KPTA President Beecher Hudson calls for a letter campaign to comment on the Charter Rules.
Subject: Request of State Delegates
Attached to this email are the sample letters that our Washington Office has sent out for responses to the FTA Charter rule that are due by April 15, 2 days before this years income tax deadline. Rather than attempt to get people to respond to all the complex issues raised in the rule, we drafted two letters one for 5311 operators and one for those non-rural providers operating less than 50 revenue vehicles as an alternative. These letters ask that exemptions to the rule be applied to these categories of service and service providers. I think it is consistent with the path to exemption that is currently built into much of the proposal. FTA showed a great deal of willingness to exempt the 5311’s as they did all the 5310’s.
Dale Marsico has suggested we contact you to get rural providers to cut and past this letter and send it into FTA or send it through the docket. Dale also believes a similar path exists for small urbans since they are similar in many ways to rural’s with limited administrative funds. Again, the exemption is consistent with the pass they get in the proposed rule for human service trips, demand response, fix route variations, etc. The simplest path is to just exempt all those under 50.
Opportunity to Comment on the New Charter Rules
Section 5307 Sample Comment Letter
Section 5311 Sample Comment Letter
From the desk of ..........
the KPTA President
I want to thank everyone for participating and making our Bi-Annual Conference one of the best ever. A special thanks goes out to Pam Shepherd our Conference Chair who did another outstanding job in putting on a 1st class conference. I want to thank Vickie Bourne and her staff from the Office of Transportation Delivery for all there help. A Big Thank You goes out to all our conference sponsors and vendors because without you our conference would not have been special. To all KPTA members and participating agencies thanks for a record attendance.
Please mark down on your calendars January 23-25, 2008. This is the date for the Annual KBT Conference. The conference will be held in Frankfort at the Capital Plaza Hotel and Frankfort Convention Center. As we receive more details on the conference I will have our KPTA secretary send an e-mail to all KPTA members.
As always, I want to thank the membership for there ongoing support of KPTA.
Sincerely,
Beecher Hudson
Beecher Hudson, KPTA President
Director of WHEELS Transportation
Louisville Red Cross
From the desk of ..........
the KPTA President
Spring is almost here and I want to remind everyone to register for the APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference in Nashville, Tenn. May 6-9. Don’t forget to register for the CTAA Expo and Conference May 19-25, 2007 in Reno, Nevada.
I want to congratulate (TARC) Transit Authority of River City and Paducah Transit on their recent award from DOT. The Department of Transportation awarded eight cities across the country for Intelligent Transportation Projects.
Finally it’s not too early to start planning to attend the 2007 KPTA Bi-Annual Conference in Lexington, KY on August 20-24, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. We need volunteers to assist with the Rodeo, Golf Tournament, Awards presentations, Registration, and many other committees’. Contact Pam Shepherd at (859)233-0066 and let her know what committee you want to serve on.
Sincerely,
Beecher Hudson
Beecher Hudson, KPTA President
Director of WHEELS Transportation
Louisville Red Cross
02/01/07
From Washington.
Appropriators
Restore
About
$4
Billion
To
FY
2007
Highway,
Transit
Funding
Senate and House appropriators agreed Jan. 30 to restore nearly $4 billion in authorized highway and transit funding as part of the year-long joint funding resolution for fiscal year 2007.
The move means federal highway programs will be funded at $39.1 billion, which is a $3.4 billion increase from FY 2006, if Congress approves the package.
The transit programs will be funded at $8.8 billion, a $474 million increase from FY 2006.
The funding levels are consistent with the authorization levels in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Previously, those increases became endangered when Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) indicated on Dec. 11 that they intended to pass a resolution freezing funding at FY 2006 levels as well as eliminating earmarks.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) credited a large bipartisan effort in both chambers for influencing the outcome. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) circulated a letter of support for maintaining the authorized funding levels that received signatures from 72 senators. Oberstar and Mica sent a similar letter to the House Appropriations Committee that was signed by the 75 members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
"Solidarity had its effect," Oberstar said. "We asked them to fully fund us and they did."
The House is expected to take up the resolution on Jan. 31 while the Senate is expected to act during the week of Feb. 5.
"This matter should have been settled last year, but the last Congress failed to do its job and left a mess for us to clean up," Oberstar said.
Mica said the lost funding would have been "a disaster" for states and local communities dealing with growing congestion.
Nominations are being accepted for National RTAP Board. Click here for the nomination form. Ends April 1, 2007.
