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Network NewsAASHTO Multi-State Transit Technical Assistance Program
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Winter/Spring 2017
“How can I advance the cause of public transportation in my state?” is a question we always ask of ourselves. We
are dogged in our attempts to include public transportation and multi-modalism as part of our state DOT’s missions. Regardless of our success, AASHTO’s Multi-State Transit Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) provides a forum to help increase our understanding of national public transportation policies, allows us to share best practices and experiences and uses our shared experiences to further public transportation policy in our nation’s capital.
We are certainly living in interesting times for our industry. While I am cautiously optimistic that this year will be just as prosperous as the last, I know 2016 was very constructive for MTAP. The SCOPT/MTAP 2016 Winter Meeting was spent with colleagues from around the country to discuss the issues we deal with day-to-day. Thanks to state DOT staff for making meeting a success. Compliments to Commissioner Charles Zelle (Minnesota DOT) and Jamie Cochran (Georgia DOT) for leading and hosting, respectively, as well as to FTA’s Henrika Buchanan, Kimberly Sledge, Marianne Stock, and Jamie Pfister, WSP| Parsons Brinckerhoff and CTAA’s Scott Bogren, for sharing their expertise.
The Transit Asset Management (TAM) workshop was the highlight of the meeting. The interactive workshop approach was invaluable. Thanks to my colleagues and fellow Steering Committee members, Sharon Edgar (Michigan), Mark Codey (California), Mike Schadauer (Minnesota) and Don Chartock (Washington), for skillfully leading discussions on key components of the TAM rule. The workshop’s success helped launch MTAP’s first webinar focused on TAM implementation in March. Please stay tuned for more TAM-focused peer-to-peer information exchanges.
A lot of change has already occurred this year, starting with the leadership of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Elaine Chao has been appointed the new Secretary of DOT. Many modal administrator roles and key staff have yet to been appointed. We eagerly await partnering with Secretary Chao, a new FTA Administrator, and other key staff to help us all succeed.
This year began with the President’s recently released “skinny budget.” In the budget, Amtrak, TIGER, and Federal transportation programs administered by FTA are taking severe cuts. In addition, the skinny budget includes language related to the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program that would limit it only to those projects with full funding grant agreements. We hear the typical congressional approach to the skinny budget is “The President Proposes, Congress Disposes.” We must remind each other that Federal budget process is just beginning, and we will remain vigilant over this process and how Congress handles it.
Moreover, FTA has yet to release the final Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan regulation. This regulation would impose new requirements on state DOTs to prepare individual safety plans for their sub-recipients, based on the principles of safety management systems (SMS). What remains unclear is the new administration’s next steps with regard to this final rule.
Lastly, multimodal research continues to be a priority of AASHTO. In March, the Standing Committee on Research (SCOR) approved the $450,000 request for funding of the NCHRP 20-65 Project. This research is mainly focused on assisting MTAP members working in rural transit with quick response solutions tailored to meet operational needs.
Continued on page 12
Message from the MTAP Steering Committee Chair David Harris
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The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the first five-year transportation bill in more than 10 years,
not only provided stable funding for public transportation programs, but it included a little known provision that has helped Washington, Oregon, and Alaska better procure its rolling stock. Section 3019 of the FAST Act allows for interstate cooperative procurement schedules, allowing for increased choice, ease of use, and lower costs for the procurement of light- and medium-duty cutaway buses.
“One of the hidden gems from the FAST Act has been our ability to enter into interstate cooperative procurement agreements,” said Debbi Howard, State Transit Coordinator, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “The agreement has resulted in lower costs, more features, and better technical assistance from Washington’s very knowledgeable staff while relieving the purchasing burden from our state transit office.”
Unlike traditional Federal procurements that only allow for a single successful bidder/award, a state procurement schedule can award multiple vehicles and vendors to better meet unique transportation needs and operating conditions. The cooperative schedules provide economical pricing and allow buyers to make choices based on performance, parts availability, service locations, and other features.
The cooperative schedule is easy to use. It is similar to a menu in a restaurant, consisting of a list of competitively awarded vehicles for buyers—which includes eligible state or local governmental agencies, transit agencies, non-profits or tribes—to choose from. After accessing it through the Washington’s Department of Enterprise Services (DES) website, prospective buyers can contact any of the awarded vendors listed to receive a price quote and floor plan. The quote, floor
plan, and a formal request letter to access the contract is sent to DES electronically. If the vehicle and pricing conform to the contract, DES approves the purchase.
