FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research Project Description

Center Identification Number:

Project Title: The Florida Department of Transportation Statewide Transit Training Program

Co-Principal Investigators: 

Lisa Staes, Senior Research Associate
813-974-9787
E-mail: staes@cutr.eng.usf.edu

Dennis Hinebaugh, Transit Program Director
813-974-9833
E-mail: hinebaugh@cutr.eng.usf.edu

Institution: 

Center for Urban Transportation Research
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida

External Project Contact: Elizabeth Stutts, Grant Programs Administrator, FDOT

1. Project Objective

CUTR, in coordination with the FDOT, will develop a list of critical transit training areas, based on responses received from a survey of Floridas transit agencies. CUTR will then develop training curriculum and coordinate and deliver and/or assist in the delivery of training sessions in response to those training areas identified as Acritical.@ A maximum of two topics will be selected each year.

2. Project Abstract

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21) maintains the integrity of the Federal Transit Administration's programs. However, there have been program changes directly related to TEA-21 as well as changes made through the reauthorization process. The FTA has now completed the process of updating the various circulars that provide specific guidance to grant applicants for capital, operating, and planning assistance under Chapter 53 of Title 49 U.S.C. They have also issued revised guidance on topics such as Third Party Contracting and Procurement.

Training is a necessary ingredient in a changing environment. In the past, the FTA provided regional training sessions on a regular basis, providing a forum for technical assistance and training. However, these sessions are now being offered on a very limited basis. Meanwhile there exists a genuine need for transit agencies to be able to access this training and technical assistance.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has identified the need to regularly provide public transit information, resources, and training to transportation professionals throughout the state. The FDOT has recognized that Florida's public transit agencies provide an invaluable service to the residents and visitors of this state. It is also recognized that many of these systems are limited in their ability to assign staff members to stay abreast of new and ever-changing transportation programs. In order to address an identified need for training, CUTR is recommending the establishment of a "Transit Training Program" to provide statewide training on critical transit program issues. When utilizing this program, transit professional will have access to the latest information within these subject areas that will assist them in developing, improving and/or expanding public transit services within their communities.

III. Task Descriptions

Task 1 Development of List of Critical Training Subjects in Coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Transit Association (FTA).

In this task, CUTR will closely work with the FDOT to develop a list of critical subject areas for possible training sessions based on the responses received from a survey of Florida's transit agencies.

Task 2 Identify and Coordinate Training Logistics

In this task, CUTR, in cooperation with the FDOT, will identify the geographic location of the training sessions, secure the facilities that will be used, and ensure the availability of necessary presentation equipment and other items necessary to provide an exceptional training experience.

Task 3 Coordinate and Deliver or Assist in the Delivery of Training Sessions

This task includes the identification of speakers, preparation or compilation of support materials and other items to be distributed at each training session. Guest presenters will be reimbursed for their travel expenses.

Task 4 Evaluation of Training Sessions

Evaluation forms will be provided to each training session participant and will be collected at the conclusion of the session. Copies of evaluations received and a summary of comments made will be compiled following each training session and will be provided to the FDOT project manager.

Task 5 Maintenance of Program Documents

Attendance rosters, discussion items, and comments from training sessions will be maintained by CUTR and will be provided to the Department.

Task 6 Participate in Other Organized Training Activities

CUTR will also participate in additional training sessions, as requested, during the Florida Transit Association's annual and/or mid-year conferences and the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged annual conference.

IV. Project Schedule, Milestones

Project Start Date: November 1, 1999

V. Total Project Budget

Notes: This budget does not reflect any federal participation.

The project team will include faculty, students, and secretarial and other support staff who will work directly on the project and whose costs are reflected in the direct costs of the project as listed above.

VI. Student Involvement

Graduate students will be used to research training topic areas and assist in the preparation of training materials.

VII. Relationship to Other Research Projects

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida houses a number of FDOT sponsored technical assistance and training programs, such as the Maintenance Training Program, the Florida Vehicle Procurement Program, and the TDM Clearinghouse and Training Program. The development and implementation of the Statewide Transit Training Program will be closely coordinated with these programs to avoid any duplication or fragmentation of effort and to ensure that the most current and accurate information will be disseminated during the training sessions.

VIII. Technology Transfer Activities/Peer Review

This is a training program that is structured to increase the knowledge of Florida's transit professionals in specified subject areas. A series of two training sessions on each subject selected will be provided. In addition, CUTR staff will participate in additional training sessions, as requested, during the Florida Transit Association's annual and/or mid-year conferences and the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged annual conference.

Peer reviews will be conducted on a continual basis with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Transit Association and its member agencies, and the Federal Transit Administration in an effort to identify additional training curriculum and areas for improvement.

IX. Potential Benefits of the Project

Transit professional will have access to the latest information within selected subject areas that will assist them in developing, improving and/or expanding public transit services within their communities.

X. TRB Keywords 

Public transit, training, administration, grants, operations.