Submitted by Sue Jeffers
UNITED WE RIDE (Grants Available)
Attached is the most recent United We Ride Newsletter. Please review it for the latest updates and visit for ongoing information to assist you with coordination of transportation services.
Apply for the Mobility Planning Services Institute to help strengthen accessible transportation in your community Medicaid - Washington Post Examines Governors' Continued Focus on Medicaid Reform - The Washington Post on Tuesday examined how Medicaid reform remains the "top legislative priority" of governors nationwide amid concerns that the federal government "has not gotten the message." Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), respectively the current and past chairs of the National Governors Association, last month presented to Congress ... continue (read the article)
Shared bus specifications from California for 30 foot buses. .doc (Opens in a new window)
Bourne Reacts to Fuel Shortage and Higher Fuel Costs
Hurricane Katrina has effected all of America and Kentucky is no exception. Ms. Vickie Bourne, Executive Director of the KYTC Office of Transportation Delivery has issued a notice to transit systems to be conservative with fuel by limiting the hours of transit operations.
In an email to transit systems, Bourne wrote, "Due to increased fuel costs, please be advised that you will adhere strictly to regulatory required minimum operating hours. During this time, Non-urgent transportation will only be required from 6 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 1 pm on Saturday for Medicaid recipients. This policy will be monitored and adjustments made accordingly if unforeseen results occur. Please insure that timely notices are provided to all recipients and providers affected by this measure."
The Brokers for Human Service Transportation Delivery were notified on 09/07/05.
Please see the below link to be enrolled with Medicaid in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama to assist the Displaced Persons that may arrive in your area.
Kentucky: Cabinet for Health and Family Services or , Alabama Provider Forms, Louisiana Provider Packet, Mississippi Provider Forms
October 24, 2005
Subject: RE: 15-Passenger Van Driver Training Program
NHTSA has released another 15 passenger van warning in the form of a newspaper or newsletter release.
New Safety Advisory on 15-Passenger Vans IssuedFifteen-passenger vans are more likely to be involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash than any other type of vehicle. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an updated safety advisory on these vehicles. In fact, this 2005 advisory marks the 4th time in just 5 years that NHTSA has issued a safety warning on these vehicles.
The good news is that such consumer alerts and educational efforts are apparently working to help reduce fatalities in 15-passenger van rollover
crashes. The proof is in the numbers: The percent of 15-passenger van occupant fatalities that occur as a result of rollover crashes is down from a high of 81% in 2000 to 52% in 2003.Still, more needs to be done to alert operators of these vehicles' high center of gravity - particularly when fully loaded - and their increased chance of rollover. NHTSA is continuing to work to get the word out about this increased rollover risk, as well as what can be done to mitigate it.
(Example Notice)
For more information, including free copies of 15-passenger van safety hangtags, as well as the latest NHTSA research and analysis, please visit the agency's web site at: www.nhtsa.gov. Hangtags can also be ordered at no cost by contacting NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline directly at 888-327-4236.
Organizations <such as "insert" your group> that use 15-passenger vans to transport students, seniors, sports groups or other members, need to be informed about how to reduce rollover risks, avoid potential dangers, and better protect occupants in the event of a rollover crash. These NHTA recommended 15-passenger van safety precautions include the following:
1) Keep your passenger load light. NHTSA research has shown that 15-passenger vans have a rollover risk that increases dramatically as the number of occupants increases from fewer than five to more than ten. In fact, 15-passenger vans (with 10 or more occupants) had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that were lightly loaded.
2) Check your van's tire pressure frequently - at least once a week. A just-released NHTSA study found that 74 percent of all 15-passenger vans had improperly inflated tires. By contrast, 39 percent of passenger cars had improperly inflated tires. Improperly inflated tires can change handling characteristics, increasing the prospect of a rollover crash in 15-passenger vans.
3) Require all occupants to use their seat belts or the appropriate child restraint. Nearly 80% of those who have died nationwide in 15-passenger vans were not buckled up. Wearing seat belts dramatically increases the chances of survival during a rollover crash.
4) If at all possible, seat passengers & place cargo forward of the rear axle -and avoid placing any loads on the roof. By following these guidelines, you'll lower the vehicle's center of gravity and lower the chance of a rollover crash.
5) Be mindful of speed and road conditions. The analysis of 15-passenger van crashes also shows that the risk of rollover increases significantly at speeds over 50 miles per hour and on curved roads.
6) Only qualified drivers should be behind the wheel. Special training and experience are required to properly operate a 15-passenger van. Make sure your driver or drivers have both - and only operate these vehicles when well rested and fully alert.