The schedule has even more advantages. It contains all the required Federal clauses and certifications, has no geographic preference, is limited to a five-year term, and is awarded only to responsive and responsible bidders. The cooperative (in this case, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska) also is assured that Federal requirements such as Altoona Testing, TVM certification, and debarment and suspension issues have been satisfied. Then, Washington administers the contract. Buyers need only confirm the price is “fair and reasonable” and conduct required pre- and post-award certifications, resulting in tremendous savings in time and money.
Since July 2016, the cooperative has purchased 135 vehicles in a variety of models for more than $12 million through the new procurement process. The majority of grant sub-recipients, transit agencies, and non-profits in Washington choose the state purchasing schedule rather than conduct their own procurements, citing the cost, selection, and ease of use as their determining factors.
Overall, the interstate cooperative procurement agreement has been a success. Other state DOT’s should use this valuable resource provided in the FAST Act and consider entering into these agreements with interested states.
Allows Interstate Cooperative Procurements of Rolling Stock
' David ChenaurWashington DOT
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With the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, transportation and infrastructure were
expected to be a high priority with incoming administration. During the campaign and after his confirmation, President Trump promised to invest $1 trillion in our nation’s infrastructure over 10 years.
Exactly where this $1 trillion will come from remains uncertain. But the Trump Administration’s plan definitely anticipates engaging the private sector through public–private partnerships (P3s) to help pay for it, which will certainly spark a debate in Congress between how we “fund” versus “finance” our transportation investments.
To lead his way on transportation, the president nominated Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Less than two weeks after his swearing in, the Senate confirmed overwhelmingly her nomination by a vote of 93-6. Secretary Chao, the 18th Secretary of DOT, is no stranger to serving in a presidential cabinet or to DOT or to Washington, DC. Her experience includes serving as the Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009 (under President George W. Bush), and as deputy secretary of DOT and director of the Peace Corps (under President George H.W. Bush). She also was president for the United Way of America.
While Secretary Chao is still assembling her team, the question of who will be the new FTA Administrator may be answered this spring. Matthew Welbes, Executive Director, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), told APTA Legislative Conference attendees an FTA Administrator appointment could occur between April and June with confirmation hearings and a confirmation vote potentially over the summer. Meanwhile, Secretary Chao definitely has a list of priorities for her tenure at DOT, starting with streamlining transportation infrastructure projects by cutting red tape and promoting new technologies that improve transportation systems.
Early signs of the president’s transit priorities emerged with the release of the “skinny budget” in March. Unfortunately, those signs were not good. The president proposed a $2.4 billion or 13 percent cut to DOT, affecting public transportation in a major way. It would terminate Federal support to Amtrak’s long-distance routes, while allowing the agency to focus on the Northeast Corridor and state-supported services. The budget would limit FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program to those projects with full funding agreements in place and suggests that grant agreements in the pipeline will remain unsigned. Finally, the TIGER grant program is proposed for elimination.
Despite these early setbacks, AASHTO, through its Standing Committee on Public Transportation (SCOPT), remains steadfastly supportive of public transportation. Over the course of this budget debate, AASHTO will work with its transit partners to convince the Administration and Congress of the need for greater investments in public transportation. Public transportation is essential to our country’s economic growth and well-being, providing mobility solutions to those in urban and rural communities alike.
Update: U.S. DOT and Federal Transit Administration
' Brian TravisCalifornia DOT
' Mark Codey California DOT
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State legislatures shape public transportation at the state and
local levels. With state legislative sessions convening this year, public transportation unsurprisingly is among the menu of issues under discussion. Public transportation agencies, including SCOPT and MTAP members, are proving they are not just “on the menu,” but at the table during this process. Through Transit Days, SCOPT and MTAP members, along with other agency officials, advocates, corporate partners, etc. gather during the state’s legislative session to educate elected leaders about the benefits of public transportation.
