The National Rural Transit Assistance Program is soliciting nominations for new Review Board members to join the Board in 2020 and 2021. For 2020, there are vacancies to fill for five state transit officials (three in the spring and two in the fall) and one rural or tribal transit operator (in the spring). The term is three years beginning at the member’s first meeting.

Any group or individual involved in rural transit is encouraged to nominate a representative to the board. An individual may nominate themselves for consideration.

Please fill out this form to submit a nomination . The deadline has been extended to March 6, 2020.

Overview of the National RTAP Review Board

National RTAP is funded by the Federal Transit Administration to provide training and technical assistance resources to rural and tribal transit operators. The Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association administers the National RTAP program on behalf of FTA. More information about current National RTAP programs and services can be found at nationalrtap.org.

National RTAP staff depends on the Review Board for guidance and assistance with the development of training materials and other tools and resources for rural and tribal transit operators. Among other duties, Review Board members represent National RTAP’s primary customer groups and help us determine what products and services would be of the most value to them.

The Review Board usually consists of 14 members: seven state officials and seven rural operators (at least one of whom is a tribal transit representative). 

Review Board responsibilities include:

• Provide National RTAP with guidance on priority needs in the areas of training material development, information dissemination, and technical assistance.
• Oversee the quality of National RTAP products and participate in work groups to help develop products and/or review products under development.
• Promote National RTAP to states and operators.

Travel expenses to Review Board meetings are covered in full by National RTAP.

Who is Eligible for Review Board Membership?

Review Board members must either be from a state transit agency that administers Section 5311 funds and be involved with the State 5311 and/or RTAP Program or be employed by a rural public transportation agency that receives Section 5311 or Tribal Transit Program funds.  

Former National RTAP Review Board members who have been off the Board for at least three years are eligible to apply.

What are the Expectations of Review Board Members?

Individuals must be able to attend two Review Board meetings each year (usually in April and October).  The first Review Board meeting that will include new members from this solicitation will be held in Washington, DC on April 28-30, 2020.  New Review Board members will participate in an orientation at the meeting.  

Members are expected to take an active role in the work of National RTAP by participating in the biannual meetings and working with staff via email and telephone during the interim on National RTAP projects. 

Members are also expected to help promote the program when possible by serving as National RTAP Ambassadors and representing the program at national and/or state transit conferences.  

What is the Solicitation Process for New Review Board Members?

National RTAP solicits nominations and a nominating committee will review submissions and make recommendations.  Candidates may be interviewed by a current or past Review Board member.  

Specific criteria for selection include:

• Eligibility in one of the two categories of Review Board membership (state DOT official or rural/tribal transit provider)
• Number of years of experience in the rural or tribal transit industry
• Specialized expertise in rural or tribal transit issue areas
• Specialized expertise in training and/or technical assistance
• Demographic diversity of membership
• Geographic representation on the National RTAP Review Board

To nominate yourself or someone else, please fill out this form . Note that you will need to upload the following in order to complete the nomination: 

Nominations are due March 6, 2020.  If you have any questions, contact us at info@nationalrtap.org or 888-589-6821.