KPTA Meets the Secretary of Transportation
July 13, 2005 - KPTA President Beecher Hudson, Pam Shepherd and Shirley Cummins met with Vickie Bourne and the Secretary of Transportation William Nighbert at the Office of Transportation Delivery in Frankfort. President Hudson explained to the Secretary the role of KPTA and its membership representation of transit systems and advocates for public transit throughout the Commonwealth. Secretary Nighbert will be the guest speaker at the KYTC/KPTA Conference Opening Reception/Dinner 08/16/05 at 6:30 p.m.
Reauthorization Almost Complete
Coming Soon By the time you are reading this, House and Senate negotiators will have finalized their conference recommendations on H.R. 3, the "TEA-LU" highway and transit reauthorization. For an update, read Capitol Clips on the Director's Page of this web site.
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PUBLIC AUCTION
OVER 275 Vehicles
1 DAY ONLY!
WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2005 (Doors Open 8:00 a.m.) (Pre-Registration on Monday, September 12, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
WHERE: Transportation Cabinet Division of Fleet Management
T-1 Garage - Barrett Avenue - Frankfort, KY
For a complete vehicle listing and other details, visit our Web site http://finance.ky.gov/internal/surplus/auction.htm or call Steve Minter, John Spicer, or Tommy Hayes at 502-564-9943.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Somerset Intermodal Transportation Center Environmental Assessment is open for public review and comment for an extended 30 day period. Hard copies of the assessment are available for review and comment at the following locations: KY Transportation Cabinet, 200 Mero Street; 3rd Floor, Office of Transportation Delivery, Frankfort, KY 40622; Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated, (RTEC) subgrantee, 100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456; The Somerset City Hall office of Reece Patterson, Somerset, KY and the Somerset Public Library during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm EST until Monday April 10, 2006. Comments will be accepted until April 10, 2006. If you have any questions, please call RTEC at 606.256.9835. Please ask for Shirley Cummins or David Sowder.
This Public Notice ends April 10, 2006.
Primary Seat Belt Rallies
|
Update on Primary Seat Belt for the KPTA Website Do we have any feedback on the public transit side? Thanks
From:
Thacker,
Miranda
(KYTC)
PRIMARY SEAT BELT RALLIES SCHEDULED THROUGHOUT KENTUCKY FRANKFORT, KY (February 22, 2006) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is coordinating rallies in support of a primary seat belt law in cities across the commonwealth. These rallies are in conjunction with a kick-off event at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on February 7th which hundreds of people attended. At the Frankfort event, Governor Ernie Fletcher told the crowd “two out of three people killed in highway crashes last year were not wearing a seat belt. We know a primary seat belt law will save more than 60 lives in the first year alone. Some of those saved could be your family members or mine.” Governor Fletcher continued saying “this issue is about saving lives. It’s time for a primary seat belt law.” Students, parents, teachers, business and civic leaders, homemakers, members of the medical community, law enforcement officers, safety advocates, elected officials and others are taking part in the local rallies. The theme for the events includes the slogan “Saved by the Belt—Buckle Up Kentucky!” Events are on-going in all twelve Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway Districts. Successful events have taken place in Franklin, Elizabethtown, Edgewood and Somerset. Other events are scheduled as follows: · Friday, February 24: 10:00AM - Morehead State University, Morehead 1:00PM - Kosair Children’s Hospital, Louisville 1:00PM - Hal Rogers Center, Hazard · Monday, February 27: 10:00AM - Georgetown/Scott County EMS Headquarters, Georgetown 10:00AM - Eastern Kentucky Expo Center, Pikeville · Tuesday, February 28: 10:00AM - South Laurel High School, London · Monday, March 6: 9:30AM - Henderson City-County Ambulance Service, Henderson · Friday, March 10: 1:00PM - South Livingston Elementary School, Smithland “Passing a primary seat belt law is the single most important thing we can do to put the brakes on fatalities,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “The state ranks 47th nationally in seat belt usage. Lives are at stake. We must do better.” Recent research from the University of Kentucky’s Transportation Center and from the Kentucky Institute of Medicine revealed some startling projections concerning the impact a primary seat belt law would have on Kentucky families and the state’s economy. Some of highlights include:
The recently approved federal highway reauthorization bill includes another incentive for a primary seat belt law. Under the federal bill, if Kentucky adopts a primary seat belt law, the state will get an additional $11.2 million in federal funds to use for safety improvements on state roads. House Bill 86 (HB 86), the primary seat belt bill, is expected to come up for another vote by the House of Representatives soon.