Minnesota Department of Trans-portation Commissioner Charles Zelle, SCOPT’s Chair, kicked off the 2017 Transportation Day at the state capital building. Commissioner Zelle welcomed attendees to the gathering and provided support to Governor Mark Dayton’s request for transportation funding. He talked about the governor’s budget pro-posal for new funds for public transpor-tation over the next 10 years, including $3.0 billion for the Twin Cities Metro Area, $120 million for Greater Minnesota Transit, and $75 million for bike and pedestrians/Safe Routes to Schools.
New Mexico’s Transportation Day was a huge success with public transporta-tion agencies from across the state con-verging on the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. New Mexico’s Department of Transporta-tion, its rural and urban transit agencies, the New Mexico Transit Association, the Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and all six New Mexico Transportation Districts, participated in this year’s event.
Going to the State Capitol Transit Days Across the Nation
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Despite a cold and windy day, Florida’s Department of Transportation, Florida Public Transportation Association and Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged still held its legislative day. The gathering took place in the courtyard of the state capital building with table displays and transit vehicles available for viewing. And hundreds of individuals, businesses and advocates also participated in the event focused on educating state legislators about the critical issues affecting Florida’s public transportation.
Kansas’s Transit Day showcased the work of the more than 150 different state agencies that provide reliable, clean, and useful transit and paratransit services to Kansans. KDOT Public Transit Manager Mike Spadafore referred to the event as an “opportunity to ask questions and learn about transit and paratransit services available in Kansas” and with a goal “to keep people living in and connected to their communities as long as possible.”
Transit Days are one example of the day-to-day efforts of SCOPT and MTAP members to highlight the successes of public transportation and the positive role state DOTs play in supporting multi-modal solutions for their state. More importantly, these Transit Days are great opportunities to talk about transit success stories one-on-one with state legislators and legislative staff.
Do not forget to participate in your own state’s Transit Day or contact your state transit association and help organize one.
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The MTAP Steering Committee hosts a series of technical initiatives/forums (conference call and/or webinar) for
program managers who oversee formula funding grants from the Federal Transit Administration’s Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) and Rural Areas (Section 5311) programs. These critical staff persons create mobility solutions for seniors, people with disabilities, and residents of rural communities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation mobility options.
MTAP changed the format in 2017 of the 5310-5311 Program Managers from a traditional conference call to an online webinar, allowing for both presentations and state-by-state discussion online. In December 2016, the program managers held a conference call and in February 2017 was the first webinar. These technical initiatives/forums allow them to exchange information and ideas on topics affecting their day-to-day challenges.
Here are brief summaries of each forum:
State Distribution of 5310 Funds (December 2016)In December, the 5310-5311 Program Managers conference
call focused on how states are expending Section 5310 funds. Kari Ruse, Nebraska Department of Roads, led the call, providing insight about the topic and helping direct the discussion. Two state DOTs provided the “state perspective,” Kristen Haar from Iowa DOT and Fred Butler from New Hampshire DOT.
With regard to the question of whether state DOTs combine 5310 and 5311 funds, Iowa DOT’s Kristen Haar explained the state combines its 5310 and 5311 funds. Haar indicated that Iowa has 23 public transit agencies receiving funding and all transportation has to be open to the general public. Since 100 percent of Iowa DOT’s 5310 funds are used for contracting of services, the state has found combining funds from 5310 and 5311 programs to be the easiest way to distribute the funds.
Interestingly, no other states on the call indicated that they followed Iowa DOT’s method. But some state DOTs, like New Hampshire, have providers that receive both 5310 and 5311 funds. Some states indicated that they distribute their 5310 allocation competitively while others use a formula process.
Most states use 5310 funds strictly for capital purchases but a few like Louisiana do accept applications for operating assistance. Ohio indicated that it allows funds to be used for operating assistance but is concerned about how to make it sustainable for agencies who need consistent funding for budgeting purposes.
How states are managing the “Buy America” requirements in multiple year contracts was another issue. New Hampshire DOT’s Fred Butler explained that contracts with vendors must meet “current requirements.” Because Buy America’s requirement percentages are increasing over the next three years, Missouri DOT indicated on the call that it includes a provision in rolling stock procurement contracts that awardees must submit annual Buy America certifications to ensure these requirements are met.
Technical Initiatives Corner5310–5311 Program Managers
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Reimbursing Section 5311 Grantees for Operating Assistance Expenses
On February 23, 2017, MTAP hosted the first webinar for the 5310-5311 Program Managers to share current practices on documentation requirements for 5311 sub-recipients operating assistance expenses. This time, Fred Butler (New Hampshire DOT, NHDOT), led the discussion, while both Ross MacDonald (Vermont DOT, VTrans) and Mike Spadafore (Kansas DOT, KDOT) presented the “state’s perspective.”
