[fcb-l] Fw: Fast Mail: The Newsletter of the Community Transportation Industry

[Florida Council]

CTAA

        

 
       
      November 2, 2010 

      About Fast Mail
      Fast Mail is a regular compilation from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) of the latest news and updates from the Community Transportation industry that delivers timely information, resources, and announcements to our members, colleagues and friends. Please keep us posted on your latest news and developments by emailing your content to fastmail at ctaa.org. 
      Around the Depot
      New products and documents and upcoming events and training from Community Transportation Association's staff
        a.. Community Transportation Magazine Set to Debut Digitally on Nov. 10; FastMail Recipients Receive Free Subscription
        The next edition of Community Transportation magazine will be published on Nov. 10 which will focus on mobility management profiles and strategies, entirely in a digital format. Moreover, all FastMail recipients will automatically receive a free, continuing subscription to our flagship publication. Much more than a regular magazine edition converted to PDF files, the new Digital CT will incorporate our current in-depth content and relevant profiles along with new and exciting elements such as live links, an interactive table of contents, easy page-to-page navigation, video, audio and many other aspects. Stay tuned to your inbox on Nov. 10 for a new and improved way to experience Community Transportation magazine! 
        a.. Election Recap on Transit Referenda Coming Wednesday!
        Stay tuned to Communications Director Scott Bogren's On The Move Blog at www.ctaa.org for a full run-down of the various transit-related referenda and ballot items that will be decided by voters on Election Day. 
        a.. CTAA, VPSI Announce Vanpooling Partnership
        A new partnership with VPSI Inc., the nation's largest provider of public vanpool services, affords CTAA members and their constituents a new option for the expansion of cost-effective commuter services. A vanpool is a better way to travel to and from work. A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute together on a regular basis in a roomy, comfortable van. One person volunteers to be the driver/coordinator of the vanpool and normally rides free. The riders share the cost of operating the vanpool. The vanpool group determines their daily schedule and route, including one or more designated pickup locations, such as park-and-ride lots or shopping centers. 
        a.. Webinar: Applying Mobility Management Approaches to Serve Job Access Needs
        On Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010 2 p.m. EST, the Joblinks Employment Transportation Center will host a free Webinar. This latest webinar looks at how a mobility management approach can serve the needs of the employment world's customer groups: job seekers and employees, as well as businesses and employment and training agencies. In Idaho, the mobility manager, that is housed within an economic development association, works with economic and workforce development partners to respond to the transportation needs of rural workers. Moderator: Carolyn Jeskey, Joblinks Employment Transportation Center, Community Transportation Association of America, Washington, D.C. Presenters: Deb Smith, District 2 Mobility Manager, Clearwater Economic Development Association, Clearwater, Idaho; Deborah Jones, iCommute Account Executive, SANDAG, San Diego, Calif.; and Michael Owino, JARC Mobility Manager, Central Maryland Regional Transit, Laurel, Md. For information prior to the event, contact Pamela Friedman at friedman at ctaa.org; 800-891-0590 x720.The Joblinks Employment Transportation Center is supported with funding from the U.S. DOT Federal Transit Administration and the U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration. 
        a.. Webinar: Providing Quality Service During Hard Times
        On Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m. EST, CTAA hosts a free Webinar. In economic downturns, more people need transportation. Learn how senior transportation systems are managing to provide quality transportation through innovative management, partnerships, and new fundraising. Valuable lessons for providers of human service and community transportation. Panelists: Elaine Wells, Director, Ride Connection, Inc. Portland, Ore.; Helen Kerschner, Director, Beverly Foundation; and Jed Johnson, Director, National Center on Senior Transportation. Moderator: Jane Hardin, Coordinator, Senior Transportation Programs, Community Transportation Association of America. Visit Providing Quality Service During Hard Times to register. 
        a.. PASS Train-the-Trainer in New Jersey in December
        The (PASS) Driver Certification Program ensures that community transportation drivers have current expertise in passenger assistance techniques and sensitivity skills appropriate for serving persons with disabilities. The PASS program is designed as a three-day Train-the-Trainer to certify trainers who can then train drivers or as a two-day Driver program in which our instructors train your drivers. Some of the advantages of offering the PASS certification program is the ability to reduce organizational liability; comprehensive, up-to-date training on the assistance drivers should be providing to passengers with special needs; intensive emergency situation training; certification oversight provided by national leaders in the community transportation field; and updates for all participants on relevant regulatory changes. Dec. 1-3, 2010. Union, N.J. 