Miranda
Thacker
|
|
OTD Encourages DBE Utilization |
|
Senior Transportation |
|
The information contained in the link contains an article that addresses the growing problem of transportation for senior citizens. It is an interesting concept. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0207/p03s03-ussc.html If anyone knows of any existing programs like this in Kentucky, contact a Project Manager or Vickie Bourne at KY Office of Transportation Delivery (502)564-RIDE. |
Thank you for visiting KPTA's Web Site!
December 12, 2006
from the desk of ......
the KPTA President
Congratulations to Shirley Cummins, Paula Cissell, Kristi Broyles, Pam Shepherd, Mona Whitaker and Jodi Alford. These ladies were the Conference Committee that put together our Fall Mini Conference that was a tremendous success. I want to thank everyone who attended and a great KPTA Thank You goes out to Office of Transportation Delivery, Ilderton Dodge, Inc., American Bus, Inc., and National Bus Sales, Inc. Without these sponsors our conference would not have been the success it was.
Please don’t forget to register for the Kentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT) Conference that will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort, Ky. January 24-26, 2007. Our KPTA bi-monthly meeting will be held that Friday morning with a breakfast sponsored by KBT. The meeting will be at the hotel with breakfast being served at 8:00 a.m.
I want to thank everyone for a successful year in 2006 as we move toward the New Year. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and a joyous new year.
Sincerely,
Beecher Hudson
Beecher Hudson, KPTA President
Director of WHEELS Transportation
Louisville Red Cross
from the desk of ......the KPTA President
We are requesting that you please support Senator Hutchison or Congressman Pitts efforts to restore funding flexibility and co-sponsor HR 6097 for public transportation. A sample letter in Word format is available or write your own. Please let me know of your efforts toward this vital piece of legislation.
From the desk of the President . . . Beecher Hudson January 2006
The 2006 Ky. General Assembly is in session and is moving full steam ahead on many bills and on a two year budget plan. The KPTA is keeping a close watch on the KEEP expanded gambling bill, the graduated driver’s license bill, and the primary seat belt law. Our Attorney/ Lobbyist Oliver Barber is in Frankfort everyday working on our behalf. It is very important that when we contact you and ask you to contact your legislature that you do so immediately. The following are Toll Free numbers: Legislative Message Line 1-800-372-7181, Bill Status Line 1-877-257-5541, and the Meeting Information Line 1-800-633-9650. Please remember that we need every one’s help in advancing public transportation in the Commonwealth.
I had the privilege of attending the State Public Transit Partnerships Conference in Denver Colorado the week of July 26-28, 2006. Most of the buzz was about State DOT’s, Transit Agencies and State Associations commenting on and implementing the new requirements of SAFTEA-LU. For those of you who are interested in commenting the comment period closes September 7, 2006. I gave the FTA my comments while I was in Denver. It’s important that FTA hears your comments on the changes that have taken place with the new regulations. The other buzz was about Coordination of Human Services as directed by President Bush United We Ride Initiative. All Local areas must have a coordinated plan because eventually it could affect our Federal funding if a framework for coordination is not in place.
Finally, I want to encourage all KPTA members to attend our Kentucky Transit Fall Mini Conference to be held October18-20, 2006 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort Kentucky. Contact Shirley Cummins or Pam Shepherd for more information.
Hope to see everyone there!
Kentucky Public Transit Conference
The Kentucky Public Transit Association (KPTA) Conference will be held August 20 - 24, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Pam Shepherd, FTSB is planning the Conference and can be reached by calling 859-233-0066.
We need Vendors! Let your Vendors Know about the Trade Show:
From the desk of Pam Shepherd, Conference Chair . . .
June 4, 2007 - Information from Pam Shepherd:
Nominations for KPTA's best driver, dispatcher or volunteer of the year are being accepted. The Nomination form can be downloaded here.
To qualify, the forms must be returned by June 22, 2007. No nominations will be considered after this date. Send nominations to Shirley Lewis at Cumberland Valley Area Development District, P. O. Box 1740, London, KY 40743-1740, Fax - 606/878-7361, email - slewis@cvadd.org
Committee Members are: Shirley Lewis, Barbara Chaney, and Jodi Alford
I hope everyone will be able to attend the conference and bring as many employees as possible. We also need Roadeo judges, if you would like to be a judge contact Wanda Trimble at 502-695-4290 ext. 217. Pam Shepherd Executive Director, Federated Transportation Services of the Bluegrass, Inc. 859-233-0066 Fax 859-233-1668
Program Committee: Pam Shepherd, Paula Cissell, Pam Whitter, Dan Lanham, Shirley Cummins
Bob Owens will be our guest speaker for the Kentucky Public Transit Conference on Thursday, August 23, 2007, 2-3 p.m. Visit his web site at http://bobowen.biz
DEADLINE FOR ROADEO REGISTRATION IS JULY 20, 2007 DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM
Make registration checks payable to KPTA, Mail to attn: Pam Shepherd, FTSB, 1460 Newtown Pike, Suite 209, Lexington, KY 40511.