NHDOT, according to Butler, only requires existing 5311 sub-recipients to itemize expenditures and break-down expenses by FTA-approved line items, and only requests receipts/invoices, payroll records, and other backup documentation if anomalies occur. However, for new 5311 providers, NHDOT requires expense documentation from the sub-recipient for an initial six month period at a minimum, prompting the question: is there a best practice to better deal with new sub-recipients and ensure that all expenditures are eligible per the Super Circular (2 CFR 200)?
Vermont DOT’s Ross MacDonald explained that Vermont is broken down into regions, allowing each regional provider to process its bills. VTrans provides quarterly advance payment to each regional provider based on estimated expenditures, and any amended amounts are reimbursement only. VTrans has not had new providers recently, but in theory it would request backup documentation for the initial year and would conduct reviews every other year.
' Kari RuseNebraska Dept. of [email protected]
' Fred ButlerNew Hampshire DOT
At KDOT, according to Mike Spadafore, the agency does not require sub-recipients to submit backup documentation. Agencies must retain all documentation for potential spot checks during the Triennial (Comprehensive) Review process in addition to individual agency financial audits. No additional requirements exist for new providers, aside from New Starts projects, and the process is streamlined since Kansas has 10 Coordinated Transit Districts (CTDs). Monthly billings are processed through the CTD Administrator. KDOT utilizes an electronic payment system and the CTD Administrator reviews it prior to approval and submission to KDOT, which then repeats the process prior to payment. Payment is then made to each CTD for distribution to the agencies.
After the presentations were completed, participants were asked a series of poll questions, followed by a Q&A session.
Overall, the 5310-5311 Program Managers technical initiatives/forums have been highly successful and will continue throughout the year. More details, including copies of all materials and conference call/webinar recordings of the forums, can be found on the 5310-5311 Program Managers webpage of the MTAP website, under Training and Technical Assistance.
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More than 50 transit professionals gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 30 to December 1, 2016, for
the Standing Committee on Public Transportation (SCOPT) and Multi-State Transit Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) Winter Meeting. Participants at this year’s meeting spent a day and a half in discussions about issues affecting state DOT transit offices.
On the first morning, Minnesota DOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle, SCOPT Chair, welcomed the meeting participants. Commissioner Zelle provided some observations about the recent presidential election results and described the importance of SCOPT/MTAP and its membership in keeping AASHTO multimodal as the committee reorganization of AASHTO begins. His address was well received. In addition, David Harris, MTAP Chair from New Mexico DOT, Jamie Cochran, Georgia DOT, and the host member, and Dr. Yvette Taylor, Regional Administrator from Federal Transit Administration’s Region 4 (Atlanta) office also helped open the meeting, welcoming all participants.
After the welcoming speeches, participants got down to business. Leaders from FTA headquarters opened the meeting with updates from U.S. DOT and FTA. Henrika Buchanan described work underway to transition to the leadership of Elaine Chao, the expected future Secretary of Transportation. Kimberly Sledge listed upcoming discretionary grant opportunities and important dates for the Transit Asset Management and Safety Management programs. Marianne Stork focused on the Rides to Wellness program, and also talked about the Coordinated Council on Access and Mobility, an organization charged with coordinating transportation programs in 80 Federal agencies.
Next, FTA’s Jamie Pfister talked about ongoing research programs, including grant opportunities like the Mobility on Demand (Sandbox) and Low/No Emissions programs. Sharon Edgar, MTAP Research Chair from Michigan DOT, added to the research discussion with results and future research topics. Two recently completed research projects—Oversight of Facility Projects Guidebook and Curriculum for New State DOT Transit Grant Managers—will offer immediate benefits. Upcoming projects include the following:
• In kind match detailed case studies
• Addressing needs of the Olmstead (disabled) population
• How do you compel local officials to see the importance of rural transit?
• Role of full range of shared-use mobility in rural areas
• Implementation of new TAM and Safety rulesOnce the first-day morning sessions were done,
SCOPT/MTAP recognized Paul Comfort, Maryland Transit Administration for winning the AASHTO Presidential Award for Public Transportation. And after lunch, Charles Carr, Mississippi DOT, was presented the 2016 MTAP Outstanding Service Award for his many contributions to MTAP’s success.
