1-855-888-NTWC (6892)
twc@transportcenter.orgRESOURCE TYPE
Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL)
National Rural Transit Assistance Program
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Career Pathways , Community Engagement , Hiring and Recruitment , Labor-Management Partnerships , Mentorship , Policy and Planning , Procurement , Program Evaluation and ROI , Retention , Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training , Workforce Shortage , Zero Emission Buses
Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL)
The Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL) provides a viable methodology and platform for access and findability of rural and tribal transit coordination resources across a broad range of transportation technical assistance centers and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The FTA-funded Technical Assistance (TA) Centers participating in this ongoing work are:
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)
- National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)
- National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)
- National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP)
- Shared Use Mobility Center (SUMC)
- Transit Workforce Center (TWC)
The TACL Task Force uses a systematic review process for resources included in the database. New resources will be added on a quarterly basis. Let us know if you would like to serve as a peer reviewer for our resources.
Why was TACL created?
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) published Public Transportation: Enhanced Federal Information Sharing on Coordination Could Improve Rural Transit Services in January 2020. GAO recommended that FTA “develop a communication plan that will effectively share information with state and local stakeholders on coordination opportunities in an accessible and informative way.” This effort was created to improve interagency resource coordination between FTA and its five TA Centers.
How can TACL be used?
TACL resources can be used to identify high quality technical assistance on transportation coordination. The resources can be used for research, training, practice, operations, planning, and other purposes. We encourage authors to cite TACL resources.
Ready to get started?
Visit http://transportation-tacl.org. Click on the Training tab at the top for instructions.
If you have a question about TACL, or if you would like to be considered to become a TACL peer reviewer, please contact info@nationalrtap.org
FTA-Sponsored Technical Assistance Centers
Federal Transit Administration
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Career Pathways , Community Engagement , Hiring and Recruitment , Labor-Management Partnerships , Mentorship , Policy and Planning , Procurement , Program Evaluation and ROI , Retention , Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training , Workforce Shortage , Zero Emission Buses
FTA’s Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program (49 U.S.C. § 5314) and the Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. § 5312) fund technical assistance centers through national nonprofit organizations across a number of areas to improve public transportation. These nonprofit partners and the work they do play a critical role in supporting public transit agencies. Their services help to:
- Improve transportation for older adults and people with disabilities
- Drive the adoption of mobility management and related promising practices
- Accelerate innovative mobility practices and strategies
- Support rural communities
- Leverage new transit technologies
- Train the public transit workforce
- Provide workforce development technical assistance
- Support research projects selected by the transit industry that address day to day issues
- Support the transit industry meet safety regulations
National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT)
The National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT) delivers expert, focused technical assistance to transit agencies and organizations in rural areas and small cities to use or develop transit technologies and innovations that make services more cost-effective and efficient. N-CATT’s work supports FTA’s mission and focus on innovation by developing and supporting transit programs and services in rural and small-city America.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is a national technical assistance center funded by FTA with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living to promote the availability of transportation options that serve the needs of people with disabilities, seniors and caregivers with a focus on the Section 5310 program and other transit investments. NADTC supports the delivery of more effective, efficient, high-quality and coordinated specialized transportation services that maximize federal investments. NADTC provides technical assistance, information and referral; develops field training; implements interactive communication and outreach strategies; and supports communities in assessing their needs and developing innovative transportation solutions.
National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP)
The National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) was established by FTA in 1987 to provide a wide range of professional services and products. National RTAP addresses the training and technical assistance needs of rural and tribal transit programs across the nation and supports state RTAP programs. National RTAP provides comprehensive free technical assistance programs and resources including training materials, webinars, newsletters and technical briefs, peer resources, research, and innovative technology initiatives. The National RTAP also manages the Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL), which provides a sustainable methodology and platform to access resources across a diverse range of transportation technical assistance centers and FTA.
Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC)
The Shared-Use Mobility Center is a public-interest organization dedicated to achieving equitable, affordable, and environmentally sound mobility across the US through the efficient sharing of transportation assets. By connecting the public and private sectors, piloting programs, conducting new research, and providing policy and technical expertise to cities and regions, SUMC seeks to extend the benefits of shared mobility for all. The Shared Mobility 2030 Action agenda includes improving access to public transit, on-demand shuttles or buses, ride-on-demand services, carpooling and vanpooling, and carsharing, bikesharing and scooter-sharing.
National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)
The National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) supports FTA’s Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility activities and is funded through a cooperative agreement with FTA. The Center works to help communities adopt transportation strategies and mobility options that empower people to live independently, and advance health, economic vitality and self-sufficiency. NCMM provides capacity-building technical assistance and training; catalogs and disseminates best practice information on innovative mobility management programs around the country; and works to improve and enhance the coordination of federal resources for human service transportation, especially for people with disabilities, older adults and people with lower incomes.
The Seven Key Elements of All Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Workforce GPS
January 2025
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Career Pathways , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven pathway to high-quality careers where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience; progressive wage increases; classroom instruction; and a portable, nationally recognized credential. The U.S. Department of Labor recently updated the way we describe Registered Apprenticeship Programs to reflect the worker safety elements embedded in those programs.
Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection
The Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) regulation establishes minimum standards to ensure the safe operation of public transportation systems and prevent injuries and fatalities for transit workers. Rail transit agencies nationwide are required to create programs and processes that focus on safety for workers who work on or near the rails in an area known as the track roadway. This page explains the regulation, answers frequently answered questions, and provides additional resources.
Federal Transit Administration
January 2025
TOPICS: Policy and Planning , Safety and Health , Training
Gold Standard Playbook for Workforce Development
Accelerator for America
August 2024
This Workforce Development Playbook – a menu of malleable strategies and tactics that can be applied in different situational contexts – is meant to serve two purposes:
- To document best practices in workforce development focusing on California but with applicability nationally and sources.
- To set the first “Gold Standard” guiding owners who want to incorporate workforce development goals into their infrastructure projects.
To develop the Playbook, WSP and Accelerator for America (AFA) supported by The James Irvine Foundation, gathered information on current standards, practices, and barriers to workforce development efforts through interviews with key stakeholders across the industry in California, including project owners, community benefit organizations (CBOs), and government leaders.
Zeroing in on New Standards for the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Fleet
In this video, Bryan Sooter, P.E., Director of Standards at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and Bekhi Spika, VP and CRO of Spika Design & Manufacturing, have a conversation about ZEB standards, including how standards are created in public transportation; the challenges faced by transit agencies in getting prepared for an entirely new way of operating with entirely new technology in existing, new or modified infrastructure; the kinds of areas that new standards on ZEB can be expected to encompass; and the guidance on resources available from APTA for transit agencies shifting to ZEB fleets.
Spika Design & Manufacturing
February 2024
TOPICS: Policy and Planning , Training , Zero Emission Buses
Passenger Assistance, Safety And Sensitivity (PASS) Program Handbook
CTAA’s Passenger Assistance, Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) driver training program provides resources and standards for operators to transport passengers in the most safe, sensitive and careful manner possible. PASS is ideal for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) trips, for ADA paratransit services, for specialized transit for older passengers, for human and social service riders — really any transportation operation where the passengers require extra care.
Community Transportation Association of America
January 2024
TOPICS: Community Engagement , Safety and Health , Training
Zero-Emission Bus Maintenance Training Standards
This recommended practice provides guidance for developing zero emission bus maintenance training curricula and materials.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2023
TOPICS: Training , Zero Emission Buses
This recommended practice is a guide for transit bus maintenance and maintenance training with a series of learning objectives that represent the knowledge and skills technicians should acquire as a result of zero-emission bus training. This recommended practice is divided into three modules. Level 100 identifies the knowledge and skills technicians will need to gain a basic understanding of how zero emission buses operate, how they compare/contrast with other buses, general safety precautions, and function of each major component. Level 200 expands on familiarization material offered in the previous module by providing technicians with more detailed information on ZEB safety, components, systems and theory of operation. Level 300 then focuses on ZEB troubleshooting techniques, related special tools, and the knowledge and skills that technicians will need to perform common ZEB maintenance and repair tasks.
