Get Connected, Stay Connected

Wisconsin Rural Transit Assistance Program

Issue 2 September 2011

Inside this issue: New RTAP Website Now On-Line!

RTAP Scholarship Program 2 The new Wisconsin RTAP website is now live and already receiving a significant amount of traffic. If you haven’t done so, check it out at www.wisconsinrtap.com. The website will con- Dear RTAP 3 tinue to be a work in progress as more resources and information become available, and it will soon be linked to the National RTAP resource library, which will significantly expand the cata- WisDOT News & Notes 4 log of available resources.

While we are excited about this National RTAP link, we are often asked for “local” examples Peer Connection 6 that can be used as a guideline for developing a specific policy or procedure. Consequently, the RTAP staff is looking for policies, procedures, and other types of resources that can be added to the website as “best practices.” Some of these may include:

• Bloodborne Pathogens policy • Cell Phone Use policy • Job descriptions • Driver manuals • Pre-Trip Inspection Form A quarterly newsletter, Wis- consin RTAP is published If you believe you have a good policy, form, or other document that you are willing to share under contract with the Wis- with your fellow transportation providers, please submit it for consideration to the Wisconsin consin Department of Transpor- RTAP staff of Vicky Warner ([email protected]) or Julie Schafer tation from a grant received from the Federal Transit ([email protected]). WisDOT and RTAP staffs will review submissions for inclusion Administration under 49 U.S.C. on the website. Section 5311– Formula grants for other than urbanized areas Regular program updates and training will also be added to the website on an on-going basis. Be (CFDA 20.509). sure to check the website often to keep current with the latest news, information, and resources The newsletter is published by: available through your Wisconsin RTAP Program. RLS & Associates, Inc. 3131 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 545 Needs Assessment Results Dayton, OH 45439 In the last issue of the Wisconsin RTAP newsletter, a needs assessment was conducted to assess (855) 299-1460 the value of services provided by the Wisconsin RTAP program and identify the training and (937) 299-1055 (Fax) [email protected] technical assistance needs of Wisconsin’s transportation providers. To date, 46 individuals have responded to the survey and provided information that will be valuable in the on-going imple- mentation and administration of the Wisconsin RTAP program.

