Resource Center

Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL)

The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a viable methodology and platform for access and findability of rural and tribal transit coordination resources across a broad range of transportation technical assistance centers and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The FTA-funded Technical Assistance (TA) Centers participating in this ongoing work are:

• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)
• National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)
• National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)
• National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP)
• Shared Use Mobility Center (SUMC)
• Transit Workforce Center (TWC)

The TACL Task Force uses a systematic review process for resources included in the database. New resources will be added on a quarterly basis. Let us know if you would like to serve as a peer reviewer for our resources.

Why was TACL created?

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) published Public Transportation: Enhanced Federal Information Sharing on Coordination Could Improve Rural Transit Services in January 2020. GAO recommended that FTA “develop a communication plan that will effectively share information with state and local stakeholders on coordination opportunities in an accessible and informative way.” This effort was created to improve interagency resource coordination between FTA and its five TA Centers.

How can TACL be used?

TACL resources can be used to identify high quality technical assistance on transportation coordination. The resources can be used for research, training, practice, operations, planning, and other purposes. We encourage authors to cite TACL resources.

Ready to get started?

Visit http://transportation-tacl.org. Click on the Training tab at the top for instructions.

If you have a question about TACL, or if you would like to be considered to become a TACL peer reviewer, please contact info@nationalrtap.org

FTA’s Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program (49 U.S.C. § 5314) and the Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. § 5312) fund technical assistance centers through national nonprofit organizations across a number of areas to improve public transportation. These nonprofit partners and the work they do play a critical role in supporting public transit agencies. Their services help to:

• Improve transportation for older adults and people with disabilities
• Drive the adoption of mobility management and related promising practices
• Accelerate innovative mobility practices and strategies
• Support rural communities
• Leverage new transit technologies
• Train the public transit workforce
• Provide workforce development technical assistance
• Support research projects selected by the transit industry that address day to day issues
• Support the transit industry meet safety regulations

National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)

The National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) delivers expert, focused technical assistance to transit agencies and organizations in rural areas and small cities to use or develop transit technologies and innovations that make services more cost-effective and efficient. N-CATT’s work supports FTA’s mission and focus on innovation by developing and supporting transit programs and services in rural and small-city America.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is a national technical assistance center funded by FTA with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living to promote the availability of transportation options that serve the needs of people with disabilities, seniors and caregivers with a focus on the Section 5310 program and other transit investments. NADTC supports the delivery of more effective, efficient, high-quality and coordinated specialized transportation services that maximize federal investments. NADTC provides technical assistance, information and referral; develops field training; implements interactive communication and outreach strategies; and supports communities in assessing their needs and developing innovative transportation solutions.

National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP)

The National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) was established by FTA in 1987 to provide a wide range of professional services and products. National RTAP addresses the training and technical assistance needs of rural and tribal transit programs across the nation and supports state RTAP programs. National RTAP provides comprehensive free technical assistance programs and resources including training materials, webinars, newsletters and technical briefs, peer resources, research, and innovative technology initiatives. The National RTAP also manages the Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL), which provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.

Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC)

The Shared-Use Mobility Center is a public-interest organization dedicated to achieving equitable, affordable, and environmentally sound mobility across the US through the efficient sharing of transportation assets. By connecting the public and private sectors, piloting programs, conducting new research, and providing policy and technical expertise to cities and regions, SUMC seeks to extend the benefits of shared mobility for all. The Shared Mobility 2030 Action agenda includes improving access to public transit, on-demand shuttles or buses, ride-on-demand services, carpooling and vanpooling, and carsharing, bikesharing and scooter-sharing.

Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM)

The strategic goal of CCAM, operated but the Community Transportation Association of America, is to support federal agencies, their grantees, partners, and stakeholders in improving transportation access for people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals of low income. CCAM promotes and facilitates human services transportation, public transit, and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) coordination that advances people’s access to everyday destinations.

This E-learning module introduces how mentorship is essential to registered apprenticeship programs. Best practices for selecting, training, and supporting mentors are included to support registered apprenticeship program sponsors and participating employers. The objectives for this course are: 

• Identify the responsibilities of sponsors to provide mentorship.
• Describe the role of mentors.
• Recognize why mentorship is important to a successful registered apprenticeship program.
• Employ strategies for mentorship to create a culture of support and guidance for workers throughout their registered apprenticeship.