The American Public Transportation Association developed this recommended practice with a joint labor and management work group, with assistance from the International Transportation Learning Center.
Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Addition of Oral Fluid Specimen Testing for Drugs
This rule amends the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulated industry drug testing program to include oral fluid testing. This additional methodology for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program.
Department of Transportation
May 2023
Building Pathways to Infrastructure Careers: Framework for Preparing an Infrastructure Workforce
This resource provides a framework for all workforce stakeholders, including infrastructure project leads, to engage the public workforce system in implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with strong workforce commitments and proven strategies that produce high-quality education, training, and employment opportunities for all workers.
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
October 2022
FTA Standards Development Program: Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection
This report reviews existing standards and best practices and develops use cases, a risk assessment matrix, and high-level concepts of operations (CONOPS) for Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection (RWP). The project evaluates current industry practices and technologies in use for roadway worker protection and conducts a risk/hazard analysis of current practices using an industry-representative survey.
Federal Transit Administration
February 2022
TOPICS: Policy and Planning , Safety and Health
Providing Training for Zero Emission Buses: Recommended Expanded RFP Language
This document includes recommended language for agencies to build robust training procurement into their ZEB Request for Proposals. It is intended to be used as a starting point for agencies to tailor their training procurement to suit their specific needs.
International Transportation Learning Center; Jobs to Move America
February 2022
TOPICS: Procurement , Training , Zero Emission Buses
Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Framework
The Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Framework was developed by the National Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Committee and approved by the U.S. DOL. It is a competency based framework that includes all of the tasks an apprentice should be able to demonstrate as a result of the training. Tasks are based on the ASE task list and APTA training standards. It is only a guide, locations can add or remove tasks to suit their individual operations.
The framework spreadsheet was developed by ITLC as a more in-depth and customizable version of the Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Framework. Note the various tabs at the bottom for each Job Function.
International Transportation Learning Center; The Urban Institute
January 2018
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Training , Zero Emission Buses
Transit Coach Operator Competency-Based Framework
This is the full Competency-Based Occupational Framework for Registered Apprenticeship for transit coach operator/bus operators.
The Urban Institute & International Transportation Learning Center
August 2017
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Training , Zero Emission Buses
Successful Practices and Training Initiatives to Reduce Accidents and Incidents at Transit Agencies
TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 126: Successful Practices and Training Initiatives to Reduce Accidents and Incidents at Transit Agencies documents current practices and training initiatives, including bus operator training and retraining programs that have been effective in reducing accidents and incidents at transit agencies. The study also focuses on other system approaches that have been implemented to address safety hazards. These approaches include various technology applications, infrastructure modifications, and programs and initiatives such as driver incentive programs and close call/near miss reporting.
Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) & CUTR
January 2017
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct Bus Technicians on Hybrid Drive Systems Operations and Maintenance
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training program related to the theory of operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of bus hybrid drive transmissions and related equipment.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct Bus Technicians on EPA Emissions Standards and Treatment Technologies
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training program related to the maintenance and troubleshooting of bus engine and after treatment components used to achieve applicable EPA emission standards.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus Diesel Engines Test
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training program related to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program syllabus for the diesel engines used in transit buses and coaches.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus Air Brake Systems Test
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training program related to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification syllabus for transit bus and coach air brake systems.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus Electrical/Electronics Test
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training related to the ASE certification program syllabus for the electrical/electronics systems used in transit buses and coaches.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Trainer and Mentor Development , Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus HVAC Test
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training related to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program syllabus for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in transit buses and coaches.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus Transmission and Drivetrain Test
This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training related to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program syllabus for transmissions and drivetrains used in transit buses and coaches.
American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
TOPICS: Training
National Apprenticeship Guidelines for Transit Elevator-Escalator Maintenance Technician
The purpose of these National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (National Guideline Standards) is to provide policy and guidance to local Sponsors in developing these Standards for Apprenticeship for local approval and registration. These National Guideline Standards developed by the Sponsor are certified by the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship as substantially conforming to the requirements of Title 29, CFR parts 29 and 30. State Apprenticeship Agencies recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to register local programs, and/or local laws and regulations, may impose additional requirements that must be addressed in the local apprenticeship standards.