      The Capitol Limited
      News on federal transportation policy and developments from the Nation's Capitol
        a.. DOT Announces TIGER II Grants
        Source: CTAA
        U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has announced a series of investments in a range of transportation projects across the nation. As part of the Department of Transportation's TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program, 75 projects in 40 states were selected totaling $585 million out of more than 1,000 proposals submitted requesting more than $19 billion. Projects selected -- divided between 42 capital projects and 33 planning efforts -- focused on a range of transportation improvement activities, including new roadway and transit infrastructure, transit-oriented development, freight capacity enhancements and intermodal facilities. 
        a.. U.S. DOT Secretary LaHood Recognizes Rural Transit Systems
        Source: Fast Lane
        "The millions of us who live and work in the nation's cities and suburbs have options for getting around: car, taxi, bus, train, trolley, bike, or our own feet. But that's simply not the case for many Americans living in more rural areas. From the tribal communities of North Dakota to the Ozark Mountain towns of Arkansas, transportation choices are more limited-particularly if you can't afford a car-and destinations are often spread far apart. For many rural Americans, this is the reality they face. And, believe me, a transportation gap turns the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted into a real challenge-whether it's getting out to look for a job, traveling to a dialysis center for treatment, or simply running the errands needed to manage a household." 
        a.. DOT, EPA Propose Fuel Efficiency Standards for Buses
        Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
        The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the first national standards to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. This comprehensive national program is projected to reduce GHG emissions by nearly 250 million metric tons and save 500 million barrels of oil over the lives of the vehicles produced within the program's first five years. 
        a.. DOT Announces Second Round of High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Investment
        Source: The Potomac Express
        Last week, the Obama Administration announced the recipients of a $2.5 billion investment in high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects around the nation. The grants -- appropriated as part of the FY 2010 federal budget and awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation -- are intended to build upon the $8 billion provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which established the groundwork for true high-speed rail service, while also improving, introducing or reintroducing contemporary intercity passenger rail operations to a number of corridors. RAIL Magazine's full analysis of those projects supported by ARRA is available here. 
      The Community Transportation Flyer
      Updates from community and public transportation systems from across the country
        a.. Ohio to Award $150 Million for Transit Operating Assistance
        Source: Ohio Department of Transportation
        Through significant project savings and additional federal resources, ODOT has identified up to $50 million in the current fiscal year and is pledging $50 million in each year of the next biennial budget to invest in a sustainable transit partnership for Ohio's next generation, with targeted funding to preserve existing transit services (operational support), provide 'clean and green' new vehicles, and add innovative new services all to better connect Ohio's younger generation to new job centers and new opportunities. Understanding the need of Ohio's transit agencies for budget predictability and dependability, ODOT will invest up to $50 million in State Fiscal Year 2011 and allocate the same amounts in 2012 and 2013, under the next State Transportation Budget. The funds will be invested on a competitive and formula basis in the areas of Capitalized Operations ($25 million), Clean and Green Buses ($15 million), and Innovative New Service Starts ($10 million). 
        a.. Rhode Island Debuts Multimodal Facility at T.F. Green Airport
        Source: The Gov Monitor
        Governor Donald L. Carcieri recently cut the ribbon on T.F. Green Airport's new InterLink multi-modal transportation facility. Touting the slogan, "Connecting You to New England," the multi-modal transportation facility connects TF Green Airport with a consolidated rental car facility that includes intercity bus services and a commuter train platform that will soon be serviced by MBTA. The dignitaries were joined by tourism and hospitality officials, community partners, and representatives of rental car companies that are moving into the InterLink, as well as representatives of the Department of Transportation, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, and dozens of contractors who were responsible for bringing the $267 million project to completion in a timely manner and within the project budget. 
