1. automotive and vehicles
2. scooters and mopeds

Get Connected, Stay Connected
Wisconsin Rural Transit Assistance Program
Issue 1
March 2014
What is Wisconsin RTAP?
Inside this issue:
How to Avoid Potholes
2
Dear RTAP
3
WisDOT News & Notes
4
Loving this Weather Yet?
6
What is Wisconsin RTAP, and what can it do for you? If you have not already taken advantage
of RTAP services, this may be a question you’re asking, or perhaps should be asking.
During the time RLS & Associates, Inc. has managed the Wisconsin RTAP program, most Wisconsin transportation providers have not taken advantage of the RTAP scholarship program for
training offered through RTAP. While the scholarship program is used often for training hosted
by Wisconsin Association of Mobility Managers and Wisconsin Rural Association of Paratransit
Providers, rarely do systems take advantage of the free training or other services RTAP provides.
So, what can Wisconsin RTAP do for you? RTAP cannot only provide timely training that responds directly to the needs of Wisconsin’s transportation providers, but it can also provide valuable technical assistance and keep systems current with the most relevant information available
through the 800 technical assistance hotline, the RTAP website, and quarterly newsletter.
A quarterly newsletter,
Wisconsin RTAP is published
under contract with the
Wisconsin Department of
Transportation from a grant
received from the Federal
Transit Administration under
49 U.S.C. Section 5311– Formula grants for other than
urbanized areas (CFDA
20.509).
RLS & Associates, Inc.
3131 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 545
Dayton, OH 45439
(855) 299-1460
(937) 299-1055 (Fax)
[email protected]
Training: Investing in the futur e of tr anspor tation means investing in our transit dr iver s,
but that doesn’t mean we have to allocate huge sums in the budget to do so. Training is one of
the best ways to invest, and Wisconsin RTAP not only provides training, but provides it free of
charge. In addition, many of the related training expenses that you may incur (i.e. food, mileage)
may be eligible for a scholarship to cover these costs. The RTAP program provides training on
several topics including passenger assistance techniques (PAT), Defensive Driving, and pre-trip
inspections. Please visit the RTAP website for a full list of the training programs that are available, but keep in mind that trainings can be modified to meet the unique needs of different types
of programs (volunteer driver, tribal, etc.)
Technical Assistance: What does or igin to destination mean? I have a passenger who is
incontinent, can I refuse to transport them? What are the requirements for securing oversize/
overweight passengers? These are just a few of the questions the RTAP staff has fielded over the
years. Some of the more common questions are used to develop the ‘dear RTAP’ articles published in the quarterly newsletter. All questions or requests for technical assistance are thoroughly researched and responded to in a timely fashion based on the complexity of the issue. This can
be an invaluable resource to transportation providers in ensuring compliance with the various
regulatory requirements. So, keep the 800 number handy (855/299-1460), and don’t hesitate to
contact the RTAP staff.
Website and Newsletter: The newsletter is pr oduced quar ter ly and includes impor tant
program information from WisDOT in their news and notes section as well as other topic specific articles developed by the RTAP staff. All articles are designed to address specific needs of
Wisconsin’s transportation providers and can be used as a tool during safety meetings, posted on
bulletin boards in the transit office or driver’s area, used as payroll stuffers, or as part of your
local newsletter, if applicable.
Continued on page 6
Wisconsin RTAP Newsletter
How to Avoid Potholes
How to avoid potholes and the damage they could cause
to your vehicles
Potholes are often a masked menace, hidden from view until the depths of their damage-causing dips are too late to
avoid. How do potholes form?
