, Title VI Requirements for FTA recipients, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) rules. (This workshop will be hosted in conjunction with the California Association of Coordinated Transportation (CalACT) Autumn Conference. It is not required to attend the CalACT Autumn Conference in order to attend the FTA Office of Civil Rights workshop.)
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ntionline.com/%20">National Transit Institute</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">NTI has upcoming webinars and classes around the country on many topics, including the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iqchkydab&et=1107389340437&s=4101&e=001VRNuTDN2x8Ip_PqPb9pv2j9q8wL8bmskaj5pVv10WST3EOnQl4We-EfH2Twajwm0MCryy6NeFybAe4AJfvsz9U8Cb0ykxvu4okraAUa3IfEuIycVHoztfGWyMFQlGNJVf1-a09lnJ1o7ASOA4TVDBOYQiyJ9pVL_">National Transit Database</a>, reporting to the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iqchkydab&et=1107375112077&s=4101&e=0010kt49hNfZr25PhuHpHnD9FtUNnnCwr1E2iMcaL6kZLN45HHOAImoecrQ5nSJ2kRJHBD6apqWiE8ZVv-NQvpMF65FC_f4GafkUtlCt9u_JlUm12SYcAh6FUvTeRlbe0QhvUZnmncR_5Iuyp1oV2VvAcI-Uv7f3H0B">rural transit database</a>, <a href="http://www.ntionline.com/courses/courseinfo.php?id=44">mobility management</a>, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iqchkydab&et=1106920711814&s=4101&e=0018aDXBXlOYU3aOuAKJi6z5dwmRfxgmleUI8j4UgA1LYztJzkv1DL-yUR13g32QxZ9LHkjs_Wj04DbKvLDnqazYeNmgdzMD6eKnFLeKISqgWFzzJ9Ai7iVknasskRzdQho4mJRKtT1DPp3Y4Hyblk94jP6Vl037N5a">funding for transit maintenance</a>, and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iqchkydab&et=1106838519158&s=4101&e=001UFa2l73rWQTRmeXBQ8m4oY4a9SjQvgaHPhjA1QcStW44mYnMeu8XgarMut-PyLvgqHOmDdtkyWATSYXKYeOI4g-IipP-oQQVd9Jd9JcAvYFAJTs2LBBO_ZGR0GTatPHqO1Ypd3Y-mpFc3olbfs-tYC8gUtMMIglc">small systems waivers</a>. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-6655373425924405222011-08-30T10:38:00.000-07:002011-08-30T10:38:54.547-07:00DOT Developments: Veterans and Bike/Ped Improvements<a href="http://www.dot.gov/new/index.htm">Department of Transportation</a><br />
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood promoted the <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants_financing_12809.html">Veterans Transportation and Community Living initiative</a> in his blog, the <a href="http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/08/vtcli.html">Fastlane</a>. Meant to improve transportation access to community life, employment, services, and care, the funding will be primarily for development and improvement of one-call/one click services. <b>The deadline for applications is Sept. 16, 2011.</b> <br />
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Information about the initiative is also available from staff at the <a href="http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=8&z=62">National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination</a>.<br />
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Bike/Ped Policy Statement</b><br />
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The <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov">Federal Transit Administration</a> (FTA) issued a <a href="1.usa.gov/FTA21273.">policy statement</a> on the eligibility of pedestrian and bicycle improvements for funding under federal transit law - up to a radius of one-half mile for pedestrian improvements and "all bicycle improvements located within three miles of a public transportation stop or station." The FTA declares a "de facto physical and functional relationship to public transportation." Funding for bicycle or pedestrian improvements at greater distances to public transportation may also be eligible for FTA funding if it is demonstrated that "the improvement is within the distance that people will travel by foot or by bicycle to use a particular stop or station." And that's just the FTA's introduction to the statement.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDeHDUqps81FLjf2r0Osv0hli-n-g_9bPf07GTB3B_-c7v0SKKJfZkcVFKhsD6ea8nV1BJcgI0hWhrJfFrVlmLXrOebHWEd3MtU_xYWIfyD9SXrrFBJ8bwFzZ_Cu9S5Ab8JywLcBIh48/s1600/Fort+Snelling-20110731-00071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDeHDUqps81FLjf2r0Osv0hli-n-g_9bPf07GTB3B_-c7v0SKKJfZkcVFKhsD6ea8nV1BJcgI0hWhrJfFrVlmLXrOebHWEd3MtU_xYWIfyD9SXrrFBJ8bwFzZ_Cu9S5Ab8JywLcBIh48/s320/Fort+Snelling-20110731-00071.jpg" /></a></div>[Snoopy and Woodstock at Minneapolis airport.]<br />
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The funding streams that may be used for these improvements include:<br />
Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program;<br />
Section 5309 New Starts and Small Starts Major Capital Investment Programs;<br />
Section 5309 Fixed Guideway Modernization Program;<br />
Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Program;<br />
Section 5310 Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Formula Program;<br />
Section 5311 Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program;<br />
Section 5311 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations;<br />
Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute Formula Program (JARC);<br />
Section 5317 New Freedom Program; and,<br />