        a.. C-Line Expands Access to Edmonton (Alberta) Airport
        Source: Edmonton Journal
        It was a happy group of passengers that boarded Bus 590 on Friday afternoon. After years of work and planning, numerous roadblocks small and large -- and a few points where the plan nearly stalled permanently -- the C-Line commuter bus linking Century Park to Leduc, Nisku and the Edmonton International Airport took its inaugural ride on Friday. The line is a partnership among the City of Leduc, Leduc County and the Capital Region, and representatives of each partner were on hand for the ceremonial first run. The new bus, which will begin running on Monday morning, goes from Edmonton to the airport, followed by a spin through Nisku and loops through Leduc. 
        a.. Reno (Nev.) RTC Opens New Fourth Street Station
        Source: Reno Gazette-Journal
        About 4 a.m. on Halloween, the current transit station at City Center closed and buses began running from the new, $13 million Regional Transportation Commission Fourth Street Station transit center. Construction on the new station began in April 2009 and 457 construction workers were employed by the project, which was design by Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. and constructed by West Coast Contractors. It was supported by $4 million in federal stimulus money. 
        a.. Cape Cod RTA (Mass.) Breaks Ground on Wind Turbine
        Source: New England Business Bulletin
        The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority broke ground recently for the installation of a wind turbine at their Operations and Maintenance Center in South Dennis. The project is expected to significantly reduce the transit agency's electrical energy costs and provide a host of environmental and economic benefits. The ground-breaking ceremony kicked off the construction of the turbine and is the culmination of years of planning. The turbine is a 100 kilowatt wind generator designed and manufactured by Northern Power Systems. It will be installed by CCB Construction who will be assisted by Sustainable Energy Development. 
        a.. CampusLink (Ind.) Recognized for Marketing Campaign
        Source: Fort Wayne Daily News
        Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and Citilink were honored at this year's National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 3 Conference in Indianapolis. CampusLink received Gold in the "Government Relations and Community Relations Project" category in this year's Medallion Awards for marketing efforts over the last fiscal year, according to a news release. Together, the three organizations introduced a new circulator transportation route linking three campuses (Ivy Tech-Northeast's Coliseum Campus, Ivy Tech-Northeast's North Campus, IPFW), student housing, apartments, and shopping districts with existing bus routes to reduce congestion and improve access. The marketing staffs of both Ivy Tech-Northeast and IPFW worked together with Citilink to ensure materials have been of high quality with an aggressive marketing plan on a shoestring budget. 
        a.. Gastonia Express (N.C.) Service Ridership Points to Expanded Service
        Source: Gaston Gazette
        When gas prices skyrocketed to lunatic levels two years ago, Gastonia's weekday commuter bus to Charlotte was suddenly hotter than the hula hoop in the 1950s. The popularity of the 85x line dipped as the cost of fuel returned to normal, but it has begun creeping back up in the last year. And while there are still free seats available on the four daily morning and afternoon routes, transportation officials believe an expansion of the service may be needed before too long. 
        a.. COTA (Ohio) Restores Will Call Service
        Source: Central Ohio Transit Authority
        On Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Board of Trustees approved a new contract for the Will Call program. The Will Call program was reinstated on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. The new service provider for the Will Call program is MyCity Transportation. The purpose of Will Call service is to provide rides for customers who receive ongoing, long-term medical treatment. 
        a.. Tulare County (Calif.) Expands Green Line Call Center Service
        Source: The Business Journal
        The Green Line, a call center devoted to answering transit-related calls in Tulare County, extended its service to Saturdays starting Oct. 30 to meet increasing demand. Since January, the number of calls has tripled, with the Green Line taking more than 26,000 calls from riders. It began in June 2009.The Green Line (1-877-40 GO GREEN) call center handles calls for every transit department in Tulare County. In addition to its Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. service, it will take calls on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
        a.. Illinois State University Receives New Transit and Bike Shelters from MSSmedia
        Source: Vidette Online
        New transit and bike shelters have been installed on campus and were provided by MSSmedia of Miami, Fla. Funding for each shelter will come from the advertising on the panels. Julie North, director of Parking and Transportation, said the university's agreement with MSSmedia includes a 10 percent revenue share model."This is a win-win situation, and Parking and Transportation will use funds from this program to support our transit programs," she said. 
        a.. Equestrian Event Raises Awareness of LexTran Service
        Source: Smiley Pete Publishing
        By all accounts, LexTran, the public transit system of Lexington, Ky., was a local hero of the recent Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Glowing anecdotes abound from people who parked their cars downtown and hopped aboard a bus, many for the first time ever, to make the 10-mile trek to the Kentucky Horse Park. And the kudos for his staff and system have made a happy man of LexTran General Manager Rocky Burke. Much already has been written and said about the prompt, on-time service; the cleanliness of the buses; the cheery, helpful drivers and the delight among formerly skeptical or unaware locals of discovering the pleasures of leaving the driving to someone else. LexTran's stock-in-trade has never been higher. The question now is how to keep that momentum rolling. 
      The Whistle Stop
      Timely and insightful commentary, analysis and opinions regarding important trends, topics and developments in community and public transportation at the national, state, regional and local levels
        a.. The Graying of Transit
        Source: New York Times
        Policy makers can help older residents and their families by making it easier for everyone in a community to get out and around. This includes not only making cars and highways safer but improving crosswalks, adding more sidewalks in suburbs, and setting bus and train schedules to get people to town centers, not just job centers. Those enlightened governments with "complete streets" policies are making smart investments that assure safer travel environments for all users -- drivers, transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists. We should pay attention to the success of some trends. The exploding number of urban "village" organizations is driven largely by their transportation benefits, which are the first thing members want when they join. Transit-oriented developments sell out quickly as people of all generations flock to live near shops, restaurants, services and transportation. 
        a.. Public Transit More Cost Effective for Commutes Beyond 2.5 Miles
        Source: The Beechwood Reporter
        In contemporary American urban life, commuting to work has become one of the most insufferable activities. Considering that the cost of operating a car is well over 50 cents per mile for most cars, for anyone going to work beyond 2.5 miles from their homes, public transit becomes a cheaper option if available. Despite this economic rationale, 80.7 percent of commuters drive to work (including 0.2 percent or close to 11,000 who identify taxicab as their primary mode). Many scholars and policy makers attribute this heavy reliance to Americans' obsession and fascination with cars, sense of independence, and convenience. But what is not often discussed is that it is also because public transit is built for those who might need it the least. 
        a.. How to Define Transit-Oriented Development
        Source: Streetsblog
        It's a welcome sign of progress that developers are beginning to shift towards building more walkable, mixed-use projects. Of course, now that more builders recognize the value of transit-oriented development, the term is vulnerable to exploitation. Tools like Walk Score and Abogo can help consumers find walkable places to live with good transit options, but how can we be sure that a building is as transit-oriented as a developer may claim? Maybe it's time for a rating system, like "certified organic," that could apply to a single development. The bloggers at Livable Bay and Straight Outta Suburbia have spent some time thinking about this issue, and they're putting together a rating system to test claims of transit orientation. Their system would rate projects based on proximity to transit, compactness, mix of uses and walkability/bikeability. 
      The Porter's Station
      Organizations and agencies in a wide range of disciplines and issue areas provide resources, events and technical assistance to help communities of all kinds improve mobility options. Here you'll find the latest announcements by these entities to provide you help along the way
        a.. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Case Study: Opportunity Link's North Central Montana Transit Initiative (PDF)
        Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
        Based in Havre, Mont., Opportunity Link is a nonprofit organization focused on systemic approaches to reducing poverty and promoting economic development in the state's north central region. A key principle underlying Opportunity Link's work is that success in target areas such as workforce development and affordable housing depends in part on the availability of good local and regional public transit systems. Transit planning is therefore essential to achieving Opportunity Link's broader mission of "helping the communities of north central Montana achieve independence, prosperity and a better way of life." This case study looks at Opportunity Link's North Central Montana Transit initiative, its relationship to community development goals, and the implications for children's health, including reducing and preventing childhood overweight and obesity. 
        a.. Living Cities Announces Recipients of $80 Million Integration Initiative
        Source: Living Cities
