Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

What Is RTAP?

The Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) was initiated in 1986 by the Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. RTAP provides resources, training and technical assistance to rural public and community transportation systems throughout Georgia. The Georgia RTAP Center is administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Program Objectives

To promote the safe and effective operation of public transit systems while efficiently utilizing public and private resources
To develop state and local relationships to address the training and technical needs of the rural transit community
To continually improve the quality and availability of resources and technical assistance to rural transit systems
To encourage individual local transit operators to work together in solving mutual issues
To support the coordination of public, private and human service transit providers within a region

Who May Us the RTAP Center?

The Georgia RTAP Center’s materials and services are available to rural organizations in Georgia that are eligible to apply for Section 5310 and Section 5311 funds. They are also available to agencies under contract with the Community Transportation Coordinator to provide services in rural areas, or small urban areas with a population of 50,000 or less.

Technical Assistance

Information and technical assistance are available in a number of areas. Driver training, grants management, federal and state regulations, funding, vehicle maintenance, and risk management are just a few of the subjects on which we have resources available to you. How can you get this information? We have a vast and varied library housed at the RTAP Program offices. Books, videos, pamphlets and training modules are available for loan to eligible transit providers.

RTAP Scholarships

Small urban and rural transportation providers in Georgia can access RTAP funds directly to be reimbursed for individual training needs. These funds can be used for travel and registration fees at training programs, professional development seminars, training conferences, as well as for selected training materials. All Section 5311 operators and rural Section 5310 providers in Georgia are eligible for RTAP scholarships. Eligible operators must complete and return an RTAP scholarship application to GDOT for approval prior to attending a training activity. Current government lodging and per diem rates are available on-line.

Contacts

For additional information on the RTAP scholarship program, contact the following:

Steve Kish, Transit Program Manager
Georgia Department of Transportation
276 Memorial Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-651-9201 |404-657-4221 FAX
email: steve.kish

Beverly Fontenot, Training Coordinator
Georgia Department of Transportation
276 Memorial Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-463-7886
email:beverly.fontenot

Quick Links

Calendar of Events

Georgia DOT Contacts

State Transportation Board

Transportation Explorer (TREX)

Transportation Stats