Section 5320 Paul S. Sarbanes Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands.<br />
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Other statutory requirements to obtain bike/ped funding specify that the funds be used to "enhance economic development or incorporate private investment; to enhance the effectiveness of public transportation project and relate physically or functionally to that project, or to establish new or enhanced coordination between public transportation and other transportation; and to provide a fair share of revenue for public transportation." <br />
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Pedestrian projects may receive up to 90 percent federal share and bicycle ones 95 percent. In terms of bike-sharing programs, bike storage facilities can be funded, but not bicycles.<br />
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Free Copyediting</b><br />
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Reading through the document also produced an entertaining moment. The FTA thanked the two commenters who "noted that the word 'complimentary' should be spelled 'complementary.'" And the copyediting was complimentary.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659440075703809858.post-54767758416152348662011-07-25T09:15:00.000-07:002011-07-25T09:15:53.107-07:00Rural and Other Sustainability News - Grants & WebinarsThere is assistance for rural communities interested in submitting applications for <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/sustainable_communities_regional_planning_grants">Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants</a> and <a href="http://www.dot.gov/tiger/">Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery</a> (TIGER) grants. <br />
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Planning Grants</b><br />
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PolicyLink announces its updated guide for local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions. The <a href="http://www.policylink.org/atf/cf/%7B97c6d565-bb43-406d-a6d5-eca3bbf35af0%7D/EQUITYGUIDE%20FINAL%207-18-11%20NF_LY_DB.PDF">2011 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Guide: How to Incorporate Equity into your Grant Application</a> provides information on how regions can incorporate social equity, which the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made a significant priority of Sustainable Communities. Please be aware that the guide is not specifically designed for rural communities.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.dot.gov/tiger/">Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery</a> (TIGER) grant program is a great opportunity for rural communities to leverage federal funds for local transportation projects. To help communities apply these very competitive grants, the American Public Transportation Association, the National Association of Development Organizations, the National League of Cities, PolicyLink, Reconnecting America, Rural Assembly, Smart Growth America, and Transportation for America have joined together to encourage rural communities to submit superior applications for this funding.<br />
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The TIGER grants are called a "great opportunity for rural communities to leverage federal funds for local transportation projects." A webinar, <a href="https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=ef34xmeoa3xp">TIGER Grants and Rural America</a>, on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 2:00 PM EDT, will provide basic tips for outreach and education about the TIGER program, including an overview of TIGER, discussion of innovative rural transportation projects, and examples from two successful rural projects from earlier TIGER grant cycles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fkUapjOZ6_72plvnWjBnYlSN9icepq4oPF4AM6jUAVsJCqx6mpx71TN9bnSLPdCt0ery2SQY3-DZqLnCe2_Y-tRHQlm5JgnE4779isQJbLBrXn7kCeqnjDg0xh9GE1Zb4Dsm9A57Vcw/s1600/Lincoln+at+Metro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fkUapjOZ6_72plvnWjBnYlSN9icepq4oPF4AM6jUAVsJCqx6mpx71TN9bnSLPdCt0ery2SQY3-DZqLnCe2_Y-tRHQlm5JgnE4779isQJbLBrXn7kCeqnjDg0xh9GE1Zb4Dsm9A57Vcw/s320/Lincoln+at+Metro.jpg" /></a></div>[Abe Lincoln and helper at Metro Center station handing out ticket discounts for Nationals baseball games.]<br />
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Funding Available</b><br />
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Below is an announcement from the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. All announcements are posted online at <a href=http:// www.sustainablecommunities.gov.">http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov</a>. Funding is from the partner agencies, the Departments of <a href="http://www.dot.gov/">Transportation</a>, and <a href="http://www.hud.gov ">Housing and Urban Development</a>, and the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ ">Environmental Protection Agency</a>.<br />
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DOT Federal Transit Administration <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/publications/publications_11003.html">Livability Grants</a><br />