Spotting Damage from Potholes
If you are unable to avoid a pothole, look for damage right
away. Identifying damage early may help you avoid more
costly repairs later. The first thing to check is your vehicle’s
alignment and shock absorption systems. Shocks and struts
tend to take the brunt of the damage because they compress
Roads freeze and thaw, which erodes the dirt beneath them, and expand using hydraulic oil to alleviate the effects of
weakening the blacktop in the process. Add frequent traffic driving on uneven surfaces. When a jolt is transferred to the
to the mix, and the road begins to crumble. Eventually, the vehicle, it travels from the tire and wheel directly to the
street erodes even more and develops a crater we know as a shock absorber. Large potholes can cause the shock or strut
pothole.
to bottom out completely. The shock is then transferred to
the coil or leaf spring of the vehicle. Over time, the shockPothole damage accounts for nearly 500,000 insurance
absorbing springs and struts become less resilient. You’ll
claims each year, including:
notice a much rougher ride and less responsive steering.
Your vehicle’s alignment can also be damaged by potholes.
A misaligned car tends to pull to one direction instead of
 Tire puncture, damage or wear
maintaining a straight path. Proper wheel alignment is im Wheel rim damage
portant to maintain the lifespan of tires and ensure safe han Premature wear on shocks and struts
dling in an emergency.
 Suspension damage, including broken components
 Steering system misalignment
If your vehicle hits a pothole and experiences a significant
 Exhaust system damage
jolt, get it inspected, especially if you experience these
 Engine damage
signs of trouble:
How to Avoid Potholes
Potholes are inevitable in our climate, so the best offense, is 1. Low tire pressure. Tires should maintain optimum pressure to work properly. If you hit a pothole, tire pressure
a good defense. Use these strategies to avoid potholes
might be affected. Routinely check the pressure in your
whenever possible.
tires and monitor their appearance for signs of problems, like bulges or blisters on the sides. Spots of rust
 Steer clear. The best cour se of action is to steer clear
on tire rims may signal that your rims have been bent,
of potholes. If you can do it safely, simply swerve
which will also lead to pressure leaks.
around them. This will help you avoid damage alto2. Your vehicle is misaligned. If your car pulls to one side
gether.
when you’re trying to drive straight, your alignment is
 Leave space. When dr iving, leave enough r oom beprobably out of sync.
tween you and the vehicles ahead of you. Doing so will
3. You have less control of your car. If you feel your car
help you spot potholes and give you enough time to
swaying or rocking during turns, bouncing quite a bit or
avoid them.
if you bottom out on the road after hitting a few pot Watch for water. Pay special attention to potholes
holes, the shock absorber and suspension may be damfilled with water, which can be especially dangerous,
aged.
since you won’t know their depth until it’s too late.
 Slow down. If you are tr avelling on a pothole-filled
road, slow down. Driving slowly can minimize the
damage to your car if you hit a pothole.
 But, don't slam the brakes. At some point, despite
using the utmost of precaution, you might hit a pothole.
To minimize damage, resist the urge to slam on the
brakes. Hitting the brakes tilts the vehicle forward and
puts extra stress on the front suspension, which is usually the first part of the vehicle to strike a pothole.
Continued on page 5
Page 2
Dear RTAP
“Dear RTAP” is a feature of the Wisconsin RTAP newsletter for highlighting hot topics specific to
public transit systems and private providers serving rural areas. Your questions to “Dear RTAP” are
encouraged. To submit a question, contact [email protected].
Dear RTAP,
We recently experienced an incident where a passenger using a mobility aid device fell off the wheelchair lift. Fortunately, the lift platform was only three inches off the
ground, but the outer barrier had not yet fully closed and
locked. The wheelchair brakes did not work, and the passenger rolled off the lift platform and suffered a broken leg.
Naturally, all parties involved are very upset, and my drivers are truly concerned about what they can do to avoid
similar incidents in the future. Can we require that the
brakes on a mobility aid be fully functioning in order to be
transported? Can you give us any guidance?
Sincerely, ABS
Dear ABS,
In a word, no. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s
Americans With Disabilities (ADA) regulations, 49 CFR
Parts 27, 37, and 38, include the following language in the
definition of a wheelchair:

Raising the lift to floor level and, while maintaining control, pushing the wheelchair into
the vehicle and setting the brake until the
driver can board and move the passenger into
the securement area (again, this assumes the brakes are
operable and functioning properly).