In the afternoon of the first day and then again part of the second day, SCOPT/MTAP meeting participants were involved in an interactive discussion on the implementation of the final Transit Asset Management rule (more details about the session are on page 10).
The second day kicked off with SCOPT and MTAP business meetings and the members updated their respective work plans, asked to update their state’s entries in the MTAP directory and encouraged to take advantage of the Steering Committee calls, Section 5310/5311 Program Managers conference calls and other communications, like the MTAP eNews.
Scott Bogren, Executive Director of the Community Transportation Association of America, concluded the winter meeting with a discussion on the impact of FTA’s Safety Management System on rural transit.
As always, one of the greatest benefits of these meetings was networking and learning from fellow state DOT professionals. Many thanks to Richard Price, Shayne Gill, and Jamie Cochran for organizing another wildly successful Winter Meeting.
' Mike SchadauerMinnesota DOT
SCOPT/MTAP in the ATL
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WARNING! At this very moment…in an office somewhere…someone
who you may or may not know is doing important research that could help you improve the delivery of your state’s transit programs. And good research is a really good thing.
Thanks to AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Research (SCOR), the Standing Committee on Public Transportation’s research program, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 20-65 project, receives an annual funding allotment of $450,000 for research focused on public transit. The NCHRP 20-65 research is designed to document best and emerging practices at the state level to help deliver our state and federal transit programs.
This research often entails extensive surveying and/or interviewing of state transit staff, many of whom are already overburdened. But by completing these surveys and participating in these interviews, state transit staff are making a significant difference in the public transit industry and improving its collective performance. SCOPT and MTAP truly appreciate these efforts.
While delay can often occur when a research project is completed and the final report is available, many research projects have interim reports that provide an opportunity to glean lessons learned from research in progress.
Here is a selected list of the NCHRP 20-65 research projects near completion and currently under way:
Completed Research That Should Be Published in the Coming Months
Task 49: Impact Assessment Indicators for Administration of Public Transportation Grants looked at the methods states are using to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their transit program administration activities.
Task 56: Best Practices in Rural Regional Mobility looked for good examples of transit services that provide for regional (such as cross county) mobility in rural areas.
Task 57: Assessment of State DOT Transit Vehicle Procurement Models looked at state and multi-agency (i.e., consortium) approaches to procurement and pros and cons of the various approaches.
Task 63: DOT Oversight of Facility Projects will provide a reference guide that can be used by State DOT’s and their subrecipients to assist with the oversight and monitoring process of facility projects.
Research Currently UnderwayTask 67: Multi-Modal Project Planning
will synthesize examples of success-ful coordination between highway and transit improvements (such as in a major corridor) and in the role of state DOT’s delivering or assisting in the delivery of multimodal transportation solutions.
Task 68: Successful Mobility Manage-ment Practices for Improving Transporta-tion Services in Small Urban and Rural Areas will document the mobility
management practices that are being ef-fectively used in smaller transit agencies.
Task 69: Consolidation of Rural Transit Systems is looking at formal and infor-mal efforts that state DOTs are taking to encourage rural transit agencies to con-solidate.
Task 70: Cross Modal Investment is documenting good examples of where funding from non-transit modes (e.g., roadways, highways, toll roads, freight, intercity passenger rail, port, and air) are being used to help advance a transit project.
Task 71: Transit Network Balance, Efficiency, and Equity will document best practices being used by state DOTs in bal-ancing efficiency with equity when fund-ing local public transportation services.
Task 72: Small System Alternative Fuel Strategies will result in a toolkit and guidance document that can be used by small bus operators to assess the impacts of deploying various alternative fuels.
To check the status of these research tasks, visit the TRB website or feel free to contact the author of this article at (517) 373-0471.
WARNING! WARNING!! TRANSIT RESEARCH IS IN PROGRESS
' Sharon EdgarChair, NCHRP 20-65
Project PanelMichigan DOT
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The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) final Transit Asset Management (TAM) rule, issued on July 16, 2016,
requires grantees to develop asset management plans for their public transportation assets, including vehicles, facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure. In addition to the TAM Rule, FTA also released the final National Transit Database (NTD) inventory requirements, expanding the NTD asset inventory requirements for all agencies, including Section 5311 and 5310 recipients.