Already identified in the survey results is the need for on-going training programs. First priority was Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT), followed by Passenger Sensitivity, Safety and Security, and Employee Substance Abuse Awareness. Pre-trip Inspections, Defensive Driving, and Emergency Procedures were also noted as training needs. Over two-thirds of respondents (69.5%) indicated a preference for regional training sites; Wednesday and Thursdays were indi- cated as the most popular training days. Most respondents indicated in-person training was pref- erable, however, a desire for web-based training was also identified. Continued on page 5 Training and Scholarship RTAP Scholarships in Action—A Report From CTAA Scholarship Recipients Carrie Porter back to the transportation community and work towards Transportation Specialist, Older Americans Act Con- improving mobility for all. sultant, Greater WI Agency on Aging Resources Whether it is an in-state training or the opportunity to go Lynda Wilke to a national conference, RTAP allows small, rural transit Mobility Manager –Vernon County Unit on Aging agencies to send staff to expand their knowledge and use I was very fortunate to have been a recipient of a RTAP it to create better programs locally. scholarship to the 2011 CTAA Expo in Indianapolis. Had it not been for that scholarship, I would have been unable Having used RTAP scholarships for several years, I have to attend and would have missed so much. As a Mobility been able to attend in-state training and national events Manager in rural Wisconsin, the conference enabled me like the Community Transportation Association of Amer- to network with other Mobility Managers and transporta- ica (CTAA) Mobility Management Conference in June tion providers from across the country; to share ideas and 2011. Although there are exceptional opportunities for resources which allow me to more effectively serve the webinars and long distance learning, the hands on train- public with their transportation needs, striving to reach ing and networking is what keeps the transportation com- our goals and develop new objectives. Topics covered at munity connected and growing. the conference ranged from financing/funding, market- ing, and travel training to developing partnerships, all The resources gained, the contacts made throughout the topics which were of interest to me. United States and abroad, and the best practices learned all contribute to the success of programs locally. I am a This was truly a worthwhile conference providing learn- strong believer in continued training, not only for the ing tools for success. educational benefit, but also for the networking. I always come back reinvigorated with all kinds of new ideas. It also helps to know that others are struggling with the As you have read in the above testimonies, RTAP Schol- same issues and that there is someone you can turn to arships offer many opportunities to Wisconsin’s rural who will lend an ear or offer advice, even if they are not transit providers. Many of you are already taking advan- in your own city or state. tage of the scholarship program. At the time this article was written, 70 scholarships had been awarded since July Since there were several Mobility Managers present at 2011. If you have training needs and have not yet taken the 2011 CTAA Mobility Management Conference, we advantage of this great opportunity, please visit the Wis- were able to split up and go to most of the sessions and consin RTAP webpage, www.wisconsinrtap.com, and share what we learned with the others. We were also click on the training box for details. able to use free time to talk about the issues Wisconsin is facing. This led to a meeting with the Executive Director While you are visiting the webpage if you have not al- of CTAA to discuss brokerages in our state. It is an in- ready completed the Needs Assessment Survey, please credible experience to talk with and hear from the leaders take a few minutes to do so. To complete the survey in the field like Doug Birnie, who many consider the fa- now, simply click on this link: www.surveymonkey.com/ ther of Mobility Management; Wisconsin’s United We s/WisRTAP . Completing the survey will assist the Ride Ambassador Roland Mross, who we were able to RTAP staff in providing you the assistance you need. cheer on as he was honored with the CTAA Founder’s Award; and others who have contributed papers, studies, For assistance or questions about the Wisconsin RTAP and reports that have pushed transportation forward. Scholarship Program, please contact Julie Schafer, RTAP Coordinator, at (855)299-1460 or I can honestly say that the training and conferences that [email protected]. RTAP has helped pay for, have helped me contribute Come visit the Wisconsin RTAP booth at the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association (WURTA) Conference September 26-28, 2011 in Manitowoc, WI.

Page 2 Dear RTAP

“Dear RTAP” is a feature of the Wisconsin RTAP newsletter for highlighting hot topics specific to public transit systems and private providers serving rural areas. Your questions to “Dear RTAP” are encouraged. To submit a question, contact [email protected].

Questions concerning ADA regulations in the public transit belt and shoulder harness for the wheel- industry are the most frequently asked of the RTAP staff by chair user. Section 38.23(a) requires vehi- transit providers seeking technical assistance or guidance cles over 22 feet in length to have enough for a particular situation that has occurred at their system. securement locations and devices to secure The Federal Transit Administration also addresses several two common wheelchairs, while vehicles important issues regarding common wheelchairs and public 22 feet and under must be able to accom- transit on its website. Those questions are the basis for this modate at least one common wheelchair. issue’s “Dear RTAP.” May a transit operator deny boarding to a rider whose What is a "common wheelchair?" common wheelchair is difficult to secure? Section 37.3 of the DOT’s regulations implementing the No. If the transit operator has a policy that requires secure- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (49 CFR ment, or if a rider asks that the wheelchair be secured, Sec- Parts 27, 37, and 38) defines a "common wheelchair" as a tion 37.165(f) of the DOT’s ADA regulations requires tran- mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled sit personnel to use their best efforts to secure any mobility devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individu- device that meets the regulatory definition of a common als with mobility impairments, whether operated manually wheelchair. Section 37.165(d) states that transit operators or powered. A "common wheelchair" does not exceed 30 cannot refuse to accommodate a common wheelchair — inches in width and 48 inches in length measured two including a scooter or other specialized mobility device that inches above the ground, and does not weigh more than 600 complies with the ADA regulation’s specifications — be- pounds when occupied. cause the wheelchair cannot be secured to the driver’s satis- faction. Given the diversity of "common" wheelchairs, tran- Is an electric scooter or other mobility device a common sit operators should consult with the manufacturers of se- wheelchair? curement devices and wheelchairs, as well as the owner of If an electric scooter or other mobility device meets the the wheelchair, to determine the best means of securement. physical specifications of a common wheelchair as defined by the DOT’s ADA regulations, it must be treated as a com- Does a wheelchair user have to use the seatbelt and mon wheelchair. shoulder harness? Under the broad non-discrimination provisions in Section May a transit operator require common wheelchairs be 37.5 of the DOT’s ADA regulations, a transit operator is not secured to the vehicle? permitted to mandate the use by wheelchair users of seat- Yes, provided that the transit operator has established such belts and shoulder harnesses, unless the operator mandates a policy. Section 37.165(c)(3) of the DOT’s ADA regula- the use of these devices by all passengers, including those tions allows a transit operator to establish a policy that re- sitting in vehicle seats. For example, on fixed route buses, if quires all riders to have their common wheelchairs secured none of the other passengers are required to wear shoulder while aboard a transit vehicle. Therefore, the operator may belts, then neither can the person in the mobility device be decline to provide service to a rider who refuses to allow his required to do so. or her common wheelchair to be secured. Alternatively, transit operators may adopt a policy that allows common Transit operators may establish a policy that requires the wheelchairs to ride unsecured. If the rider wishes his or her seatbelt and shoulder harness to be used by all riders, in- wheelchair to be secured, however, the operator’s personnel cluding those who use wheelchairs as well as those who use must provide the requested assistance. vehicle seats, if seatbelts and shoulder harnesses are pro- vided at all seating locations. In some cases, state law could What kinds of securement equipment must be pro- require an operator to adopt such a policy. vided? Section 38.23(d) of the DOT’s ADA regulations requires all ADA-compliant vehicles to have a two-part securement system, one to secure the common wheelchair, and a seat- Continued on page 5