If you have any questions you can call Beecher Hudson at (502) 561-3631 or Wanda Trimble at (502) 695-4290 ext 217.
DOWNLOAD THE ROADEO 2007 GUIDE
KENTUCKY PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
Hotel Reservations
August 20 - 24, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center in Lexington, Kentucky
Reserve your rooms now for $99 (tell them you are attending the KPTA Conference)
Call 1-859-253-1234
Please submit a registration form for each individual attending the conference and if you have are any questions please contact Pam Shepherd by calling FTSB at 1-859-233-0066.
2007 Conference Door Prizes
Once again, we are asking our members to donate the door prizes to be given during the conference. Each agency is being asked to follow the KPTA tradition and bring a cellophane wrapped basket containing items from your transit area or a framed print. Minimum value should be $50.00. If there are any questions, call Shirley Cummins at RTEC 1-606-256-9835 Ext # 229
Vendors may also donate a door prize (minimum value $50.00) to be included with the KPTA drawing for prizes, or have a drawing at their booth for any value prize. Thank you for your participation.
GOVERNOR FLETCHER REMOVING TOLLS
ON NATCHER AND AUDUBON PARKWAYS
Tolls come off Wednesday, November 22, 2006
“These are the last parkway system toll roads in Kentucky,” said Governor Fletcher. “For far too long people have said this area is the only place in Kentucky that you have to pay to get in to and pay to get out of. We are changing that effective Wednesday, November 22nd. By removing the tolls we are clearing a path for new jobs and economic opportunities throughout this entire region.” Read the Press Release ...
Jeffers Retires - Trimble is new BUS Director
Sue Jeffers, officially retired from her position at BUS at the end of July. Jeffers has been very active in both KPTA and CTAA and has served as President and Vice President for more than one term each at KPTA. Jeffers has served as the Kentucky Delegate to CTAA for the past several years. We congratulate Ms. Jeffers in her retirement.
Wanda Trimble is the new Transportation Director of Bluegrass Ultratransit Service (BUS), under the auspice of Bluegrass Community Action Partnership. Trimble is no stranger to public transportation and will assume her duties on August 1, 2006. The KPTA Board of Directors and Membership welcome and congratulate Wanda Trimble in her promotion.
Governor Commends House Committee for Passage of Primary Seat Belt Bill - February 13, 2006
New Law Aims to Get Uninsured Motorists off the Road - December 12, 2005
Saved by the Belt - Snow Plow Driver Unhurt in Fiery Crash - February 21, 2006
Hudson Elected as KY Delegate to CTAA
October 18, 2005
During the KPTA Meeting held at Bluegrass Community Partnership it was announced by Sue Jeffers that Beecher Hudson has successfully been elected to serve on the CTAA Board and as the Kentucky State Delegate.
Jeffers nominated Hudson and he received full support of the KPTA membership. "Beecher Hudson has been actively involved with CTAA for several years. As KPTA's President and his ongoing efforts to keep the KPTA Membership informed of issues on the National level, Hudson will make you a good leader," stated Jeffers.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, OPEN YOUR BROWSER
As previously anticipated, FTA has established a procedure for requesting administrative relief following national or regional emergencies. According to a notice in the January 31, 2007, Federal Register, if it should happen that FTA grantees and subrecipients feel they have been affected by an emergency and need relief, they should go to the FTA website, www.fta.dot.gov, and determine if an "Emergency Relief Docket" has been opened. If so, they should use that docket as the means to petition for relief.
LOOKING TO LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS?
The Community
Transportation Association is pleased to announce
that it will convene the 2007 Institute for
Transportation Coordination this summer, in
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRANSPORTATION CABINET THINKS "LARGE" WITH NEW SAFETY PROGRAM
Online Driver Safety Course Offers 15-Passenger Van Training
FRANKFORT, KY (December 27, 2005) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced today that it has implemented a new driver safety program which serves those who need to operate 15-passenger vans. The Cabinet is now offering this comprehensive online driver safety program in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Center and the National Safety Council.