International Transportation Learning Center & National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC)
January 2014
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Policy and Planning , Training
National Apprenticeship Guidelines for Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technicians
The purpose of these National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (National Guideline Standards) is to provide policy and guidance to local Sponsors in developing Standards for Apprenticeship for local approval and registration. These National Guideline Standards developed by the Sponsor are certified by the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship as substantially conforming to the requirements of Title 29, CFR parts 29 and 30. State Apprenticeship Agencies recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to register local programs, and/or local laws and regulations, may impose additional requirements that must be addressed in the local apprenticeship standards.
International Transportation Learning Center; National Rail Car Training Committee
June 2013
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Training
Rail Transit Track Inspection Practices
TRBs Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 107: Rail Transit Track Inspection Practices offers information across a range of older and newer U.S. rail transit agencies on track inspection practices and policies.
Issues addressed in the report include agency staffing, agency organization and characteristics, track inspection program criteria, training and certification, procurement, and track safety practices.
Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP)
January 2013
TOPICS: Policy and Planning , Procurement , Safety and Health , Training
Practices for Wayside Rail Transit Worker Protection
TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 95: Practices for Wayside Rail Transit Worker Protection is designed to highlight knowledge, practice, lessons learned, and gaps in information related to wayside rail transit worker protection programs.
Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP)
January 2012
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Training
Addendum to the APTA Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Operator Training
This addendum was created by the Joint Labor Management National Bus Operator Standards Committee in Seattle, WA on October 12-14th 2011. This addendum was created to be considered for addition into the APTA RP for Transit Bus Operator Training.
Joint Labor Management National Bus Operator Standards Committee
October 2011
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Training
National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for Bus Maintenance Technicians
These National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) Apprenticeship Standards have as their objective the training of Bus Maintenance Technicians skilled in all phases of bus maintenance. The NJATC and its affiliated Local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees recognize that in order to accomplish this, there must be well-developed on-the-job learning combined with related instruction. This recognition has resulted in the development of these Apprenticeship Standards.
Developed by the Intl. Transportation Learning Center and National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Approved and certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship on 8/25/2010.
International Transportation Learning Center & National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC)
August 2010
Rail Vehicles Maintenance Training Standards
In response to the transit industry’s need for rail vehicles maintenance training, the Transportation Learning Center partnered with APTA, transit agencies and unions representing transit workers to develop these joint labor-management training guidelines and recommended training practices.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) & International Transportation Learning Center
June 2010
TOPICS: Policy and Planning , Training
Traction Power Maintenance Training Standards
This Recommended Practice establishes standards for a program of traction power maintenance training.
American Public Transportation Association
June 2010
TOPICS: Training
Electrical Standards Fundamentals
A document of electrical safety standards and fundamentals. The fundamentals include Electrons, Static Electricity, and Magnetic fields. It also covers how power is transmitted to buildings through the power grid and how grounding is built into delivery systems. This resource is intended only to provide an overview of fundamental principles – please see Terms & Conditions.
International Transportation Learning Center
January 2010
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training
Working Together: A Systems Approach for Transit Training
Transit faces a critical skills challenge driven by changing technologies, shifting workforce demographics and record-breaking growth in ridership. Working Together: A Systems Approach for Transit Training outlines how constructive training partnerships provide the most effective way for the transit industry to address its skill challenges.
International Transportation Learning Center
January 2009
Signals Training Standards Curriculum Map
A curriculum map of the Signals Training Standards released on January 22, 2008.
International Transportation Learning Center
January 2008
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training
APTA Recommended Practice for Transit Bus Operator Training
This recommended practice provides guidance for standardized transit operator training to assist in the development of professional bus operators resulting in quality service. Individual operating agencies can modify these guidelines to accommodate their specific training goals and operating modes.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
May 2007
TOPICS: Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training
Rail Signals Training Content and Standards
An overview of ITLC’s signals training course (2 modules—level 100 and 200).