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Public Transportation (PT)

Advisory Groups

Public Transportation Advisory and Working Groups
Engagement and coordination is key to the continued success of public transportation in Idaho. That is why, per Idaho Code 40-514, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation Program (ITD-PT) supports two stakeholder groups both focused on public transportation, the Interagency Working Group (IWG) and the Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC). The IWG is made up of representing government agencies that have a role in public transportation in Idaho. The PTAC has six members appointed by the Idaho Transportation Department Board and advises the Department on issues and policies regarding public transportation. Please see below to learn more about these groups.

 

The Interagency Working Group (IWG) was created in Idaho Code 40-514 to “advise and assist the department in analyzing public transportation needs, identifying areas for coordination, and developing strategies for eliminating procedural and regulatory barriers to coordination at the state level”. Today the Interagency Working Group tackles a number of important public transportation issues, including policies and statutes, data collection and review from each agency, and unique assignments as voted on by the Group to help reduce barriers and increase coordination.

Members:

Scheduled Meetings:

Previous Meeting Minutes:

Annual Reports

The Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) was also created in Idaho Code 40-514 to “advise the Department on issues and policies regarding public transportation in Idaho. The council shall participate in planning activities, identify transportation needs, and promote coordinated transportation systems. Before setting programs and priorities, the council shall seek pertinent information, facts and data from local governments, agencies, and providers regarding rural public transportation issues.” Today the PTAC advises and assists the Department and the Idaho Transportation Board in making funding recommendations to the Idaho Transportation Department Board.

Membership
“The advisory council shall be composed of six (6) members appointed by the Idaho Transportation Board. Appointed members shall be representatives of local governments and agencies, private organizations, citizen groups and private providers that have an interest in public transportation, and people with disabilities and the elderly who utilize public transportation. The board shall appoint said members from recommendations submitted by said organizations, groups, providers, users and state agencies in each district. One (1) member shall be appointed from each of the six (6) transportation department director districts as provides in section 40-303, Idaho Code. The term of each member shall be three (3) years and the initial appointments to the council shall be such that two (2) members shall be appointed each year thereafter.

Scheduled Meetings:

Previous Meeting Minutes:

Application Program

Public Transportation Application Program
The issuing of public funds to support public transportation operations throughout Idaho is a critically important function of the Public Transportation Group. There are a number of opportunities for local companies and groups to become involved and apply for funding. The two standard opportunities to apply for funds are for Idaho’s annual Federal Transit Administration (FTA) appropriation (application occurs every two years) and what the Department terms “One-Time Funding” which is applications issued on an ad-hoc basis for either unspent FTA appropriation from the previously mentioned funding opportunity or discretionary grants that are issued by the Federal Transit Administration.

Grants

Map of Current Funding Awards

Public Transportation Operational Grant Program
Once a Federal or State grant is executed by the Idaho Transportation Department and when applicable the Federal Transit Administration, the subrecipient will receive a funding agreement and be assigned to either the Operational Grant Program or the Capital Grant Program.

The Operation Grant Program handles all active and executed grants that have been deemed by the Idaho Transportation Department to be of an Operating nature. These can include the following: FTA 5311 Program Funding, FTA 5310 Program Funding (directly resulting in operations), and the FTA 5304 Planning Program.

Responsibilities include reimbursement processing, compliance assistance, technical guidance, and required reporting.

Please click on the links below to learn more about each program:

Public Transportation Capital Grant Program
Once a Federal or State grant is executed by the Idaho Transportation Department and when applicable the Federal Transit Administration, the subrecipient will receive a funding agreement and be assigned to either the Operational Grant Program or the Capital Grant Program.

The Capital Grant Program handles all active and executed grants that have been deemed by the Idaho Transportation Department to be Capital purchases in nature. These can include the following: FTA 5309 Program Funding, FTA 5310 Program Funding (directly resulting in capital purchases), FTA 5339 Program Funding, and Idaho Vehicle Improvement Program Funding. VIP provides capital funding for demand response providers to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses to support the continuation and expansion of public transportation. Eligible recipients include private non-profit organizations, State or local government authorities, operators of public transportation services including private operators and tribal governments for capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses, vans, and related equipment for demand response services.

Please click on the below links to learn more about each program:

Performance

Public Transportation Performance Program

The Idaho Transportation Department is committed to fostering a fiscally responsible and performance based public transportation network that provides for the most effective and efficient use of funds to promote ITD’s mission of Safety, Mobility, and Economic Opportunity.

The Budget/Performance Program is responsible for monitoring and reporting on a myriad of public transportation metrics include subrecipient operating revenue and expenses, ridership, vehicle miles traveled, and hours of service just to name a few.

Please click on the links below to view our reports.

