Training
Texas Transit Association Statewide Training Initiative
TTA is now expanding access to educational resources by launching a Statewide training initiative covering the many obstacles that transit staff face, including funding, procurement, and regulatory compliance. This training opportunity is made possible with a grant through TxDOT.
To administer this program, TTA will work closely with Easterseals, which has over 34 years of experience developing and implementing training programs and workshops for rural, suburban, and urban transit agencies. This training curriculum will be designed and delivered to be relevant to transit providers at various levels of management, accounting, and procurement professionals, front-line supervisors, dispatchers/ call center staff, and drivers. It will incorporate best practices from both the public and the private sector.
All courses, workshops, and webinars, in-person or virtual, are designed to be interactive and participatory. These courses will be offered to Transit agencies in Texas at no cost, but space is limited, so make sure that you and your staff don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
Upcoming Training
TTA’s Upcoming Courses
These courses are offered to transit agencies in Texas at no cost by grant funding through TxDOT.
Maintenance Workshop
Post- Conference Sessions
Date: April 30 - May 1, 2026
Location: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401, RM. 106
4/30 Thursday: 1:30 -3:30 pm (2 Hours)
Troubleshooting Common Issues on Transit Bus Electrical Systems, Doors, and Interlock Systems – RM: 106
Description: This hands-on maintenance session will focus on diagnosing and resolving common defects related to transit bus electrical systems, entry doors, and interlock systems. Participants will review common failure points, learn practical troubleshooting techniques, and discuss defects that can affect vehicle safety and reliability. Designed for technicians and maintenance supervisors, this workshop will provide real-world tips to help keep vehicles in service and minimize downtime.
Presenter: Simmon Johnson
5/1 Friday: 8:30 - 12 pm (3.5 Hours)
Frontline Maintenance: Keeping Buses Safe, Accessible & Operational– RM: 106
Description: Join technicians and maintenance staff for a practical workshop focused on inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance for transit accessibility and mobility equipment. Led by industry experts from Wabtec Bus Solutions, and Thermo King, this session will cover common maintenance issues, best practices, and service tips to help keep critical bus systems safe, reliable, and road ready.
AI Workshop: The Smarter Way to Deploy (In-person)
Post- Conference Sessions
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401
Presenter: Stephen Kuban
Description:
Building on the teaser session, this interactive workshop provides hands-on experience with AI tools applied to an important challenge facing rural transit agencies: effective technology procurement. Participants will learn how to use AI to research software vendors, evaluate through scenarios, and make better technology decisions faster. What Participants Will Learn:
- How to use AI to research and compare transit technology vendors objectively.
- Building scenario-based evaluation criteria that expose what matters most.
- Drafting RFP sections and evaluation rubrics using AI acceleration.
- Strategies for aligning internal stakeholders before procurement begins.
Civil Rights, Title VI, LEP, ADA, Diversity, and Inclusion (In-person)
Post- Conference Sessions
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401
Presenter: Carol Kenderdine, Carol Wright Consulting
Description:
As a transit agency, you are required to adhere to many rules and regulations—often learning and interpreting them “on the fly” as you operate your system day to day. This workshop will guide participants through the critical responsibilities related to Civil Rights, Title VI, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), Diversity, Inclusion, and ADA requirements, with specific attention to recent updates and executive orders that impact Title VI and related compliance expectations. The session will provide up-to-date guidance on current federal requirements and practical strategies for implementation, while offering opportunities for participants to assess their own agency’s practices, identify gaps, and explore best practices for effective and sustainable policy development.
Cost Allocation: What, Why, and How? (In-person)
Post- Conference Sessions
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401
Presenter: Michael Walk and Carrie Diamond, TTI
Description:
Public transit agencies need to understand and report on their fully allocated costs by mode and service to comply with federal rules, set sponsored service rates, and establish budgets. This can be complicated, especially for transit agencies with multiple modes, service types, and jurisdictions. National RTAP's Two-Variable Cost Allocation Calculator can help transit agencies make the process of cost allocation a little less daunting. This workshop will introduce attendees to critical cost allocation concepts, best practices, and National RTAP’s Cost Allocation Calculator. The workshop will include group discussions, demonstrations of how to use the Calculator, and time for Q&A.
Introduction to Transit Performance Metrics (Webinar)
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Raven Alexander, Easterseals Project Action
Description:
This webinar explores key performance indicators used to evaluate transit service quality, efficiency, and operational performance. Participants will gain an understanding of common metrics such as ridership, on-time performance, and cost per trip, and how these measures reflect overall system effectiveness. The session will also introduce how agencies can use performance data to guide decision-making and improve service outcomes.