"This offering underscores the commitment which Governor Fletcher and I have made to all Kentuckians," said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. "Highway safety is a top priority in this administration. Engineering and safety improvements for our highway system are key components to any driver safety strategy. Equally important are our public awareness campaigns and education programs like this one."
The new course, "Coaching the Van Driver II", highlights the differences between vans and cars and teaches drivers how to compensate for those differences. The course focuses on such basics as backing and blind spots, as well as safe stopping points, and drop off procedures when transporting passengers.
Participation in this training program is mandatory for any state employee who drives one of the state fleet's 15-passenger vans. In fact, after January 1, 2006, no state employee will be permitted to drive a 15-passenger van without having completed the course.
"Coaching the Van Driver II" will also be offered to local government employees, consultant and contractor personnel, colleges, churches, and the general public. "This particular driver safety program narrows the focus of driver education to those who need to use these larger vehicles," added Secretary Nighbert. "In more than one sense, we're thinking large here, and not just in terms of the size of the vehicle. We're thinking of the extent to which this course will affect overall public safety as a result of strengthening skills for all drivers of large vans."
Registration for this online driver safety program is available at Van Driver Coaching Program.
For more information please contact the Kentucky Transportation Center (Ms. Patsy Anderson or Ms. Martha Horseman) by calling 800/432-0719 or (859) 257-4513.
You may also submit registration by mail: Kentucky Transportation Center Technology Transfer, 176 Raymond Bldg. Lexington, KY 40506-0281
Georgia - For a complete description, click on the hyperlink New Job Opportunities:
Chatham Area Transit Authority
900 E. Gwinnett Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Past Issues of "Capitol Clips" from CTAA
| APR 20, 2005 | MAY 20, 2005 | JUN 2005 | JUL 2005 |
| AUG 5, 2005 | AUG 18, 2005. | AUG 26, 2005 | OCT 7, 2005 |
| OCT 23, 2005 | NOV 4, 2005 |
Jeffers shares the United We Ride Newsletter, Fall 2005 announcing United we Ride State Coordination Grants Available and other news.
From: rweaver@apta.com [
mailto:rweaver@apta.com]Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 12:55 PM
To: Beecher Hudson
Subject: CLICK HERE APTA Draft Comments on FTA Proposed Guidance for Non-Urban Programs
Importance: High
Dear Members, APTA State Affairs Committee:
Please take a moment to read APTA Draft comments. We coordinated comments with AASHTO. We need your input as soon as possible. Thanks again and look forward to your input.
Rich Weaver
Archived 12/12/06
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Morgan County Transit Facility and Parking Garage Environmental Assessment is open for public review and comment for an extended 30 day period. Hard copies of the assessment are available for review and comment at the following locations: KY Transportation Cabinet, 200 Mero Street; 3rd Floor, Office of Transportation Delivery, Frankfort, KY 40622; L.K.L.P. Community Action Council, Inc., subgrantee, 14 Logan Drive, Jeff, KY 41751, during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm EST until Thursday, November 30, 2006. Comments will be accepted until November 30, 2006. If you have any questions, please call L.K.L.P. at 606-439-0329. Please ask for Charlie Cornett or Martha Amburgey.
Kentucky Public Transit Provider
Transportation Services Assessment.
Please fill out the informational survey for the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities. Sue Jeffers and Pam Shepherd met with Pat Seybold to put together this survey. The KCDD is wanting to work with the transportation providers to provide the best service as possible for their clients. Please send this information back to Pam Shepherd as soon as possible. If you have any questions let me know. Thanks. Get the form here!
Kentucky Transit Providers who have questions about the assessment or need additional copies should contact Sue Jeffers by phone 502- 695-4290 ext 214 or Pam Shepherd at 859-233-0066. Return the completed forms to Sue Jeffers, Transportation Director, Bluegrass Community Action Partnership, P.O. Box 738, Frankfort, KY 40602 or send by email to Pam Shepherd at FTSB.
RECONCILIATION: GOOD FOR COMMUNITY TRANSIT
Excerpts from Capitol Clips 11/04/05
..... Two sections of the House budget reconciliation bill are especially important to us.
Sec. 3125 would amend the Medicaid program to allow states to provide non-emergency medical transportation through brokerages or other arrangements. The federal share of these expenses would be at the generally higher "medical services" rate, but with no requirements for states to have "freedom-of-choice" or other waivers. This change will allow more Medicaid beneficiaries to get the transportation they need to and from doctors and other medical services, and will allow this transportation to be provided in ways that the Congressional Budget Office has estimated will actually save the federal government some money.