Up to $175 million in funding will be provided to increase and improve transportation options for communities. The Bus and Bus Facilities Program will fund up to $150 million to purchase or replace buses and to build bus-related facilities. Remaining funding will be provided through the Alternatives Analysis Program to help communities evaluate and select the best transit options to meet their transportation needs. Timeframe: application period now open, deadline is July 29.<br />
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DOT <a href="http://www.dot.gov/tiger/application-resources.html">TIGER Grants</a><br />
DOT’s TIGER program will give funding to capital construction and planning projects in surface transportation around the country. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on infrastructure investment. Estimated timeframe: NOFA available fall, Interim Notice of Funding Availability available online now. Funding levels: $526 million for transportation projects with $140 million set aside for projects in rural areas.<br />
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HUD <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/sustainable_communities_regional_planning_grants">Communities Regional Planning Grants</a><br />
HUD’s Regional Planning grants, in coordination with EPA and DOT, will provide funding of up to $68 million to improve regional planning efforts that integrate housing and transportation decisions, and increase state, regional, and local capacity to incorporate livability, sustainability, and social equity values into land use plans and zoning. Timeframe: Advanced NOFA available now, final NOFA available in July.<br />
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<a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grants">HUD Community Challenge Planning Grants</a><br />
Up to $28 million will be available to assist communities in amending or replacing local master plans and coding system, with the goal of promoting sustainability at the local or neighborhood level. These grants also support the development of affordable housing through the development and adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances and other activities such as acquisition of land for affordable housing projects. Timeframe: NOFA available in July.<br />
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EPA <a href="http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm">Brownfields</a> Multipurpose Grants<br />
For FY2012, the Brownfields Office will pilot a "multipurpose" grant opportunity. The grant would give a recipient flexibility in conducting assessment and cleanup activities at a specific site owned by the applicant, and would eliminate the delay that may occur when moving from assessment to cleanup when funding hasn’t been secured. Timeframe: RFP available mid-summer.<br />
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EPA <a href="http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm">Brownfields</a> Area-Wide Planning Grants<br />
EPA, in collaboration with HUD and DOT, will provide planning assistance to communities, many in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas, to develop area-wide plans for the reuse of brownfields properties. Timeframe: RFP available mid-summer.<br />
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EPA <a href="http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm">Brownfields</a> Environmental Workforce Job Training Grants<br />
EPA will provide grants to non-profit organizations to recruit, train and employ predominately low-income and minority, unemployed and under-employed residents from solid and hazardous waste-impacted communities. Timeframe: RFP available mid-summer.<br />
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EPA <a href="http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm">Brownfield</a> Assessment Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup (ARC) Grants<br />
Through the ARC, brownfields assessment, RLF and brownfields cleanup grants, EPA will address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Timeframe: RFP available late summer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm">EPA Smart Growth Implementation Assistance</a> (SGIA)<br />
EPA, in collaboration with HUD and DOT, will provide technical assistance to communities to focus on cross-departmental coordination of policies, cities undergoing economic transition, infrastructure financing, historic preservation and downtown revitalization, and climate change adaptation. Estimated timeframe: RFP available early fall.<br />
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm"><br />
EPA Building Blocks II</a><br />
The Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program seeks to provide quick, targeted technical assistance to communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. This technical assistance will help selected local and/or tribal governments to implement development approaches that protect the<br />
environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life. Estimated timeframe: RFP available late fall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0