The final TAM rule placed significant new responsibilities on AASHTO members (state DOT transit offices) and the transit agencies that receive Federal funds from the state.
To help understand and implement these new requirements, AASHTO’s MTAP Steering Committee initiated a nearly year-long effort to provide state DOTs with technical assistance and forums to share best practices.
Launching at the SCOPT/MTAP Winter Meeting (in Atlanta from November 30 to December 1, 2016) was the first workshop to help members implement the final rule. Participants heard from WSP|Parsons Brinkerhoff’s Transit Asset Management team about the FTA Asset Management Guide for Small Providers. WSP wrote the guide for FTA and included an excel-based template designed to assist a transit provider development an individual TAM Plan or a state
Question ResponseHave you established all of the required initial SGR Targets for 2017?
76%—Yes24%—No
For Revenue and Service Vehicles, what performance measure did (or will) you use?
46%—FTA ULB only35%—FTA ULB plus some other measure, such as miles23% —Our own ULB12%—Our own ULB plus some other measure such as miles
Do you currently know the condition of all the subrecipient facilities?
34%—Yes66%—No
How will your state determine the condition of your subrecipients’ facilities?
19%—State DOT staff will do the condition assessments33%—Subrecipients will do their own condition assessments15%—A third party, such as a consultant, will help 4%—Will use some other method27%—Have not yet determined the state will approach this task
Is your state working with plan participants in initial target setting?
81%—Engaged plan participants in some way in initial target setting19%—Have not engaged plan participants in initial target setting
States Helping States with TAM Implementation
Photo courtesy of Sara Martin, Photographer, Michigan DOT.
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DOT develop a group plan for their small providers. This presentation was tremendously insightful.
Following WSP|Parsons Brinkerhoff, MTAP’s Steering Committee led a workshop covering the following topics:
• Group Plan Development, led by Mark Codey, California DOT;
• Working with Group Plan Participants, led by Mike Schadauer, Minnesota DOT; and
• Initial State-of-Good Repair Target Setting, led by Don Chartock, Washington DOT
One major take-away from the initial TAM workshop in November 2016 was that many state DOTs have only started developing an approach to transit asset management and more education is needed to help guide them through the maze of new requirements. But it was clear that the MTAP workshop was an excellent start and with additional workshops SCOPT/MTAP members would continue to progress.
The MTAP Steering Committee held an online workshop (webinar) in March 2017 to revisit some key issues discussed during the winter meeting. At that workshop, state transit officials from Washington State (Don Chartock) and California (Brian Travis) delved more deeply into their state’s approach to preparing the TAM plans. The webinar presentations were on the following topics:
• Setting our initial State of Good Repair Targets (led by Don Chartock)
• Coordination with Metropolitan Planning Agencies (led by Brian Travis)
In addition to the presentations, webinar participants were given an overview of the draft FTA Facility Condition Assessment Guide. Following the presentations, webinar participants were polled on a series of 13 questions to gauge how states are implementing the rules. A sample of the poll questions and responses are provided below.
With an understanding of the complexities of implementing the final TAM Rule, the MTAP Steering Committee will likely have a final TAM online workshop in late summer or early Fall 2017. At that time, members can continue the discussion over each state’s progress on developing group TAM plans as well as preparing for the enhanced NTD reporting that starts with the 2018 reporting year.
The MTAP website will have the information and materials used during these workshops on its website to assist members with TAM implementation. For ideas about future webinars related to TAM, please contact Richard Price at [email protected] or (202) 624-5813
' Sharon EdgarMichigan DOT
Meet MTAP’s Newest Steering Committee Members
Shirley Wilson is Director of the Public Transit Division, which oversees the
agency’s general public and specialized transportation program grants, contracts, and other planning activities, with Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Wilson has an extensive background in state government and the public transportation field, working in
state government since 1984 and in the transportation arena in various capacities since 1988. Her bachelor’s degree is from Mississippi Valley State University and master’s degree is from Mississippi State University. She is a graduate from MDOT’s Leadership, Enhancement, Assessment, and Development (LEAD) Program and from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s National Transportation Management Program. Wilson also is a Board member of the Mississippi Public Transit Association.