Annual Statewide Performance Reports:

Reporting Templates:

Strategic Programs

Public Transportation Safety Program
The Idaho Transportation Department Public Transportation Program (ITD-PT) is committed to providing safe public transportation options for all Idaho citizens. ITD-PT recognizes that public transportation is one of the safest modes of transportation. To further the safe operation of public transportation in Idaho, ITD-PT has created three innovative, strategic programs that facilitate this effort; the Idaho State Police Vehicle Inspection Program, the Subrecipient Site Review Program, and the Asset Management and Title Program. Each of these programs works directly with local transit agencies and companies to ensure safe public transportation operations. To learn more about each program see below:

Idaho State Police Vehicle Inspection Program
Each year ITD-PT partners with the Idaho State Police to perform required vehicle inspections on public transportation vehicles throughout Idaho. Click the following link for the inspection form.

Subrecipient Site Review Program
In an effort to provide technical assistance and proactive compliance oversight, ITD-PT performs site reviews of each public transportation subrecipient on an every one or two year basis.

Asset Management and Title Program

Public transportation is a capital intensive program that requires constant maintenance and upkeep to ensure that each asset is being used to its full extent. ITD-PT employs an extensive data collection effort to track asset information throughout Idaho. Click the following link to review the information ITD-PT collects.

Public Transportation Outreach Program
Education and understanding of public transportation is essential to its continued usage and growth in Idaho. That is why ITD-PT has created the Public Transportation Outreach Program. The Outreach Program consists of ITD-PT’s Newsletter, Public Notices, the Local Coordinating Groups, the Idaho Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) and Idaho Rideshare. Please see the information below to learn more about each effort:

Share the Ride Idaho

SharetheRideIdaho.com is your resource to find the commuting option that makes the most sense for you. It will make it easy for you to find the best route, locate a park and ride lot, map your route, or even find a commuting buddy based on your work schedule or neighborhood. With it’s easy to use ride match tool, you’ll be put in touch with other smart carpoolers like you who are looking to save money and time.

For more information visit the Share the Ride Idaho website at https://www.sharetherideidaho.com and view the Frequently Asked Questions/a>.

Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP)
The Idaho Transportation Department Public Transportation Office (ITD-PT) is responsible for administering Idaho’s Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) with funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). ITD-PT is committed to fostering a safe, mobility focused public transportation program throughout Idaho that promotes economic opportunity and growth for all of Idaho. ITD-PT budgets the 5311(b) RTAP funds on an annual basis and will offer scholarship opportunities until such funds are exhausted.

RTAP Program Overview

1. Application Submittal
2. Application Review & Notification
3. Attend Training/Receive Materials
4. Reimbursement Request & Payment

Technical Assistance and Training Toolbox:
• National RTAP : http://nationalrtap.org/
• National Transit Institute : http://www.ntionline.com/

Previous Training Documents

Public Transportation Economic Development Program
Public transportation plays a vital role in the success of a regional economy. Whether it is transporting employees to and from work, relieving congestion on crowded roads, or providing a cost effective alternative to land use issues, public transportation will continue to play a role in helping Idaho’s economy grow and succeed. ITD-PT is committed to partnering with State agencies to continue to assist in outreach and development for both companies located in Idaho and those looking to potentially locate to Idaho.

About Us

The Department will offer access to services for people with Limited English Proficiency, as needed, and ITD encourages persons needing an interpreter or special accommodations to contact the ITD Public Involvement Coordinator (208-334-8119).

Se les recomienda a las personas que necesiten un intérprete o arreglos especiales que llamen a la coordinadora de participación pública al (208) 334-8119.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is launching a statewide effort to plan for the future of Idaho’s public transportation systems. Working with the public, regional transportation planning organizations, and transit providers, planning is occurring at both statewide and local levels. These transportation plans will facilitate mobility for the citizens of Idaho as well as visitors to the state, helping to build our economy by getting workers to jobs, and consumers to markets.

Statewide Public Transportation Plan

Local Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plans (5310 FTA Program Plans)

Idaho Transportation Department Public Transportation: State Management Plan
The Public Transportation State Management Plan is for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Sections 5310, 5311, 5303/5304, and 5339/5309 grant programs and describes ITD’s Public Transportation adopted policies and procedures for administering state-managed grant programs. These grant programs offer federal financial assistance to organizations that serve the citizens of Idaho.

A yearly Public Transportation Summit will take place as a means to promote coordination with agencies, local stakeholders, and organizations. The summit’s strategic agenda is designed to help facilitate and encourage thought-provoking topics that will maximize efficiency and offer unique insight into present and future challenges facing Public Transportation in Idaho.

Presentations:

Contacts

Please contact the ITD Office of Civil Rights to report compliance complaints.

Public Transportation Manager: Jeff Marker, (208)-334-4475, Jeffrey.Marker@itd.idaho.gov

Grants/Contracts Officer: Shauna Miller, (208)-334-8533, Shauna.Miller@itd.idaho.gov

Grants/Contracts Officer: Rachel Pallister, (208)-334-8822, Rachel.Pallister@itd.idaho.gov

Grants/Contracts Officer: Josh Leavitt, (208)-334-8286, Josh.Leavitt@itd.Idaho.gov

Grants/Contracts Officer: Juanita Risch, (208)-334-8875, Juanita.Risch@itd.idaho.gov

Grants/Contracts Officer: Drew McGuire, (208)-334-8848, Drew.McGuire@itd.idaho.gov