About the Rural Transit Assistance Program

Background:

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) responsibility for the administration of federal Section 5311 Program funds is promulgated under Title 730, Chapter 45 of the Oklahoma Administrative Rules.  ODOT, as the Governor’s designee with regard to the administration of federally funded programs, is charged with the responsibility of actively pursuing available Section 5311 Program funds for the development and maintenance of rural public transportation services and to disburse these funds to eligible local transit operators throughout the state.  The responsibility for the administration of these Section 5311 Program funds is vested in ODOT’s Transit Programs Division.  It is the responsibility of the Transit Programs Division to:

1. Distribute information about the Section 5311 Program
2. Provide Technical Assistance
3. Review and monitor Community Transportation Program Contractors who  received Section 5311 Program funds
4. Submit an annual program of projects of the FTA for approval. 

ODOT contracts annually with OSU/CLGT to assist in the above responsibilities. ODOT and OSU/CLGT work jointly to ensure that the provision of the RTAP is made available to Oklahoma’s rural public transportation providers.

The program serves the project directors and their staffs at 20 rural public transit systems throughout Oklahoma.  CLGT has developed computer programs to facilitate record keeping and data reporting, and computer hardware/software capabilities.  On-site training is also offered to help personnel keep pace with hardware and software changes, computerization of new transit projects and other technical advancements.

CLGT works with the TPD to develop and provide training on topics such as labor laws, personnel management, and operations and maintenance.  Each year the Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA) holds a Bus Operator’s Roadeo where drivers’ skills are tested in various games and exercises.  CLGT provides support and technical assistance at the Roadeo and the association’s two annual meetings.  Additionally, statewide and regional training is provided annually to meet the ongoing needs of the systems.  Because of its commitment to training and technical assistance, Oklahoma is considered a leader in transit education.