Page 3 WisDOT News & Notes

“News and Notes” is a segment written by WisDOT staff for the RTAP newsletter to provide information and updates geared to WisDOT subrecipients of various State and Federal programs. Program and Grants Information

5311 and 85.20 Applications: The applications for Operating and Capital Assistance under Federal Section 5311 and State Section 85.20 were released in mid-August. Aid applications for recipients wishing to receive funds through Section 5311 must be returned to Wis- DOT by October 15. Among the changes to look for in this year’s applications; information on Title VI requirements, Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting, complementary paratransit plans, and addi- tional ADA paratransit funding. If you have further questions regarding your 5311 application, please contact Ian Ritz (608-267-6680; [email protected]) or Jake Miller (608-264-7335; [email protected] ). New Intercity Bus Services: 5310/85.21 Update: WisDOT is supporting five new intercity bus routes across The 5310 and 85.21 applications are scheduled to be re- Wisconsin with State and Federal dollars. This new service leased in early September. The 85.21 application will be due started this summer, allowing riders to go from Madison to December 31, and 5310 is due February 6, 2012. We would Green Bay, Madison to Wausau, Madison to Dubuque, Eau also like to remind you that 5310 is intended to cover needs Claire to Duluth, and Hurley to Duluth. Two additional sup- through September 2013, as it is a two-year grant cycle. For ported routes – Madison to La Crosse and Milwaukee to further questions about these grants, please contact Tom Minneapolis via Green Bay – are continuations of existing Robinson at (608)266-0560, or service. For more information about these routes and other [email protected]. intercity bus service, please visit http:// Kenosha Area Transit Streetcar www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/transit/intercity.htm. Funding for Fixed-Route Paratransit: The new state budget included $2.5 million dollars in each of the next 2 years for paratransit services on fixed-route transit systems. As a result, WisDOT has deter- mined a distribution for 2012 which includes $670,000 to be split among 17 Tier B and C systems that offer fixed-route paratransit. WisDOT will distribute these funds to the transit systems in early 2012. 2011 Maintenance Reviews: WisDOT will be performing its triennial on-site maintenance reviews of all grantees with federally-funded assets. The 2011 reviews will be scheduled in September, and the visits will be conducted between late September and December. The focus of the 2011 reviews will be 5309, 5310, and 5317 program grantees located in Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Rusk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties.