Marsha Hoskins is the Public Transportation Manager for the
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Rail and Public Transit Division. She joined ODOT in 2011 to manage the reorganization of the Public Transit Division. The objectives of this reorganization were to improve Public Transit Division’s partnership with transit
agencies, stakeholders, and public transportation advocacy groups, significantly increase integrated transportation solutions, allow more effective and efficient use of state and Federal funds, and position the division to fully support the Agency’s Intermodal reorganization. Prior to joining ODOT, Hoskins worked for more than 25 years in the telecommunications industry. She has extensive experience in change management, organization development, program management, and policy development and implementation in both the public and private sector. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Washington State University, and a Master’s of Business Administration Degree from Seattle University. She and her husband moved to Oregon in 2008, after living in Washington, Colorado, and, for a short while, Malaysia.
Wilson and Hoskins replace Elizabeth Kreider (Maryland MTA) and John Alley (Wisconsin DOT) as members of the MTAP Steering Committee. Elizabeth Kreider and John Alley are outstanding public servants and we appreciate their service to MTAP.
Network NewsAASHTO Multi-State Transit Technical Assistance Program
Upcoming Events and Training Sessions
Risk Assessment for Transit Capital Projects, National Transit InstituteDallas, TexasMay 17–18 ◆ InfoIndianapolis, Indiana ◆ Info
Introduction to Transportation Conformity, National Transit InstituteHouston, TexasMay 1–3 ◆ Info
Ridership Forecasting with STOPS for Transit Project PlanningChicago, IllinoisMay 2–4 ◆ InfoDallas, TexasJune 20–22 ◆ Info
Transit Asset Management for Tier II Providers and Sponsors CourseReno, NevadaMay 11 ◆ Info
AASHTO’s 2017 Spring MeetingPortland, MaineMay 23–25 ◆ Info
CTAA Expo—Mobility Rising: Detroit 2017Detroit, MichiganJune 10–15 ◆ InfoMTAP’s State DOT RoundtableJune 14; 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Implementing Rural Transit Technology, National Transit InstituteColumbia, South CarolinaJune 21–22 ◆ Info
444 N. Capitol Street, N.W. Suite 249Washington, DC 20001
Richard PriceProgram Specialist, MTAP
202-624-5813202-624-5806 [email protected]
www.mtap.org
Congratulations to Mississippi DOT’s Charles Carr
2016 MTAP Outstanding Service Award Recipient
In December, Charles Carr, Director of Intermodal Planning for Mississippi DOT, received the 2016 Multi-State Transit
Technical Assistance Program’s Outstanding Service Award for his longstanding, exceptional, and consistent service to the
program, its members and as a former member of its Steering Committee.While on the Steering Committee, Carr helped maintain a strong relationship
between AASHTO and CTAA, as well as guided and oversaw the work of the NCHRP 20-65 project panel, which supports critical research that is directly beneficial to state DOT Transit offices. Furthermore, Carr served as a member of the scan team for the first-ever Domestic Scan aimed at a transit issue, demonstrating his commitment to transit research and the promotion of best transit industry practices.
Congratulations again to Charles Carr for this significant achievement. The Clarion-Ledger posted this article about Charles.
Save the Date
State Transit Program Managers/ State Public Transit Partnerships ConferenceWashington, DCAugust 16–18
Additional information regarding the above upcoming activities can be found on the MTAP website at www.mtap.org.
Message from the MTAP Steering Committee ChairContinuted from page 1
SCOR, however, is reconsidering its committee set-aside policy in favor a more competitive bidding process for requests. Commissioner Zelle, Sharon Edgar (Michigan DOT), and I wrote to SCOR’s vice chair to encourage SCOR not to minimize public transportation’s contribution as a multimodal solution in the highway-dominated research world and asked for representation on SCOR. These potential policy changes will be discussed at SCOR’s August meeting.
SCOPT and MTAP do extraordinary work and much of it can be attributed to the proactive membership and an amazing staff at AASHTO, all of whom operate with a desire to help us advance the cause of public transportation.
2017 is going to be a challenge for public transportation agencies, both big and small, in resiliency and fortitude. If our 2016 successes are any measure, I know we will persevere and together we will help each other succeed.
' David HarrisNew Mexico DOT
Director, Transit and Rail DivisionMTAP Chair