Link to Full Course

Session Description: This session delved into the most effective methods for training technicians to maintain today’s fleets of complex technology. We focused on proven strategies, such as starting with the fundamentals and progressing to hands-on training. Additionally, we discussed the value of mentorship and apprenticeship to facilitate the retention of the trained frontline workforce.

Moderator:

• Jason Macumber: Senior Advisor of Workforce Development and Technology – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Russell Anderson: Director Bus Maintenance Training – California Transit Works!
• Staci Hanna: Maintenance Training Manager – TriMet
• Brian Markey: Chief Executive Officer – Custom Training Aids Inc.

MC24 How Techs Learn slides

Session Description: Employment in public transportation is affected by broad economic and demographic dynamics, but honing in on transit workforce trends can be challenging. The Transit Workforce Center created the Transit Workforce Data Dashboard to distill relevant data points from national datasets. In this session, TWC highlighted specific employment patterns and challenges in transit-related occupations and panelists covered research and trends in national and agency-level datasets.

Moderator: 

• Michaela Boneva: Research Associate – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Nick Biggar: District Director – Greater Cleveland RTA
• Valerie Campo: Mentor Program Coordinator – Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit
• Douglas Nevins: Senior Researcher – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
• Darnell Morris: Vice President – ATU Local 268, Greater Cleveland RTA
• Dr. Shanta Hejmadi: Senior Data Scientist– Metro Transit (MN)

MC24 Tracking Your Impact GCRTA Positive Impact Program MC24 Tracking Your Impact MTD mentoring metrics MC24 Tracking Your Impact Metro Transit data tracking

Session Description: An Increasing number of transit agencies across the country have begun mentorship programs to support the frontline workforce and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and skills from experienced workers to new employees. These programs offer many benefits, including improved rates of retention and absenteeism, stronger relationships between the workforce and management, and better employee morale. During this session, attendees learned how transit agencies are incorporating innovative models to tap into the full potential of mentorship programs. Panelists described the positive changes that have resulted from mentorship programs and how they are incorporating new and innovative applications and approaches to multiply these benefits.

Moderator: 

• George Fields: Deputy General Manager, Human Resources – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Speakers:

• Ida Marshall: Senior Talent Acquisition Manager – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
• Wendy V. Talley: Director, Training & Employee Development – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
• Reginald Howard: President – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 788 (St. Louis)
• Trenise Winters: Assistant Executive Director – Bi-State Development/Metro Transit (St. Louis)
• Maurice Beard: Sr. Workforce Development Advisor – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
• Karitsa Holdzkom: Senior Policy Analyst – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

MC24 Innovative Mentoring Models slides

Session Description: Are you looking to establish a program that increases retention, provides an edge in recruitment, and advances a positive and collaborative organizational culture? Well-organized mentorship programs with carefully-selected and trained mentors provide documented benefits for frontline workers and the organization as a whole. Check out this intensive full-day workshop to explore how to:

• Initiative, develop, manage, and maintain a strong mentorship program
• Establish a collaborative structure and culture that runs and maintains that program
• Select and train effective mentors
• Explore occupation-specific approaches, challenges, and systems
• Track metrics that measure progress and success

Throughout this full-day intensive, attendees engaged with experienced instructors, facilitators, and peers to:

• Review the foundational elements of transit-based mentorship programs
• Experience TWC’s mentor training program, including: a review of mentor roles; an introduction to varied learning styles; and an examination of communications and problem-solving skills

Moderators: 

• Maurice Beard: Senior Workforce Development Advisor – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
• Karitsa Holdzkom: Senior Policy Analyst – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Stu Bass: Principal – Progress Worx; Founding Director – Keystone Development Partnership
• Nick Biggar: District Director – Greater Cleveland RTA
• Valerie Campo: Mentor Program Coordinator – Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit
• Lee Estis: Mentor Program Coordinator – Metropolitan Council-Metro Transit (MN)
• Jamaine “G” Gibson: Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development – Amalgamated Transit Union
• Steve Jovel: Operations Manager, Workforce Development – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
• Vanessa L’Esperance: Apprenticeship Program Coordinator – Metro Transit/ATU Local 1005 (MN)
• Dionna McCane: ATU Mentorship and Apprenticeship Coordinator – IndyGo
• Darnell Morris: Vice President – ATU Local 268, Greater Cleveland RTA
• Harpreet Singh: JWI Co-Director – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

MC24 Making Mentoring Matter slides