If you own any active FTA-funded assets such as vehicles or facilities, WisDOT is required to have a copy of your latest maintenance plan on file. WisDOT staff is in the process of collecting maintenance plans that are missing from its collec- tion. If you are unsure whether your plan has been submitted, or if you need help creating one, please contact Steve Hirshfeld at (608)267-0209 or [email protected].

STRAP: New Bureau Director: Those of you who are current recipients of STRAP (Section Adam Boardman has accepted the position of Director of 5314) assistance will be asked to provide your plans for the Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Railroads and Harbors transit service for 2012. The amount of STRAP funding (BTLRH). Prior to joining BTLRH, Adam served as the available is undetermined at this time, but it appears it will Chief of Program Development and Analysis in DOT’s Bu- be sufficient to fund current projects for another year, if the reau of State Highway Programs for the last five years. A recipients so desire. long-time WisDOT employee, Adam has also worked in DOT’s Division of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Policy, Budget and Finance. Adam officially assumed his new re- sponsibilities on August 29, and is looking forward to meet- ing with transit providers and aid recipients during the Page 4 WURTA Conference on Wednesday, September 28. Wisconsin RTAP Newsletter New RTAP Website Now On-Line! (Continued from Page 1) Most respondents feel the newsletter and website are valuable resource tools, with an emphasis on the need for information specific to program and regulatory updates. More than 90% of respondents identified the Wisconsin RTAP scholarship program as the most valuable RTAP service.

Finally, the Wisconsin RTAP newsletter and website were identified as the two most valuable tools the RTAP programs has for communicating program information, regulatory updates, training opportunities and scholarship program informa- tion. A more detailed overview of the needs assessment will be provided by the RTAP staff at the upcoming WURTA Conference in September.

The RTAP newsletter will continue to focus on all of the above elements in an on-going effort to meet the training and technical assistance needs of Wisconsin transportation providers. If you would like to recommend a topic or idea for an article, submit a question for Dear RTAP, or would like to have your system featured as part of “Peer Connection,” please contact Julie Schafer, RTAP Coordinator, at (855)299-1460. Julie can also answer your training questions or any general questions about the Wisconsin RTAP Program.

Dear RTAP (Continued from Page 3) Can an operator refuse to carry a person with a disabil- What kind of services must transit personnel provide? ity, especially a person using an electric scooter that Because safe and nondiscriminatory transportation is the meets the definition of a "common wheelchair," because responsibility of the transit operator, Section 37.173 of the of higher insurance rates or liability concerns? DOT’s ADA regulations requires transit operators to train No. Section 37.5(g) of the DOT’s ADA regulations prohib- their personnel to properly assist and treat individuals with its an operator from denying service to an individual with a disabilities with sensitivity, and to operate vehicles and disability because its insurance company conditions cover- equipment safely. This includes training personnel to use age or rates on the absence of individuals with disabilities the accessibility equipment and to accommodate the differ- or persons who use common wheelchairs. ent types of common wheelchairs. Attendant-type services (e.g., carrying passengers, personal baggage, or suitcases) Can a transit operator require a person to transfer from are not required, but assistance with boarding and disem- a wheelchair to a vehicle seat? barking, including pushing a manual wheelchair up a par- No. Section 37.165(e) of the DOT’s ADA regulations al- ticularly steep ramp, is required. lows persons who use wheelchairs to transfer to a vehicle seat, if one is available. Such a move is the rider’s decision What if the accessibility equipment is missing or not and the transit operator cannot force a rider to transfer to a working? vehicle seat, although the transit operator can suggest a Section 37.161 of the DOT’s ADA regulations requires transfer in a non-coercive way. transit operators to maintain and repair the accessibility equipment. Section 37.163 requires public transit operators Additional information concerning the ADA and public to establish a schedule or system to ensure regular and fre- transit is available at http://www.fta.dot.gov/ quent maintenance checks and to take a vehicle out of ser- civil_rights.html. You may also submit ADA questions di- vice to repair or replace any broken or missing equipment rectly to FTA at [email protected]. before returning the vehicle to service. In some instances, a transit operator must provide alternative accessible trans- Many of these questions are posed during Passenger Assis- portation if the accessibility equipment is not present or not tance Techniques (PAT) training. PAT training serves to working. meet the Federal ADA requirement of training drivers to proficiency in the safe use of vehicle lifts and securement Does a common wheelchair need brakes in order to use devices. It is also used to properly train drivers on how to public transit? assist and communicate with persons with disabilities. To No. The DOT ADA regulations’ definition of a common schedule a PAT class, please contact the RTAP staff by wheelchair does not include a requirement for brakes or any calling (855)299-1460. other equipment. A transit operator may not deny transpor- Resources: TCR Federal Transit Administra- 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE tation to a wheelchair user because the wheelchair does not tion ,Office of Civil Rights Washington, DC 20590 have brakes or the user does not choose to set the brakes. East Building – 5th Floor, www.fta.dot.gov

