Help your organization solve problems and improve services by taking advantage of these services available through the WSDOT Public Transportation Division:
- Training for transit systems and specialized transportation providers
- Training Scholarships
The Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) Training Scholarship Program covers tuition and limited expenses for training courses, workshops, and conferences.
- Technical Assistance
Our experienced staff is available to help you solve problems.
- Annual Conference
WSDOT's Public Transportation Conference & Expo provides training and networking opportunities for people involved in public transportation.
- Volunteer Drivers Guide
This guide to best practices assists organizations providing passenger transportation services to persons with special transportation needs.
- The Peer Review Program
Take advantage of our extensive network of industry contacts to arrange an expert peer review.
Training courses for transit systems and specialized transportation providers are developed by the Washington State Transportation Training Coalition (WSTTC).
The WSDOT Public Transportation Division provides training to agencies and organizations that are interested in applying for state and federal grants.
How do I find out about upcoming training?
For information on upcoming WSTTC training, check out the WSTTC Web site at http://www.wsttc.org/.
What is the WSTTC?
The Washington State Transportation Training Coalition was formed in 1997 with the goal of reducing training duplication and increasing cost-effectiveness. In addition to offering training, the coalition develops statewide training policies and manages the coalition's resources for training. The coalition includes representatives from the following organizations:
Other training needs?
If you have ideas for training that are not currently being offered, please contact one of the agencies of the WSTTC below:
- WSDOT - 360-705-7919
- WSTIP - 360-586-1800
- WSTA - 360-786-9734
- CTA-NW - 360-556-5856
There is help available with training expenses for Washington State rural and special transportation agency. Scholarships for qualified applicants covers tuition and limited expenses for training courses, workshops, and conferences.
We administer the RTAP (Rural Transportation Assistance Program) Scholarship Program with funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration. RTAP supports a variety of services including technical assistance and training to meet the specific needs of transportation operators in non-urbanized areas.
Examples of the technical assistance we provide:
- Answering specific questions by phone or via e-mail;
- Helping develop procurement specifications and procedures for equipment and facilities;
- Organizing community coordination;
- Interpreting policy guidelines;
- Reviewing and commenting on draft plans, environmental documents, and studies;
- Providing public speaking presentations on a variety of topics and issues.
These services are available as our staff time and budget allow.
The Peer Review Program is one key element of the support services offered by the WSDOT Public Transportation Division. Offered in partnership with the Washington State Transit Association and the Community Transportation Association of the Northwest, the Peer Review Program is available to all public transportation providers in the state.
Participation is voluntary and can encompass an entire agency or only one element and is initiated by a request to the Public Transportation Division.
For example, Intercity Transit (Olympia/Lacey) requested a peer review of its paratransit operation. WSDOT assembled a team of experts from other systems that performed on-site and off-site reviews of Intercity Transit's services. The peer review team produced a report containing 74 recommendations to save Intercity Transit money and improve performance.
"I strongly recommend the peer review process to all Washington transit systems," commented Mike Harbour, Intercity Transit General Manager. "Instead of a consultant report that sits on a shelf, we have a resource that is helping us improve service. We also have an expanded network of experts who are continuing to help us move forward."