FTA Drug and Alcohol Awareness - DAPM (Virtual Workshop)
Date: May 26-28, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each day
Presenter: Sean Oswald, RLS & Associates
Description:
The Drug & Alcohol Program Management & Compliance training is designed to focus on the drug and alcohol regulations governing a transit system’s compliance under the United States Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 40) and the Federal Transit Administration (49 CFR Part 655). This three-day training series will provide a comprehensive overview of the FTA Drug and Alcohol testing program, covering all major topic areas of FTA drug & alcohol program management and compliance. The comprehensive nature of this course makes it useful for both new and experienced drug and alcohol program managers (DAPMs)/designated employer representatives (DERs). The course offers the needed foundation and introduction for any new drug and alcohol program manager who may not have a lot of exposure/training on the USDOT-FTA drug & alcohol regulations; however, the course also provides and allows time for, the in-depth and detailed discussions/case-studies often sought after by the most seasoned and experienced drug and alcohol program managers.
This training is also designed to keep State DOT and other transit administrators/program managers up-to-date and knowledgeable about current compliance issues. RLS will provide each attendee with a training materials packet which includes the presentation slides and customizable Drug & Alcohol Program Management Forms for use in achieving compliance/documentation requirements.
Each day, we will explain a subset of the subject matter referencing FTA requirements, examples, best practices, and methods to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. The main topic areas covered include policy development and implementation; drug and alcohol testing categories; testing procedures; procurement of testing services; employer/supervisor training; and record-keeping, contractor/vendor oversight, and others.
Fundamentals of Transit Management (2-day In-person)
Date: June 3-4, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
Location: Galveston Water and Electric Building, 715 30th Street, Galveston, TX 77550
Presenter: Carol Kenderdine, Carol Wright Consulting
Description:
This 2-day workshop will provide the fundamental skills of transit management for new transit managers and experienced managers with the refresher they need to take a step back and review their overall program. The workshop has six modules which cover Human Resource Management; Financial Management; Operations and Service Design; Vehicle and Facilities Management; Title VI, Civil Rights, & ADA; and Customer Service. The workshop uses interactive techniques for involving all participants in the course, including scenarios, paired and large group discussions, Q and A for each module, and handout resources. There will be significant time allowed throughout for discussion of specific situations related to individual agency circumstances.
Understanding FTA Requirements and Regulatory Compliance (Webinar)
Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Tyler Bender, RLS & Associates
Description:
This webinar provides an overview of key Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, including civil rights responsibilities, reporting obligations, and core regulatory compliance expectations for transit agencies. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these requirements apply to both day-to-day operations and long-term planning, including Title VI, ADA, and other federal mandates.
Mobility Management and Coordinated Transportation (Webinar)
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Raven Alexander, Easterseals Project Action
Description:
This webinar introduces mobility management strategies and coordination practices that improve access to transportation across communities. Participants will explore how partnerships among transit providers, human service agencies, and community organizations can reduce duplication, address service gaps, and enhance mobility options for people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with low incomes. The session will also highlight practical tools and real-world approaches to implementing coordinated transportation solutions that increase efficiency and improve rider outcomes.
Effective Transit Policies and Procedures (Webinar)
Date: June 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Carol Kenderdine, Carol Wright Consulting
Description:
This session discusses best practices for developing and implementing transit policies that support consistent operations and regulatory compliance. Participants will learn how to design clear, practical policies that guide staff decision-making, enhance customer service, and ensure alignment with federal and state requirements. The webinar will also highlight strategies for updating, communicating, and enforcing policies to promote accountability and improve overall system performance.
ADA Compliance in Public Transportation: Fixed-route and Paratransit(2-days, In-person)
Date: June 23-24, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Raven Alexander, Easterseals Project Action
Description:
Have you ever wondered how many companions are allowed to ride with a complementary paratransit eligible passenger? Or how much assistance a bus operator is required to provide to a passenger with a disability in boarding the bus? Or how many service animals a person with a disability can bring on a fixed route bus? If you have had these question or other ADA related questions accessible transportation, then this workshop is for you. This online course will cover regulatory requirements for fixed-route, ADA complementary paratransit, and demand responsive transportation. Instructors will also distinguish between what is a regulatory requirement and what are best practices in customer service.
Agencies interested in hosting future training classes can contact Laura@TxTransit.org for details.
Host agencies are expected to provide the following:
Training Room with a projector that can accommodate up to 35 individuals classroom style.
Refreshments and coffee for morning and afternoon breaks.
Please note that the training location must be in close proximity to dining establishments to allow participants to leave and return within one hour.
Host agencies may also provide lunch if there are no dining establishments nearby.
The host agency is encouraged to offer tours of their facility.