NEW TMA HANDBOOK AVAILABLE NOW

TMA HANDBOOK

The "TMA Handbook: A Guide to Successful Transportation Management Associations," shows you how to start and maintain a TMA that will thrive, not just survive.

This expanded handbook (over 200 pages) offers the comprehensive information needed at various stages in a TMA's life cycle. It provides practical "how-to" guidance for studying the feasibility of forming a TMA in certain localities, and gives newly formed TMAs tips and examples to define the organizational structure, establish an office, and get operations off the ground. For those who are currently operating TMAs, this handbook offers tips on enhancing success, expanding membership and services, and planning for the future. It also includes many excellent case studies and sample documents (such as job descriptions, by-laws, dues structures, action plans, etc.), as well as the results of the most recent TMA Survey conducted by ACT. The TMA Handbook also lists TMA-related resources available for more assistance and information. The three-ring binder design will allow you to add more material in the years to come.

The TMA Handbook was written and designed by the National Center for Transit Research's (NCTR) National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse on behalf of and with the assistance of the Association for Commuter Transportation's TMA Council. NCTR is located at the University of South Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation provided additional funding support for the writing of the updated Handbook. Metro Commuter Services of the State of Minnesota funded the printing of the TMA Handbook. ACT handles the distribution and sales of the Handbook.

For ordering information, please contact the Association for Commuter Transportation at 202.393.3497 or visit ACT's website at www.actweb.org

TMA Handbook Table of Contents

Purpose and Use of the Handbook

Section 1: About TMAs - Overview

The Problems That TMAs Address
Defining Transportation Management Associations
A Brief History of TMAs
TMAs Today
Three Stages of TMA Development

Section 2: The Possibilities - TMA Exploration and Feasibility

Section Overview
TMAs Offer Unique Capabilities
Reasons for Incorporating a TMA
TMA Exploration - Conditions that Indicate TMA Feasibility
Conducting a TMA Feasibility Study
TMA Formation - Building Commitment and Consensus for Solutions and Services

Section 3: TMA Development-Building Relationships and Alliances

Section Overview
Defining an Organizational Structure
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
Establishing an Administrative Structure
Creating an Effective Board of Directors
Developing and Building TMA Membership
Establishing External Relationships

Section 4: TMA Development-Plans, Budgets and Services

Section Overview
Beginning with the End in Mind: TMA Performance Evaluation
TMA Performance Criteria
Initial Work Plan Development Considerations-Data Collection
Survey Planning and Budgeting
Communicating Evaluation Findings
Developing a Strategic Work Plan

Section 5: TMA Development - Financial Management and Service Delivery

Section Overview
TMA Budgets and Funding
Financial Management Issues for TMAs
Delivering TMA Services

Section 6: Appendix

Sample TMA Feasibility Study Format
Typical First Year Activities
Defining Responsibilities of Board and Staff Activity Answer Key
Examples of Membership Dues Structure
Business Management Reference Texts
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
Office Procedures
Sample Job Description - TMA Executive Director/Manager (4 examples)
Sample Job Descriptions - Other Positions (5 examples)
Case Studies
The Evolving TMA: Results from the 1998 ACT TMA Council Operational Survey
Helpful Resources

National Center for Transit Research's National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse is located at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida