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13(c): Labor Certification Protections also known under Section 5333(b) USC. Certifications are sent the Department of Labor to verify that existing transportation workers are not adversely affected by federally funded projects.

5303: Section 5303 USC establishing grant program to provide funding to state staff for statewide planning activities.

5307: Section 5307 U.S.C. establishing FTA grant funding for urbanized transit systems that may opt to grant directly with FTA. The six urban area grantees operating with 5307 in Idaho are Valley Ride – Ada/Canyon counties counting as two areas, Teton Regional Public Transit Association (TRPTA - Bonneville County), Pocatello Regional Transit (Bannock County), Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls (Kootenai County), and Lewiston/ Clarkston (NezPerce County). See under CFDA 20.507

5309: Discretionary Funds for Transit Major Capital Investments (“New Starts”) that are funded annually by Congress to worthwhile transit projects. A coalition of Idaho operators has applied for funding in FY 2000-2003.

5310: Section 5310 U.S.C. establishing FTA capital grant funding for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities. See under CFDA 20.513

5311: Section 5311 U.S.C. establishing FTA grant funding for nonurbanized (rural) transit systems. See under CFDA 20.509

5311(f): Section 5311(f) U.S.C. establishing FTA grant funding for nonurbanized (rural) transit systems for intercity service. See CFDA 20.509

5313: THE STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (49 U.S.C. § 5313(b)). Grant program to provide funding to state staff for statewide planning activities per Section 5313(b) USC The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) created a new Planning and Research Program that was subsequently carried over into TEA-21. Within this program is the State Planning and Research Program (SPRP) (§ 5313(b)). Prior to passage of the ISTEA, the FTA provided separate funding for research, development, and demonstration activities (§ 5312(a)); Metropolitan Planning (§ 5303); Training activities (§ 5312(c)); Research and Training in Urban Transportation Problems (§ 5312(b)); and Human Resource activities (§ 5322). SPRP now provides broad discretion to the States for the funding for all these activities. (Metropolitan Planning activities are also eligible under § 5303.)

AAA: Area Agency on Aging The local entity that plans for services and advocates for the elderly within their communities, and administers provisions of the Older American Act. See ICOA.

AoA: Administration on Aging is a division of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, AoA is the Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns. In this role, AoA works to heighten awareness among other Federal agencies, organizations, groups, and the public about the valuable contributions that older Americans make to the Nation and alerts them to the needs of vulnerable older people. Through information and referral and outreach efforts at the community level, AoA seeks to educate older people and their caregivers about the benefits and services available to help them.

AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

AADT: Annual Average Daily Traffic - The estimate of typical daily traffic on a road segment for all days of the week, Sunday through Saturday, over the period of one year.

ABA: American Bus Association. Trade group for private bus operators.

ACCT: Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation changed to the CCAM Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility. A joint federal agency oversight committee committed to improving transit coordination between programs. See

ACHD: Ada County Highway District; Consolidate highway district in charge of roads highways, commuter buses and vanpool program.

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Significant civil rights legislation passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. With certain statutory exceptions, public and private entities providing fixed route or demand responsive transportation services must provide service comparable to what is available for the public to individuals with disabilities. FTA transit projects may obtain 90/10% match for certain qualified projects.

AFC: Automatic Fare Collection

Air Blank: A reading by an EBT of ambient air containing no alcohol.

Altoona Bus Testing: The Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act (STURAA) of 1987, Section 317: Bus Testing, establishes a requirement for new model buses to be tested prior to purchase with federal funds. It also established the bus testing center and defined the tests to be performed on the new model buses.
In 1991, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) amended Section 317 of STURAA in two significant ways: it requires additional tests be performed for emissions and brake performance, and it specifically adds alternative fuel buses to those required to be tested. ISTEA also authorizes the FTA to pay 80 percent of the costs of bus testing.
In 1998, TEA-21 allocated continued funding of the bus test center and changed the contract between Penn State and the Federal Transit Administration to a cooperative agreement.
Every bus purchase involving FTA funding must include a written copy of the Altoona Test report for those vehicles before acceptance and payment.

Allocation: Method for dividing federal funds among states when no apportionment formula exists for that money.

Alternative Fuel: A liquid or gaseous nonpetroleum fuel. The term usually refers to alcohol fuels, mineral fuels, natural gas and hydrogen. See FTA Research

APTA: American Public Transit Association. See http://apta.com

Ambulatory: All people who are able to move around without assistance and are able to access regular transportation services without assistance or special equipment such as wheelchair lifts.

Ambulatory Capacity: Refers to the seating capacity of a vehicle set according to manufacturer’s standard to determine the number of passengers the vehicle is designed to carry in addition to wheelchair seating capacity.

APA: Ada Planning Organization for Ada County merged into COMPASS in 1999.

APC: Automatic Passenger Counters are devices that count passengers as they enter and exit the transit vehicle or system.  The most prevalent counting technology is infrared beams.  APCs provide detailed current information on ridership and obviate the need for and cost of periodic manual ridechecks for NTDB reporting.

Apportionment: Funding amounts for FTA programs published each Federal fiscal year in a Federal Register Notice. Method for dividing federal dollars by formula.

Appropriation: Annual Congressional process in which authorized funds are approved for release. It can be less than but not exceed authorized levels.

Area Sources: Area source of air pollutants are small sources that are too small, too numerous to be included as stationary sources of pollution. However, collectively the significantly contribute to air pollution. Examples include dry cleaners, lawn mowers, and barbecues.

Articulated Bus: Two-part high occupancy bus that bends in the middle like an accordion.

ASE Certification: Automotive Service Excellence. Transit Bus Certification tests are under consideration, only certification for Automobiles, Medium/Heavy Truck, and School Bus currently exist.

ATMS: Advanced Traffic management System. See ITS

ATTB: Advanced Technology Transit Bus: A federally funded transit bus research project managed by the Las Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

ATU: Amalgamated Transit Union. Major union representing transit industry workers.

Authorization - Authorization legislation at the federal level creates programs including formulas and guidelines for awarding funds. Authorizing legislation may set an upper limit on program spending or may be open ended, as in ... "such sums as may be necessary". General revenue funds authorized for spending have been Appropriated by separate legislation.

AVL: Automatic Vehicle Location systems sense, at intervals, location of vehicles which carry special sensing equipment that sends signals to central control. It determines a vehicle's position using technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and typically includes real-time reporting of that location to a control center.  An AVL system serves as the core of transit technologies, because knowledge of vehicle location is critical for other applications such as automated on-time performance, traveler information, silent alarms, and automatic passenger counters. 

Automated Operations Software encompasses computer programs that collect, process, and/or analyze real-time operational systems information, and display automatic vehicle location-equipped vehicle positions, vehicle data, operator data, and communications information on dispatcher monitors.  Automated scheduling software for demand-response services is included in this category, but scheduling software for fixed-route service is not included.  Computer-assisted dispatching is common in this category; the number of agencies with AVL/Computer Assisted Dispatching systems accounts for a large percentage of Automated Operations Software system existing and planned deployments.  Computer-assisted dispatching software greatly enhances the usability of the AVL data. 

 

Base period: Between the morning and evening rush hours when transit is scheduled at regular intervals.

Basic Service Policy: The priorities adopted by the ITD Board and PTAC for consideration of grant applications. Refer to annual PT Grant Guides.

BAT (Breath Alcohol Technician): An individual who instructs and assists individuals in the alcohol testing process and operates an EBT.

Best Practices Procurement: DOT guidelines governing the purchase of goods and services. See 49 CFR Part 19 as adapted to Circular 4220.1D.

Beveled Slope: Required under ADA for changes in level between ¼ and ½ inch; with beveling the slope is flatter than 1:2.

Bi-gas: Synthetic gas made from coal.

Blind Specimen Sample: A Urine specimen submitted to a DHHS certified laboratory for quality control testing purposes, with a fictitious identifier, so that the laboratory cannot distinguish it from employee specimens, and which is spiked with known quantities of specific drug or which is blank, containing no drugs. The blind sample must have documentation indicating that the specimen was certified by immunoassay and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and specimen’s expiration date. Not required of transit agencies with less than 2,000 employees.

BMPO: Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization. Name of MPO planning for urbanized area of Bonneville County.

Boarding: one person getting into a transportation vehicle.

Body-on-Chassis: A vehicle that has a separate body fastened to a standard chassis usually built for trucks, as is typical in school bus construction; Sometimes called a cutaway. As distinguished from integral construction, in which the frame and body are built as one unit.

BPO: Bannock Planning Organization. Name of MPO planning for urbanized area of Bannock County.

Brokerage: Coordination of transportation services in a defined area. The transportation broker may centralize vehicle dispatch, record keeping, vehicle maintenance and other functions under contractual arrangements with other agencies, municipalities and other organizations.

Brownie: Auxiliary transmission.

Busway: Exclusive freeway lanes for buses and/or carpools.

BRT – Bus Rapid Transit: BRT combines the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of buses. It can operate on exclusive transit ways, HOV lanes, expressways, or ordinary streets. A BRT system combines intelligent transportation systems technology, priority for transit, cleaner and quieter vehicles, rapid and convenient fare collection, and integration with land use policy.

CAA: Clean Air Act

Captive Transit Rider: One who must use public transportation. The opposite of choice rider.

Carpool - A vehicle occupied by two to six people traveling together between their residences and their work site or destinations for the majority of the total trip distance. Also referred to as Rideshare. Eligible public service under FTA Job Access / Reverse Commute grants, and FHWA Statewide Rideshare programs.

Carrier: A person or company in the business of transporting passengers or goods. Refer to FMCSA.

CART: Community And Rural Transportation (Section 5307, 5311 and 5311(f) transit provider based in Idaho Falls, Idaho)

CCAM: Coordinating Council for Mobility and Access: Formerly known as the Joint Coordinating Council, or ACCT, Federal council of Agencies charged with improving coordination of services between HHS, DOT, DOL, etc.

CDL (Commercial Drivers License): License to operate vehicles in one of three classes of vehicles dependent upon vehicle size, hazardous materials or cargo. Intrastate operation of vehicles carrying 15 or less persons not for hire in a vehicle with a GVMW under 26,001 pounds does not require a CDL. See DMV regulations. Refer to FMCSA.

Charter: Per 49 CFR Section 604. Charter Service means transportation using buses or vans, or facilities funded under the Acts of a group of persons who pursuant to a common purpose, under a single contract, at a fixed charge (in accordance with the carrier's tariff) for the vehicle or service, have acquired the exclusive use of the vehicle or service to travel together under an itinerary either specified in advance or modified after having left the place of origin. This definition includes the incidental use of FTA funded equipment for the exclusive transportation of school students, personnel, and equipment. See Circulars or CFR.

Circulars: Refers to the FTA Guidelines issued in circulars in addition to 49 CFR.

CFDA: Code of Federal Domestic Assistance

CMAQ: Congestion Management/Air Quality program which directs funding to help areas meet national air quality standards in “non-attainment areas” or maintenance to adhere to those standards.

CMV: Commercial Motor Vehicle. A commercial motor vehicle is any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle: (1) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR)—or a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW)—of 4,536 kilograms (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or (2) is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver, for compensation; or (3) is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, whether or not it is used to transport passengers for compensation; or (4) is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter I, Subchapter C.

CMS: Congestion Management System

COAST: Council on Aging and Human Services is a Washington state based non-profit transit brokerage also dba as Moscow / Latah Public Transit, with operations contracts in northern Idaho and eastern Washington.

CDL: Commercial driver's license (CDL) means a license issued by a State or other jurisdiction, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR part 383, to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle. See ITD DMV

Commercial Motor Vehicle: means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle--
(1) Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
(2) Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
(3) Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
(4) Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, Subchapter C. (See 49 CFR 390)

Common Rule: Federal uniform administrative requirements for grants and cooperative agreements to state and local governments per Chapter 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 18.

Commuter: a person who travels regularly between home and a fixed location.

Commuter Service: per 49 CFR 374.303(g) means passenger transportation wholly between points not more than 100 airline miles apart and not involving through- bus, connecting, or interline services to or from points beyond 100 airline miles. The usual characteristics of commuter service include reduced fare, multiple-ride, and commutation tickets, and peak morning and evening operations.

COMPASS: Community Planning Association in which Ada and Canyon counties established agreements under the joint powers act to coordinate planning in the Treasure Valley.

Competitive Program - Eligible entities request FTA funding and are evaluated and rated based on grant program criteria.

Complementary Paratransit: Service to persons with disabilities which is required when operators of fixed route systems do not provide wheelchair or other disability friendly vehicles and services. See 49 CFR 37.123 discussion.

Contract Revenue: Revenue earned for rides given in regular transit service but paid for by an organization, including a state or local social service agency or a private social service organization, for the benefit of a specific passenger or group of passengers. At least the incremental contract costs must equal the revenue generated to be allowable as match if the contract is eligible as match under FTA regulations affecting Section 5311 grants and federal funds are also used to provide public transportation services.

Contract Service: Contracts which transportation service is provided to organizations or individuals for specific services under either charter service or to other organizations exempted by FTA. Reimbursements from all contracts must cover the costs of delivering the service.

Coordination: Concept defined with different emphasis by various transit organizations. Generally, it is a sharing of resources which jointly improves efficiency, safety, accountability, mobility, and access.

Corridor: In planning, a broad geographical band that follows a general directional flow or connects major sources of trips. It may contain a number of streets and highways and transit lines and routes.

Cost Allocation Plan: a written plan which fairly and consistently allocates direct and indirect costs of an operation to various contracts, departments, or functions on a statistical basis agreed to by all parties. It must assure that the costs of contracts and services are funded appropriately by the associated revenues or grants.

CPG: Consolidated Planning Grant - FTA/FHWA. Planning funds of the DOT agencies are combined and billed through FTA at a single federal match rate to simplify management of planning functions within MPOs. Idaho’s rate is 92.67% federal and 7.33% local as of 2004.

Crush load: Maximum vehicle passenger capacity in which there is little space between passengers.

CTAA: Community Transit Association of America. http://www.ctaa.org

CTAI: Community Transit Association of Idaho. http://www.ctai.org

Curb-to-Curb Service: a service that picks up and delivers passengers at the curb or roadside, as distinguished from door-to-door service. Passenger assistance is not rendered other than for actual boarding and alighting.

Cutaway: Bus that has smaller bus chassis size with van unit as cab instead of continuous housing. See Body on Chassis.

CVSP: Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan

DAMIS: FTA’s Drug and Alcohol Management Information System. System which collects and stores drug and alcohol testing results from FTA grantees.

DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise that must be considered for federal and state project awards. DBE’s apply to ITD for designation.

Deadhead: Distance to move a revenue vehicle in other than revenue service, for example, from transit garage to a pick-up or from a drop-off to the transit garage or next pick-up; generally movement of a revenue vehicle without passengers and not in revenue service. As opposed to dead time where no movement of the vehicle occurs while in service.

Dedicated Funds: funds collected and allocated for a specific program or purpose

Dedicated Service – Non-Dedicated Service: In the context of paratransit service, dedicated service uses vehicles that are commonly owned internally by the lead agencies and are exclusively used for servicing their own customers; while, non-dedicated service is delivered by external service providers, typically taxi companies, on a supplementary basis to cover those trips that exceed the capacity or coverage of the dedicated fleet.

Demand Response: Transit service comprised of passenger cars, vans or small buses operating in response to calls from passengers or their agents to the transit operator, who schedules a vehicle to pick up the passengers and transport them to their destinations at the appropriate time. It is characterized by flexible routing and scheduling of relatively small vehicles to provide door-to-door, curb-to-curb or point-to-point transportation at the user's demand; 24-hour advance reservation to a specific time of pick up is allowed, but no more than 24 hours can be required by the operator.

DER: Designate Employee Representative. Person designated to represent operator on all issues covered under the drug and alcohol policy and procedures. This includes answering all employee questions concerning anti-drug use and alcohol misuse programs, or any aspect of the Substance Abuse Policy. The DER is also responsible for receiving information about certain kinds of test results and taking required action, such as causing an employee to be removed from the performance of safety-sensitive functions. Collectors shall contact the DER with any problems or issues that may arise during the testing process.

Designated Public Transit: Designated public transportation is transportation service provided by a public entity such as a municipality or special transportation district. Specified public transportation is transportation service such as a taxi or bus service provided by a private entity to the general public. Both provide service to the general public only the nature of owner/operation differs. ( per ADA, 49 CFR §37.3)

Deviated Fixed Route Service: Also referred to as point deviation. Shared-use transit service that operates along a fixed alignment or path at generally fixed times, but may deviate from the route alignment to collect or drop off passengers who have requested the deviation.

Dial-a-Ride (DAR): a demand-responsive system in which curb-to-curb transportation is provided to patrons who request service by telephone.

Direct Recipient/Grantee - An eligible entity that applies to FTA for funding and executes the grant agreement. The terms direct recipient and applicant mean the same as direct grantee.

Disabled: People who have physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. In the context of transportation, the term usually refers to people for whom the use of conventional transit facilities would be impossible or would create a hardship. Individuals who wish access to complementary paratransit must be determined as eligible.

Discretionary Funds: Any funds whose distribution is not automatic - funds granted at the discretion of the funding agency in the amount it desires. Discretionary Capital Program - Transit projects that are reviewed and evaluated based on grant program criteria. (49 U.S.C. 5309) funds are allocated directly by Congress to state and local public agencies for eligible transit capital projects.

Dispatching: the relaying of service instructions to vehicle drivers or operators

Disruptive Behavior: Passenger behavior that creates a safety hazard in that it distracts the operator who cannot fully attend to the safe operation of the vehicle.

Door-to-Door: a service that picks up passengers at the door of their place of origin and delivers then to the door of their place of destination. This service may necessitate passenger assistance between the vehicle and the doors.

EA: Environmental Assessment.

EBT ( Evidential Breath Technician or Evidential Breath Testing Device): An EBT approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the evidential testing of breath (for alcohol) and placed on NHTSA’s “Conforming List of Evidential Breath Measurement Devices” (CPL). The lists are published in the Federal Register annually or may faxed on demand by calling 1-800-225-3784 and requesting one of the following:
#111 EBT Conforming Products List
#112 Screening Devices List
#113 Breath Testing Manufacturer’s List
#121 Drug Testing: DHHS List of Certified Labs, also available from FTA

EIS: Environmental Impact Statement.

E&H: Elderly and Handicapped

EIS: Environmental Impact Study - A comprehensive study of likely environmental impacts resulting from major federally-assisted projects; statements are required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Electronic Fare Payment (EFP) consists of payment schemes by which the fare for trips is deducted from a stored value magnetic stripe or smart card, or from a credit card. Universal pass programs integrate multiple transit systems to accept a single EFP.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency - An independent federal agency in the executive branch whose responsibilities include development and enforcement of national air quality emission standards and support of antipollution activities by state and local governments.

Federal Register: The means in which all significant federal rulemaking and notices must be published to be enforceable.

Feeder Bus: A bus service that provides passengers with connections with a major transportation service.

FFGA: Federal Full Funding Agreement. The FFGA is a unique contractual obligation that FTA employs when investing a significant amount of New Starts funding into a locally-developed fixed guideway transit project. In exchange for FTA's commitment to provide multi-year Federal funds under the 49 USC 5309 New Starts program, the project sponsor commits to completing the project on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable Federal requirements. Additionally, the FFGA "locks" the maximum Federal participation in the project, meaning that any cost increases that might occur subsequent to issuance of the agreement must be borne by the project sponsor.

FHWA: Federal Highway Administration.

Federal Fiscal Year (FFY): The federal fiscal year ends September 30th.

Fiscal Year End (FY or FYE): The twelve month period in which financial records are summarized for reporting. Idaho State fiscal year ends (SFY) June 30th. FTA allows states to choose their grant program fiscal year ends; Idaho has chosen the fiscal year end March 31st for Sections 5307, 5309, 5310, and 5311. Sections 5303 and 5313 have September 30th year ends to coincide with the FHWA fiscal year end.

Fixed Route Service: Transit service using rubber tired passenger vehicles operating on fixed routes and schedules over roadways, regardless of whether a passenger actively requests a vehicle. Vehicles are powered by diesel, gasoline, battery, or alternative fuel engines contained within the vehicle.

Fixed Guideway: Certain projects which are eligible under specific conditions through Section 5309 grant.

FMCSA: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

FONSI: Finding of No Significant Impact. Term used in regards to environmental findings towards a proposed project or process under review.

Formula Program - Funds are made available through statutory formula as follows: Section 5310, Elderly & Persons with Disabilities is based on the number of elderly persons and persons with disabilities in each State according to the latest available U.S. Census data (2000); Section 5311, Nonurbanized Formula Program is based on the ratio of the nonurbanized population of each State to the nonurbanized population of all the States, according to the latest available U.S. Census data (2000); and Section 5307, Urbanized Area Formula Program for areas under 200,000 population is based on population and population density for each urbanized area.

FRA: Federal Railroad Administration

FTA: Federal Transit Administration.

FTA Section 3 Program: Outdated title of the Discretionary capital grant program for replacement of equipment (see 5309).

FTA Section 8 Program: Outdated title of the Formula grant program in which the funding is distributed to the metropolitan planning organizations for planning activities (See 5303)

FTA Section 9 Program: Outdated title of the Formula grant program in which the funding is distributed to small urban areas (those between 50,000 and 200,000)(See 5307)

FTA Section 16 Program: Outdated title of the grant program to provide capital assistance to the elderly and disabled (See 5310)

FTA Section 18 Program: Outdated name of grant program to provide funding for rural, public transportation services. See 5311 or 5311(f).

FTA Section 26(a) Program: Outdated title of the grant program to provide funding to state staff for statewide planning activities. See 5313(b).

Fare or Farebox Revenue: The required payment for the general public to ride on a public transportation vehicle. Fare revenue is offset against operating expenses and cannot be counted as match for FTA funding. - The cash collected in fares on transit revenue trips. Transfers, tokens, passes, and other non-currency forms of payment should not be counted as farebox revenue. All fares received directly from passengers, either paid when boarding or through pre-paid tickets, passes, etc.

Fixed Route: a system in which vehicles follow one or more routes and make predetermined stops

Fixed Route Deviation: a system in which vehicles follow specific routes but may deviate up to 1/4 mile on either side of the route to pick up passengers

Fleet: The vehicles in a transit system

Flip Seat: Bus seat which flips down from a wall mount and locks in place over the space(s) not in use where wheelchairs may be secured.

Formula Funds: FTA funds distributed or apportioned to qualifying recipients based on formulas described in law or regulations (see 5310, 5311(f), or 5311) Idaho uses population as the basis for distributing its formula funds

Garage: the location in which buses are stored and serviced and where operators report for work and receive supplies and assignments; sometimes known as a depot or barn

GIS: Geographical Information System. Application which applies database attributes and mapping for a visual display for specific geographic areas.

GPS: Global Positioning System. Satellite system used to locate objects such as buses with special computer components anywhere.

GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating. Specified by manufacturer s the load carrying capacity of a single axle system.

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Loaded weight of vehicle with passengers on board. Heavy duty is 8,500 pounds or more.

Headway: The time interval between the passing of the front ends of successive transit vehicles moving along the same lane in the same direction, usually expressed in minutes.

HTF: Highway Trust Fund - Highway Trust fund established in 1956 towards the interstate highway system using dedicated federal gas and other tax revenues. Some of these funds are used in FTA projects.

HOV: High Occupancy Vehicle (any passenger vehicle that meets or exceeds a certain predetermined minimum number of passengers, for example, more than two or three people per automobile; buses, carpools and vanpools are HOV vehicles)

HOV Lane: a highway or street lane reserved for the use of high occupancy vehicles

Hubometer: Odometer that is connected to bus wheels to track mileage.

ICC: Interstate Commerce Commission (federal agency dissolved 2000) Responsibilities and duties were assigned to the FMCSA.

ICOA: Idaho Commission on Aging is the oversight authority for local Area Agencies on Aging and other funds distributed through the Older Americans Act.

ICRMP: Idaho County Risk Management Pool is the state insurance fund which the state, cities, counties or other government entities may obtain lower rates than national commercial insurers of transit operations and vehicles.

Indirect Cost Proposal: means the documentation prepared to substantiate its request for the establishment of and indirect cost rate allocating indirect costs (those costs having joint purposes that benefit more than one particular final cost objective such as a grant, contract service or other activity in which costs are incurred).

In-Kind Contribution - Means the documented intrinsic value of non-cash contributions, such as, real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property or services(volunteer work time, building space, etc.). The value of these goods and services must directly benefit and relate to the project or program. These contributions may serve only as limited match for required local participation for federal and state grants where other allowable expenses are incurred.

Insurance: The minimum levels of financial responsibility referred to in 49 CFR 387.31 for passenger carriers:
(1) Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 passengers or more; or, more than 26,000 lbs.... $5,000,000
(2) Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less; or, less than 10,000 lbs. ..... $1,500,000
FTA requires sufficient comprehensive insurance to protect the federal interest in each vehicle.

Intercity Transportation: transportation between cities; transportation service provided between cities usually on a fixed route with a fixed schedule may be funded with 5311(f) or 5311 grants.

Interlining: One bus company or transportation mode accepting the passengers of another.

Interlocks: Device in paratransit vehicle which prevents a wheelchair lift from being deployed unless the vehicle is parked and the brake is on. Not to be bypassed for convenience.

Intermodal: Pertains to shared or connecting means of transporting passengers or goods.

Intermodal Facility: A building that serves more than one form of transportation. For example, an intermodal building may provide facilities for a local transportation system, an intercity bus line, or a passenger rail line, and city bus terminal, or connect to an airport campus.

ISTEA: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991

IMS: Intermodal Management System

ITD: Idaho Transportation Department

ITC: Idaho Transit Coalition, formed to request earmarks from Congress under Section 5309.

ITS: Intelligent Transportation Systems are the integration of current and emerging technologies in fields such as information processing, communications, and electronics applied to solving surface transportation problems. FTA match rate is 90/10%.

IWG: Interagency Working Group was established under Section 40-514 Idaho Code to require state agencies to develop and coordinate transportation services.

JA/RC: Job Access/ Reverse Commute: FTA funding intended as seed money for projects which are competed for nationally each year. FTA match rate is 50/50%.

Jitney: Private vehicles usually run on a fixed route but not fixed schedule. From the word “jit” which meant a nickel in the early days of the century, which is what touring cars charged passengers as they picked up along streetcar lines.

Joint Powers Agreement: a voluntary association of Idaho government entities formed into a special purpose agency to deal with a common problem, carry out a specific project or provide a specific service, for example, the operation of a regional transit system

KART: Ketchum/Sun Valley Transit Authority Section 5311 rural transit provider. See

Kiss and Ride: Station to which commuters are driven by private car and dropped off to board a public transit vehicle.

 

Level of Service: a set of characteristics that indicate the quality and quantity of transportation service provided

LHTAC: Local Highway Technical Assistance Council – An entity created by the Idaho Legislature to assist smaller cities and rural areas that are not part of that MPO with transportation and funding process.

Load Factor: Ratio of passengers actually carried versus vehicle passenger capacity.

MPO: Metropolitan Planning Organization required for FTA funding of urban areas over 50,000. It is the planning body responsible for the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in its region. The adoption of these documents is a prerequisite for the receipt of federal transit and highway funding.

MPP: Metropolitan Planning Program. See MPP codified at 49 U.S.C. 5303.

MRO (Medical Review Officer): A licensed physician(medical doctor or osteopathy) responsible for receiving laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual’s confirmed positive test results together with his or her medical history and any other relevant biomedical information.

Mass Transportation: transportation by bus, rail, boat or other conveyance, either publicly or privately owned, that provides general or special service to the public on a regular and continuing basis (not including school bus, charter or sightseeing service)

Master Agreement: Governing contract between FTA and all FTA grantees and subrecipients of federal funding.

Match/Matching Funds: Eligible state or local funds required by the federal government to complement federal funds for a project. See also In-kind and Soft match. Refer to FTA circulars, Common Rule 49 CFR 18.24 and Master Agreement for definitions. Sources include:
      · Tax Levies - A specified amount from state levies that is dedicated to supporting public transit system operating costs.
      · General Funds - Transfers from the general fund of state governments to cover the Local Share portion of the transit system budget.
      · Specified contributions - Contributions from the state towards the Local Share portion of the transit system budget.
      · Specified contributions - Contributions from city, county or other municipal government towards the Local Share portion of the transit system budget.
      · Donations - Donations from individuals or organizations to help cover the costs of providing transit service but which are not related to specific passengers or trips.
      · Other – Other revenues such as advertising.

MBE: Minority Business Enterprise. Business owned and controlled by people defined as minorities under federal DOT regulations for federally financed projects.

MDT: Mobile Data Terminals are wireless devices that can send and receive information over a wireless data network.  MDTs typically have a small screen that displays messages sent by the dispatch center and a series of buttons that can be pushed to send preset messages to the dispatch center.   Mobile Data Computers (MDCs),  have greater capabilities than MDTs, for fixed route and demand response vehicles as part of the deployment of an AVL system.  MDCs will store anything transmitted, while MDTs lose data transmitted while the vehicle is in a “dead” space for communications. 

Mobility Managers are transit agencies that handle the travel requests or the dispatching of vehicles for multiple agencies (e.g., social service agencies, Health and Human Service agencies, other transit agencies, etc.).  They are not necessarily part of a Brokerage Model.

MPA: Metropolitan Planning Area. Geographic area in which the metropolitan planning process must be carried out per Title 23 Sections 450.104 and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

MRO: Medical Review Officer. Doctor who handles and conveys drug testing results to employees and employers.

MTAP: Multi-state Technical Assistance Program

MTIP: Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. Must be completed by local urban area MPO so projects can be included in funding requests filed with the state transportation department and subsequently to the federal government in the STIP.

MTS - Metropolitan Transportation System - An integrated, multi-modal transportation system consisting of the major highways, arterials and transit routes used to move people and goods around a region.

Multimodal: concerning or involving more than one transportation mode.

National Transit Database Reports: Annual reports formerly known as “Section 15,” report financial and operating data, required of almost all recipients of transportation funds under Section 5307.

Needs and Benefits Study: Refers to the 1997 Idaho Statewide Public Transportation Needs and Benefits Study developed to prioritize and identify public transportation needs in Idaho which can be funded.

National Transit Database: FTA database and reporting system urban area grantees are required to report on ridership, capital costs, accidents, etc.

NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act. Federal law requiring the evaluation of environmental impacts of proposed projects that use federal funding. If the impacts are significant, the act calls for analysis of detailed alternatives.

NFI – New Freedom Initiative: Initiative proposed by the President to expand HHS and DOT/FTA programs to help people with disabilities become more independent. FTA program proposed assists the disabled in reaching work or work related training and searches. NFI and JA/RC would be allocated to states as new program under formula funds instead of being discretionary awards by Congress. Not in law as of 12/2003.

NHTSA: National Highway Safety Administration. Authority which has oversight of BAT and EBT testing equipment, and vehicle safety in general. 

NTS: National Transportation System

NICE: North Idaho Community Express (regional public transit provider based in Coeur d'Alene, ID also operating in Shoshone County and an intercity service to Sandpoint, ID)

OMB: Office of Management and Budget. Federal agency which established basic cost principles in Circulars governing use of DOT funds awarded. See Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87, "Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments. And OMB Circular A-122: Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.

One-Stop-Shop: ITD Motor Vehicles Division at which all carrier permits and licenses may be obtained in one place.

Operating Expense: Category of allowable direct and indirect expense for bus operations e.g. fuel, drivers’ time, insurance, etc. which are matched at a 57.5/42.5% rate by FTA for Section 5311 grants. Preventive maintenance costs may also be included in operating costs if not separately accounted for in operator records for FTA funding purposes.

Paddle: Schedule for each bus showing all trips in a day, including arrival and departure times.

Paratransit: Form of transportation service that is more flexible and personalized than conventional fixed route, fixed schedule service. Vehicles used are usually low or medium capacity highway vehicles accessible to wheelchairs and the service offered is adjustable in various degrees to individual users' desires. See also Complementary paratransit.

Park and Ride: an access mode to transit in which patrons drive private autos or ride bicycles to a transit station, stop or carpool/vanpool waiting area and park the vehicle in the area provided for that purpose

Passenger Miles: Number of miles per trip per passenger. A vehicle carrying 10 passengers a distance of 15 miles would have 150 passenger miles.

Passenger Revenue: a fare paid or pre-paid by a passenger to ride a transit vehicle

Passenger Trip/Trip/Client Trip: one passenger making a one-way trip from origin to destination

Preventative Maintenance: Costs which specifically identifiable in records of the grant recipient for maintenance of a fleet which are matched at a 80/20 rate by FTA instead of a 50/50 e.g oil changes, bus parts, mechanics’ time…

Program of Projects: list of transit organizations that will be funded at what amount for a given year by DOT grantees to be included in local TIP and a state’s STIP.

Provider/Operator: an employee of a transit system whose workday is spent in the operation of a transit vehicle(s)

PT: Division of Public Transportation under the Idaho Transportation Department acts as the Governor’s representative concerning oversight and management of FTA grants.

PTA: Public Transportation Administrator, Laurence H. Falkner

PTAC: Public Transportation Advisory Council. Created by Section 40-514, Idaho Code, to advise the Idaho Transportation Board. The Council is composed of six members appointed by the Idaho Transportation Board. Two members shall be appointed from each of the three Transportation Department Districts as provided in Section 40-303, Idaho Code and appointment will be such that the Department's six planning districts will be represented. The term of each member shall be six years and the initial appointments to the Council shall be such that one member shall be appointed each year thereafter.

PTMS: Public Transportation Management System

IPUC: Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Oversight of Interstate Commercial Carriers was transferred to ITD. See One-Stop-Shop.

PTMS - Public Transportation (Equipment and Facilities) Management System - A process that collects data and analyzes transit facilities, equipment, and rolling stock information on an ongoing basis. It provides information for decision-makers to select cost-effective strategies for maintaining transit facilities, equipment, and rolling stock in a serviceable condition.

Public Transit/Mass Transit: A passenger transportation service, usually local in scope, that is available to any person who pays a prescribed fare. It operates on established schedules along designated routes with specific stops and is designed to move relatively large numbers of people at one time.

Public Transportation: subsidized transportation service to the public on a regular basis using vehicles that transport more than one person for compensation, usually but not exclusively over a set route or routes from one fixed point to another. Mass transportation by a bus, or rail, or other conveyance that provides regular and continuing general or special transportation to the public, but does not include school bus, charter or sightseeing transportation. Idaho Code offers a broader definition which includes tramways, or any publicly funded transit service.

Purchase of Service Agreement: a contract between a transit provider and an entity needing transportation service

Pulse point: Where two or more bus routes converge.

PUT: Pocatello Urban Transit (Section 9 and 5311, 5311 (f) transit provider located in Pocatello operating urban services as opposed to PRT for Pocatello Rural Transit operating rural services.

Recipient - Means any entity that receives FTA financial assistance either directly or through a State agency as a subrecipient.

RPTA or RTA (Regional Public Transit Authority): a geographical or political division created specifically for the single purpose of providing transportation services per Idaho Code 40-21 See http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/40021KTOC.html

Revenue Passenger Trip: he number of fare paying passengers with each person counted once per trip. Excludes transfer and non-revenue trips.

Revenue Vehicle: the movement of one vehicle over a distance of one mile

Revenue Vehicle Mile: the distance in miles that a revenue vehicle is operated while it is available for passenger service

Reverse Commute: Trips in direction opposite to main flow of traffic. Used to describe movement from city to suburban or suburban to rural at the beginning of a work day.

RFB: Request for Bids. Used when announcing a purchase where lowest bid for a specific item is possible.

RFP: Request for Proposals. Used when other factor besides price determine award.

Rideshare/Ridematch Program: A rideshare program facilitates the formation of carpools and vanpools, usually for work trips. A database is maintained for the ride times, origins, destinations and driver/rider preferences of users and potential users. Those requesting to join an existing pool or looking for riders that are matched by program staff with other appropriate persons. In rural areas, a rideshare program can be used to coordinate Medicaid or volunteer transportation.

Rolling Stock: a vehicle in a transit system (bus, van, etc.)

ROSS: Recipient Operated Sub-System which subrecipients of FTA grants may report and bill monthly to the Division of Public Transportation electronically.

RPTA or RTA (Regional Public Transit Authority): a geographical or political division created specifically for the single purpose of providing transportation services per Idaho Code 40-21.

RPTAC: Regional Public Transportation Advisory Committees were dissolved July 1, 2000 by the Idaho legislature. There was one committee for each of the six Idaho highway districts that provided local grassroots input on public transportation issues.

RTAP: Rural Transit Assistance Program. FTA assistance (Section 5311(h)) for only rural transit education, training and related support activities.

SAFER: The FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System offers company safety data and related services to industry and the public over the Internet. Users can search FMCSA databases, register for a USDOT number, pay fines online, order company safety profiles, challenge FMCSA data using the DataQs system, access the Hazardous Material Route registry, obtain National Crash and Out of Service rates for Hazmat Permit Registration, get printable registration forms and find information about other FMCSA Information Systems.

SAP (Substance Abuse Professional): A licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy), or a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, employee assistance professional, or addiction counselor (certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission), with knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis of and treatment of drug and alcohol related disorders. Required under 40 CFR even though FMCSA, not FTA, have dropped this term from their definitions.

SCRIP: A paper currency, similar to a voucher, except that it may be issued without restriction on purpose or to the individual using it for the fare. Typically used for purchase of discounted taxi trips by elderly and disabled to supplement or in addition to the ADA paratransit requirements.

SCOPT: Standing Committee on Public Transportation

Site Review: Biannual reviews for program compliance of all certification and assurances made in the grant agreements by PT grants officers.

Small Van Regulations: Vans carrying between 9 and up to 15 passengers may be subject to FMCSA regulations depending on whether they are considered for-hire and travel 75 air-miles.

Soft Match: A colloquial term used to describe funds eligible as local match for FTA funds but actually spent in another transportation project or service operated locally.

SMP: State Management Plan. Document which serve as a scope of work and policies between ITD/PT and FTA for administering the Section 5310 and Section 5311 programs.

Specified Public Transit: Designated public transportation is transportation service provided by a public entity such as a municipality or special transportation district. Specified public transportation is transportation service such as a taxi or bus service provided by a private entity to the general public. Both provide service to the general public only the nature of owner/operation differs. ( per ADA, 49 CFR §37.3)

SSPP: Safety Sensitive Program Plan. Term used to formally describe the responsibilities, actions, and activities necessary to implement the goals and objectives of the safety system concept.

STP: Surface Transportation Program –A federal block type grant created under ISTEA 1991 and into TEA-21. Funds from this program can be used flexibly for all kinds of transportation improvements on any roads except local or rural minor arterials. Roads assisted are called federal-aid roads.

STP – Enhancement – 10% of the STP funds received in Idaho made available for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, scenic and environmental, historic preservation/interpretation.

STP – Hazard Elimination /Rail: Funds used for safety projects to reduce accidents at identified hazardous location. Usually at-grade rail crossings.

STP – State: Funding of a variety of roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation projects on the State Highway System.

STP- Local Rural: Funding for a variety of projects in rural areas and cities less than 5,000. LHTAC assists these areas with these projects.

STP – Local Urban: Funding for projects with populations grater than 5,000.

STIP: Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in which all projects must be included to receive DOT funding.

Subrecipient: Means any entity that receives Federal assistance awarded by a FTA Recipient, rather than FTA directly. The term "subrecipient" also includes the term "subgrantee," but does not include "third party contractor" or "third party subcontractor." An organization that is awarded its FTA funding by ITD in which ITD is the grantee responsible for oversight of the subrecipient.

Subscription Service: Demand response service that is scheduled in advance for recurring trips.

Suburban Bus: With front doors only and usually with high back seats, no luggage compartments or restrooms, for use for longer distances with fewer stops.

TANF: Temporary Aid to Needy Families. Created by the 1996 welfare reform law, TANF is a program of block grants to states to help them meet the needs poor of families. It replaces AFDC, JOBS, Emergency Assistance and some other preceding federal welfare programs. Because of TANF-imposed time limits, states trying to place TANF recipients in jobs as quickly as possible, with the option to use program funds to pay for transportation, child care and other barriers to workforce participation. In the context of FTA programs, certain TANF funds that are designated transit are eligible local match JA/RC projects.
 

TCRP:  Transit Cooperative Research Programs. Free research and studies which provides the tools you need to innovate and solve problems in the transportation industry.

TCSP – Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot program. Created by TEA 21 to fund planning and research oriented projects that increase the efficiency of the transportation system while decreasing its impact on the environment.

TDP: Transportation Development Plan. Planning document eligible for FTA funding.

TEA21: Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, six year bill authorizing funding for DOT. Expires October 2003. Concurrent Resolution to extend in progress until SAFETEA or TEALU is passed.

TEAM: Transportation Electronic Award and Management System in which FTA grants information is transmitted to FTA via the internet.

Third Party Administrator (TPA) – FTA term for contractor who assumes complete and confidential oversight of drug and alcohol testing functions except for personnel interview and disciplinary functions.

Third Party Contract - Means a contract or purchase order awarded by the Recipient or subrecipient to a vendor or contractor, financed in whole or in part with FTA funds.

TIP: Transportation Improvement Program. Federally mandated state program of projects to be implemented overall several years. In Idaho TIPs are required of each MPO area and incorporated into the State TIP or STIP.

Traffic Signal Priority systems are those signal systems that provide an advanced or extended green signal phase for approaching transit vehicles that request priority.  Signal priority is a critical element in bus rapid transit (BRT), including Metro Rapid in the Los Angeles area.  Usually applicable to systems that develop a bus rapid transit route or that experience congestion increases. 

TRB: TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD is an Arm of the National Research Council which serves an independent adviser to the federal government and others on scientific and other issues of national importance. DOT contracts for research projects concerning a broad scope of transportation issues.

TCRP: Transit Cooperative Research Programs are applied, contract research programs that develop near-term, practical solutions to problems facing transportation agencies.

TDD - Transportation Development District - A special property tax district created to generate revenues for traffic mitigation projects in a developing area.

TMA: Transportation Management Area (urban areas over 200,000 population). May deal directly with FTA without oversight from state.

TRANSIT: For FTA purposes the terms "transit" and "mass transportation" are used interchangeably in transit law. The term "mass transportation" is defined as transportation by a conveyance that provides regular and continuing general or special transportation to the public, but does not include school bus, charter, or sightseeing transportation."

Transit Dependent: having to rely upon transit services instead of the private automobile to meet one's travel needs

Trans IV Buses: Section 5311 and 5311(f) rural transit provider based in Twin Falls and surrounding areas.

Transportation Disadvantaged: people whose range of transportation alternatives is limited, especially in the availability of relatively easy-to-use and inexpensive alternatives for trip making; examples include the young, elderly, poor; disabled and those who do not have automobiles

Trip: A one-way movement of one person between two points for a specific purpose; sometimes called a one-way trip to distinguish it from a round trip.

Tripper: Assignment of work to a driver not long enough to qualify as a run or a full day’s work.

Tripper Service: Per 49 CFR 605.3, Tripper service means regularly scheduled mass transportation service that is open to the public and designed or modified to accommodate the needs of school students and personnel, using various fare collection or subsidy systems. Buses used in tripper service must be clearly marked as open to the public and may not carry destination signs such as ``school bus,'' ``school special,'' ``student,'' or any other marking indicating that they are carrying school children. These buses may stop only at stops that are accessible to the public and that are clearly marked as available to the public. All routes traveled by tripper buses must be within a grantee's or operator's regular route service as indicated in their published route schedules.

TRPTA: Teton Regional Transit Authority which oversees public transit operations within Bonneville County including Idaho Falls, Ammon, and Ucon.

TSA: Transportation Security Administration. Division of  the Department of Homeland Security charged with the freedom of movement of people and commerce.

TSI: The Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) is a Federal cost recovery agency that develops and conducts worldwide safety, security, and environmental training, products, and/or services for both public and private sectors. TSI provides training courses and manager certification for safety and security.

Turnkey: Type of private organization in which public transit agency hires a single company or consortium to supply drivers, maintenance, management and/or vehicles. Typically, at the end of the contract, contractors will 'turn the keys' over to hiring organization.

TVT: Treasure Valley Transit (transit provider based in Nampa operating in Canyon and Valley, and Elmore Counties)

Unrestricted Grant Funds: Funds used as ‘in-kind or soft match’ for section 5311 and Section 5311(f), JA/RC and NFI grants. Form Appendix A of 49 CFR 604, a list of exempt grants, and within the report by GAO-03-697, transit funds dedicated such as TANF, Medicaid medical transportation, HUD’s HOPE VI grants, funds from the Older Americans Act which cover the cost of a program or are used in conjunction of the total costs of a project are eligible to match at least an equal amount of dollars. Be Reminded that these costs serve only as matching funds and are not eligible for reimbursement with FTA funds.

United We Ride: Federal five phase program intended to improve human service transportation program coordination.

UPWP - Unified Planning Work Program - The UPWP is a federally required document describing all metropolitan transportation planning activities anticipated during a one- to two-year period, regardless of fund source.

Urbanized Area - An area with a population of 50,000 or more designated by the U.S. Census Bureau, within boundaries that are identified by state and local officials, subject to approval by the Secretary of Transportation. Also see...

Useful Life: the total productive time span of a piece of equipment usually used with reference to vehicles (i.e. vans and mini-vans have a useful life of 10 years and/or 100,000 miles). More miles are required for larger vehicles.

UMA: United Motorcoach Association. Trade group representing private bus owners, Formerly United Bus Owners of America.
 

UWR: Federal grant program intended to help states develop and promote effect and efficient coordination between federally funded human service agencies and transportation programs.

UZA: Urbanized area designation used to designate Section 5307 funding boundaries.

Vanpool Service: Transit service comprised of vans, small buses and other vehicles operating as a ride sharing arrangement, providing transportation to a group of individuals traveling directly between their homes and a regular destination within the same geographical area. The vehicles shall have a minimum seating capacity of 7 persons, including the driver. Vanpool(s) must also be open to the public and that availability must be made known. Do not include ridesharing coordination. A vanpool organization supplies capital and qualifies volunteer drivers for passengers which typically pay the costs of operation for commuting. With employer cooperation, individual participants costs may be tax free.

Valley Ride: RPTA governing transportation services in Ada and Canyon counties.

VT/RPT: Valley Transit aka Regional Public Transit (Section 18 transit provider located in Lewiston)

Vehicle Component Monitoring is continuous automatic remote measurement of vehicle component status (i.e., engine oil pressure, engine temperature, electrical system, tire pressure, etc.).  This technology is most useful for transit maintenance departments. 

Vehicle Hour: the operation of a vehicle for a period of one hour

Vehicle Mile: the movement of one vehicle over a distance of one mile (odometer miles)

VIATRANS: Regional Public Transportation Authorities of Ada and Canyon counties united under a joint powers agreement. Originally called TVRPTA, now called Valley Ride.

VIP: Vehicle Investment Program is a project providing for the purchase of public transportation vehicles with limited funds made available by ITD’s Board and with the annual approval of the Idaho legislature through JFAC. Funds are available during the current state fiscal year only.

Voucher: Similar to SCRIP. A paper currency issued with restrictions as to the purpose or identifying the individual using it for a fare. Typically used for purchase of discounted taxi trips by elderly and disabled to supplement or in addition to the ADA paratransit requirements.

VMT: Vehicle Miles Traveled (Odometer miles)

Wheelchair Accessible: ADA specifications transportation for public transit vehicles or contractors are covered under Title II of the ADA. See also 49 CFR 37 for specifics.

Workforce Investment Board: Formerly known as Private Industry Council (PIC). Workforce Investment Boards are concerned with training and developing workers to meet the needs of local business. They are responsible for most local job training programs and related welfare-to-work efforts. In the context of FTA grants, limited transit funds under WIA are eligible as local match for JA/RC projects.