Page 5 Peer Connection Meet Maritime Metro Transit The Wisconsin RTAP Newsletter will routinely include a “Peer Connection” article. Our first peer system is Maritime Metro Transit, the host system to the 2011 WURTA Conference. If you would like to recommend your system or another system to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, please contact Julie Schafer at: [email protected].

Maritime Metro Transit operates six fixed routes throughout Manitowoc and Two Rivers and offers an inexpensive trans- portation option to work, school, and everywhere in between. The City of Manitowoc began management and operation of Manitowoc Transit System’s fixed route service in 1978, changing the name to Maritime Metro Transit in 1999. In 1992, the system initiated paratransit service, offering curb-to-curb service. The paratransit service is still a very impor- tant component of Maritime Metro, however, the paratransit service is now contracted with a local provider.

In 2008, Maritime Metro experienced a 16-year high in ridership providing over 330,000 trips that year. In 2010, rider- ship totals were over 310,000 trips, with senior trips and trips for individuals with disabilities accounting for 35.5% of those trips.

Meet Derek Muench, the City of Manitowoc’s combined Transit Manager/Cemetery Manager. This position, created when the City eliminated a public works position, was already in place when Derek was hired. Derek sees similarities between the two positions: customer service, budgeting, personnel management, and marketing. The City also employs a clerk who has job duties for both transit and the cemetery.

Derek welcomes the opportunity to host the WURTA Conference, stating, “The WURTA Conference is a great opportu- nity to see other systems, and hosting it is a great opportunity to show off the Manitowoc community.” Derek would like to extend an invitation to conference attendees to ride Maritime Metro. The host hotel is located on the bus route. Derek is also pleased to announce that they have been able to secure a special rate of $8.00 per person for WURTA Conference attendees wishing to visit the Maritime Museum, also on the Maritime Metro route. Derek has attended WURTA Confer- ences in other communities and acknowledges this as an opportunity for transit operators to come together to work through the tough issues everyone is facing right now.

When asked about exciting things happening at Maritime Metro, Derek was quick to mention Maritime Metro is one of four systems awarded ARRA grants for a facility. Maritime Metro is hoping to be in its new transfer facility by April 2012 and plans to break ground by the time the WURTA Conference is held. The transfer center will provide the follow- ing benefits:

• An increase in space from 2000 square feet to 3600 square feet • The ability to monitor routes and interact with passengers • A paratransit assessment area for in-person assessments • A lobby area with restrooms for passengers • Improved office space • A combination conference room/break room/training room

In addition to the listed benefits, Derek says the benefit he is most excited about is increased accessibility to the building and better access points for boarding and disembarking passengers. The current facility has five different grade levels, making it difficult for both passengers and drivers to effectively utilize the facility. In addition to an improved, accessible transit facility and more effective service, the community will also benefit from the construction jobs created as a result of this project.

Derek has another reason to be proud of Maritime Metro Transit. Maritime Metro implemented management tools and effectively prepared for the burden of funding reductions. Maritime Metro Transit projects it will be able to maintain cur- rent service levels with no reductions in 2012.

If you are not receiving this newsletter directly, or know of someone who is not currently receiving it, and would like to, please contact Zach Kincade ([email protected]). This publication is free.

Help is just a phone call away! Contact the Wisconsin RTAP Hotline at (855)299-1460 Page 6