Sec. 8117 of the House budget reconciliation bill is part of a complete reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. There are numerous transit-friendly provisions of the House TANF legislation, but this section is the most significant, as it would allow states to use TANF funds to help support transportation and child care services without regard to the time limits associated with other TANF benefits or expenses.
Read "Capitol Clips" on this topic in its entirety on the Director's page.
MOTOR CARRIER AGENCY NAMES NAME
Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a long ways off from finalizing its rules that affect community transportation services that operate across state lines or that "interline" with interstate bus operations, they have addressed one of our association's important concerns in this often-convoluted regulatory arena.
Recently, FMCSA tasked a particular individual, Ms. Myrtle Lane, to be their point person for handling rural public transit registrations with this agency. Ms. Lane's direct phone line is 202-493-0347.
FMCSA and the Federal Transit Administration both encourage affected or concerned public transit providers to contact Ms. Lane with questions about how to register as a motor carrier with FMCSA, and how to comply with their transit-specific statutory features. Until a final rule is issued on FMCSA's new registration system, it is important to note that the FMCSA website and the information provided to FMCSA division offices in the states do not accurately reflect the transit language that took effect with the 1995 Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act. Therefore, all transit questions and issues should be directed specifically to Ms. Lane.
Subject: GOVERNOR FLETCHER APPOINTS MEMBER TO THE STATE BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Governor Ernie Fletcher’s Communications Office
For Immediate Release February 1, 2006 Contact: Brett Hall, Jodi Whitaker , Troy Body 502-564-2611
GOVERNOR FLETCHER APPOINTS MEMBER TO
THE STATE BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed Deborah B. Moses, of Williamsburg, to the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Moses is the manager of administrative programs for TECO Coal Corporation. She received a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from the University of Kentucky. She is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers. Moses is also a licensed registered environmental manager, Tennessee registered engineer, Kentucky professional engineer and Kentucky professional land surveyor.
The State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is made up of nine members appointed by the governor. The board regulates and controls the licensing and conduct of engineers and land surveyors within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
From the desk of ......
Vickie S. Bourne
Since we currently do not have any arrangements with Greyhound and our 5311 rural transit agencies, this will not apply. However, it may be interesting to KPTA members. Some states give Greyhound their Intercity Bus 5311 funds for intercity services.
From:
Ted Knappen
[mailto:ted@tckrep.com]
Sent:
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 8:07 AM
Subject:
insurance
As you know, Greyhound has been studying the issue of what insurance level is appropriate to require a transit agency to carry in order to access Greyhound terminals and/or to interline with Greyhound. Greyhound wants to encourage the development of rural transit services which connect or interline with Greyhound while at the same time maintaining adequate insurance protection. Thus, Greyhound is adopting the following policy with regard to insurance levels for rural transit agencies that physically operate in only one state, but connect or interline with Greyhound's interstate service. Greyhound will require automobile liability insurance in the greater amount of that required by the state in which the agency operates, or the following based on vehicle size:
- A Combined Single Limit for injury or damage in any one accident of $1.5 Million for vehicles having a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less.
- A Combined Single Limit for injury or damage in any one accident of $2.0 Million for vehicles having a seating capacity of 16 to 30 passengers.
- A Combined Single Limit for injury or damage in any one accident of $5.0 Million for vehicles having a seating capacity of greater than 30 passengers.
Additionally, Greyhound requires General Liability Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $1.0 Million.
We expect that most rural transit agency services will be performed in small buses with approximately a 25 passenger capacity. In such cases, Greyhound will only require $2 million in auto liability insurance (assuming the state does not have a higher limit), rather than the Federal $5 million limit.
If rural transit providers have any questions about these insurance standards, they should contact Greg Alexander at Greyhound (phone (972) 789-7532, email galexan@greyhound.com).
Please feel free to circulate this information however you think is best.
Ted
December 13, 2005
From the desk of....
Vickie Bourne
TRANSPORTATION CABINET ENCOURAGES USE OF "HOUSEHOLD TERMS"
CABINET ENDORSES USE OF STANDARDIZED TERMINOLOGY TO DESCRIBE WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS
FRANKFORT, KY (December 6, 2005) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has taken steps to establish uniform terminology when describing winter road conditions. "We want Kentuckians to become familiar with a few important phrases when dealing with wintry roads," said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. "A proliferation of terms or catchwords does not constitute the best recipe for effective mass communication, especially when the topic is as crucial as the status of our roads during harsh winter weather."
