A small town main street with American flags on lamp posts, lined with trees and buildings. A sign for the rural transit assistance program is visible, while a church steeple rises in the background under a clear blue sky. The street is empty.
  Case Studies  Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Transit and Active Transportation Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

Office of Transit and Active Transportation – Rural Transit Assistance Program

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Program Management

2019–Present

Minnesota (Statewide)

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Overview

Provide ongoing management of the state’s federally funded Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP).

A simple illustration of a chain link with two interlocking segments, symbolizing dot consultant collaboration; the left segment is white and the right is light blue, set against a light gray background.

Challenge

Provide the facilitation, engagement, and outreach for the program by implementing a comprehensive statewide training program, building and managing a training website (www.mnrtap.us), and supporting the DOT to meet rural transit providers’ needs.

Three blue circles, symbolizing consulting transportation, are arranged in a triangular formation and connected by faint curved lines forming a circular pattern on a light gray background.

COllaborators

RLS and Associates
AECOM 
Brackey Training & Consulting
Cazarin Interactive
CTAA
DRI Consulting
Easterseals
Equity Elephant Consulting
Minnesota Safety Council

Overview

Rural Transit Assistance Program Management

DRB manages Minnesota’s federally funded Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) on behalf of the MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation. The multi-year program supports rural transit providers statewide through comprehensive training for all levels of a transit agency, technical assistance, peer learning, and centralized program management.

Since 2019, DRB has overseen the program’s delivery, growth, and evolution – ensuring training remains compliant, accessible, and effective.

Project Rundown

  • Project Name: Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Management
  • Client: MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation
  • Project Budget: $4,191,591.22
  • Location: St. Paul, MN (Services Statewide)
  • Start Date: September 5, 2019 
  • End Date: January 31, 2028
  • Service Type: Program Management

Scope of Work 

Under this contract, DRB is responsible for the full management and delivery of Minnesota’s RTAP program. Core responsibilities include:

  • Managing a statewide RTAP training program funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
  • Developing and maintaining a centralized training website
  • Delivering compliance-based technical training
  • Supporting MnDOT in meeting the evolving needs of rural and Tribal transit providers

The program is 100% federally funded, and DRB manages all activities in alignment with FTA requirements and reporting standards.

Program Delivery & Management

DRB oversees all aspects of RTAP program coordination, facilitation, and outreach. Key components include:

  • Training website management
    Creation and ongoing maintenance of www.mnrtap.us, where agencies can register for trainings, track participation, access resources, and view training records and reports
  • Training coordination and delivery
    Planning and conducting training for drivers, dispatchers, managers, and operations staff through in-person workshops, webinars, online courses, and hybrid formats
  • Compliance-focused training
    Facilitation of required training on ADA, Title VI, procurement, and other regulatory topics critical to rural transit operations
  • Peer learning and engagement
    Monthly peer roundtables, annual spring workshops, and leadership training to support knowledge-sharing and professional development across agencies
  • Scholarship program management
    Administration of a statewide scholarship program to ensure equitable access to training opportunities
  • Resource development
    Creation of training guides and reference materials on topics such as human trafficking, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and other emerging issues

Reporting + Oversight 

DRB provides consistent reporting and coordination with MnDOT’s RTAP manager and advisory committees through:

  • Monthly committee meetings
  • Annual program reports
  • Surveys and performance tracking

The RTAP website is structured to support data collection and analytics, including participant profiles, training histories, and participation metrics – streamlining reporting and year-end evaluation.

Program Adaptability + Results 

The RTAP program has evolved significantly over the life of the contract. Notable success factors include:

  • Rapid transition to virtual training during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of service statewide
  • Expanded reach and accessibility through online and hybrid delivery models

This program continues to scale to meet the needs of rural transit providers across the state.

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