        The Integration Initiative builds upon Living Cities' 20-year history of investing in cities. It acknowledges both the power and limitations of the neighborhood as a lever for change and seeks to drive a broader perspective that recognizes the role systems and regions must play in securing economic opportunity for low-income people. The Integration Initiative will provide at least $80 million in grants, loans and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) to five regions to help them tackle the greatest barriers to opportunity for low-income residents, including education, housing, health care, transit and jobs. 
        a.. New Working Paper Reviews Methodologies for Emissions Inventories
        Source: EMBARQ
        A new working paper, "Citywide Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories: A Review of Selected Methodologies," provides information to assist local and national governments in reducing GHG emissions from transportation and promoting low carbon transportation projects. Released recently by EMBARQ, the report explores the opportunities and challenges of the transportation emissions inventory process at the city level. The ability to accurately measure emissions in a city or a region plays an important role in developing climate action plans, as it can inform local officials on the total magnitude of emissions, as well as the contributions of different sectors and transport modes. 
      The Information Station
      Resources at www.ctaa.org
        a.. Tappy Grams for October 2010: Tappy Grams is an electronic newsletter published by the Community Transportation Association of America that describes new and timely publications on transportation-related information. Preparation and dissemination of this newsletter is an activity of the National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination, and is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. None of the opinions, analysis or conclusions herein reflects any statement or policy of the U.S. Government. 
        a.. Community Transportation, RAIL Magazines Launch News Feeds: The Association's publications, Community Transportation and RAIL magazines have launched real-time news feeds on their respective web pages: Community Transportation magazine, RAIL magazine. Editors Scott Bogren and Rich Sampson provide daily updates on the latest happening in community and public transit, as well as passenger rail. Check back frequently for quick and easy access to the latest news! 
        a.. The Competitive Edge -- Making Community and Public Transit the Best Alternative for Medical Transportation (PDF): Today there is never-before-seen complexity in the non-emergency medical transportation field. Limited funding combined with growing patient loads has states seeking intermediaries that can control costs through competition. Community and public transportation providers must become efficient, safe, cost-effective and accountable to maintain these important medical transportation services. The Community Transportation Association, in response to requests from its members, is introducing a new initiative this fall -- the Competitive Edge -- which will give community and public transit providers the tools, resources and benefits they need to make them central players in this new medical transportation environment. For more information, contact Charles Dickson at 202.247.8356 or email dickson at ctaa.org. 
       The Transportation to Work Toolkit for the Business Community gives businesses the information they need now to assist their employees in achieving a timely, cost-efficient commute that promotes productivity and job satisfaction. Explore the toolkit's flyers, fact sheets, resources and examples of transportation initiatives undertaken by employers nationwide. Each approach is straightforward to launch and simple to manage. 
        a.. Partnership for Mobility Management: The Partnership for Mobility Management is a joint effort of technical assistance partners that work with local, state and regional leaders and organizations to realize the possibilities of improving transportation options for all Americans wherever they live and to assist those especially in need of alternative transportation options. 
        a.. CTAPnet Peer Network: The CTAP Peer Network, CTAPnet, is an online community of community transportation practitioners and experts. This revitalized Peer Network enables you to ask questions of transportation providers working in the field as well as engage in conversations with other transit professionals. It provides distance learning events on the latest topics of interest to community transportation. Visit http://ctapnet.org. 
      Contact
      Richard Sampson
      Communications Specialist
      Community Transportation and RAIL Magazines
      800.891.0590 x729
      202.415.9666 
     


            Forward email

           
             
            This email was sent to floridacouncil at comcast.net by fastmail at ctaa.org.
            Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribeT | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by
              

            Community Transportation Association | 1341 G Street, NW | 10th Floor | Washington | DC | 20005  
     



Sally Benjamin
Project Insight Coordinator
1-800-267-4448
floridacouncil at comcast.net
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/fcb-l/attachments/20101108/7a0cf8da/attachment-0001.htm>