Weather related information on the condition of roads comes from every corner of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Transportation Operations Center (TOC), which is located in the Cabinet's Central Office Building in Frankfort, receives timely status reports from each of the Cabinet's twelve District Offices. The TOC is also frequently updated on road conditions by Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. Freeway management systems, including Artimis, which covers Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, and Trimarc, which covers Louisville, have a systematic connection with the Cabinet's information network. One of the responsibilities of the TOC is to maintain the Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS). With CARS the public can find accurate road condition information by using the 511 system, which is accessible by either telephone or the internet. CARS is currently being used by sixteen states.
Deputy State Highway Engineer Chuck Knowles said, "We're trying to develop a uniform set of phrases which will become 'household terms' for Kentuckians." When inclement weather descends upon the Commonwealth, Cabinet officials want to be able to communicate more efficiently with the public. "There should be absolutely no doubt about what we mean with any of our terminology," Knowles stated. "A good rule of thumb would be: 'If you hear it on 511, you'll hear the same terminology from the rest of us."
The following terminology will be routinely used by the Transportation Cabinet to inform the public about Winter Road Conditions:
Wet Pavement - The roadway is wet. Ice could form as temperatures drop.
Partly Covered - The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured.
Mostly Covered - The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions.
Completely Covered - The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush or ice and markings are obscured.
Impassable - Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.
"A better informed public means a safer public," said Secretary Nighbert. "We have a responsibility to provide all Kentuckians with the best road condition information we can possibly offer. That's what we're striving for here, 'household terms' that can lead to life-saving decisions."
Buckles Elected to the
KPTA Board
The newest member of the KPTA Board of Directors is Mike Buckles, Executive Director of Daniel Boone Development Council. Buckles was elected to the Board at the regular meeting of KPTA on July 19, 2005 to replace Lois O'Keefe following her resignation and retirement from TACK this year. Members welcome Mike Buckles to the Board.
Public Auction Listings
Spot bid sales to be held at the Division of Surplus Property Warehouse, 999 Chenault Road, Frankfort, KY, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on each of the following dates (the first or second Wednesday of the month.
| February 8 | March 1 | April 12 | |
| May 10 | June 7 | July 12 | August 2 |
| September 13 | October 4 | November 1 | December 6 |
The Finance and Administration Cabinet, Division of Surplus Property, will conduct a public spot bid sale of miscellaneous state-owned property on the dates and at the location listed above. Various types of personal property will be sold at each sale. Check this Web Site regularly for a listing of the types of property to be sold at each sale.
Kentucky Transit Systems who have Vehicles for Sale/Transfer
Vehicles for Sale to KY Transit Agencies SOLD
Kentucky River Foothills has excess FTA funded vehicles that are not being used. They are trying to find agencies in KY that would be willing to buy them for 10% of the fair market value. The list of vehicles in which they are trying to transfer or sell for the 10% can be accessed through this link.
For more information about the vehicles, contact Jodie Brandenburg, KY
River Foothills at telephone(859)624-2046 or send email. You may also send email to Kalem Juett at OTD.
FY 2006 RTEC's Vehicle Bid Award List
Bid Approvals for FY06 5309/5310 - Ms. Vickie S. Bourne, Office of Transportation Delivery has approved the vehicle bid award for RTEC. Download the list by following this link: FY 2006 Vehicle Bid Award List
Click here to submit your bid list to be posted on the KY Public Transit Web Site.
- 15 Passenger Off Center Aisle Photos - Click the photo to enlarge.
Kentucky Primary Seat Belt and Graduated Driver's License Legislation ......
NEED YOUR SUPPORTLegislators say they are hearing plenty from the opposition. Legislators want to hear from their constituents.
You can email them by pulling up your legislator from this site: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/whoswho.htmOr, you can call them at
1-800-372-7181 and leave a message. An operator will ask you for your name, county and the legislator(s) for whom you wish to leave a message (see attachment).Let’s save lives and reduce the severity of crashes on Kentucky highways!
The 2006 FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference will be held in Las Vegas, NV, March 20-21, 2006. This first national conference will be free to all conference attendees and will be two complete days in length. Read more .........
Kentucky Lifesavers Conference
Louisville, KY - Kentucky Lifesavers Conference
April 24-26-2006
CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
9700 Blue Grass Parkway, Louisville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Doug Hogan, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Public Affairs - Telephone (502) 564-3419
SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE APPROVES SPEED LIMIT INCREASE