The owner’s/service manual for most Braun Corporation
lifts states, “Do not use the outer barrier as a brake. Stop
and brake the wheelchair when fully loaded on the platform. Manually stop and brake manual wheelchairs. Stop
powered wheelchairs with the wheelchair controls. Turn
powered wheelchairs off when on the platform.” Transportation providers should consult their lift manufacturers’
owner/service manuals for these and other recommendations. It is important to note that with some lifts, the outer
barrier is not fully engaging and locking until two to three
inches off the ground.
Again, all of these recommendations assume properly functioning brakes on the mobility aids. For potential situations
where brakes do not exist or are not fully operable, it is necessary for drivers to exercise extreme caution in boarding or
Wheelchair means a mobility aid belonging to any
class of three- or more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, de-boarding these passengers. It is also imperative, especially in these situations, that the driver keeps a hand on the
designed or modified for and used by individuals with
chair at all times while operating the lift. This will help the
mobility impairments, whether operated manually or
powered. The DOT ADA definition of a wheelchair does driver to sense movement and respond to an emergency
not include a requirement for brakes or any other equip- much quicker. This technique is stressed to drivers during
the PAT training and driver performance evaluations. For
ment. Consequently, a transportation operator may not
deny transportation to a wheelchair user because the de- additional safety, systems may purchase and install a handrail belt on the lift itself which may help to prevent incivice does not have brakes, the user does not choose to
dents where the mobility aid could roll forward on the lift
set the brakes, or the brakes are non-functioning. This
platform. However, drivers that properly follow the direcguidance is provided on the FTA’s website at http://
tion of the manufacturer recommended guidelines and,
www.fta.dot.gov/12325_15055.html.
more importantly, their training on the proper use and operation of the lift, should find themselves capable of safely
This definition, then, means that the proper use of the
boarding and de-boarding passengers.
wheelchair lift and following all of the techniques taught
during the RTAP Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT)
training are critical to the safe boarding and de-boarding of For additional information or questions regarding training
passengers that use mobility aids. These procedures include: or the information provided in this article, please contact the
Wisconsin RTAP Office at 855/299-1460.



Backing the passenger onto the lift platform and setting
References:
the brakes (this assumes the brakes are operable and
 The Braun Corporation Owner’s/Service Manual
functioning properly);
L211UARS Ultra IV Series, Series 06 L915
Placing a hand on the mobility aid during lift operation;
 FTA Questions and Answers Concerning Wheelchairs and
Raising the lift off of the ground, then stopping to
Bus and Rail Service, http://
check the outer barrier to ensure it is locked; and
www.fta.dot.gov/12325_15055.html
Page 3
Wisconsin RTAP Newsletter
“News and Notes” is a segment written by WisDOT staff for the RTAP newsletter to
provide information and updates geared to WisDOT subrecipients of various State and Federal
programs.
Program and Grants Information
5311/85.20 (Small Urban Public Transit Assistance)
WisDOT is currently wrapping up review of Section 5311/85.20 applications submitted by rural transit systems in October. We will finalize the funding distribution and issue federal and state aid contracts as soon as FTA funding is released.
Meanwhile, we have been handling this year’s budget reviews from our desks. We anticipate scheduling face to face
check-ins with many systems in the spring and summer.
85.205 (Paratransit Supplemental Assistance)
Almost all contracts for supplemental paratransit aid have
been executed; 2014 payments should be received soon if
eligible systems have not received them already.
85.21/85.215 (County Elderly and Disabled/Tribal
Elderly Transportation Assistance)
We are awaiting the return of signed contracts from counties/tribes before the funds can be distributed.
Title VI Plan—Due to WisDOT by April 30, 2014
Subrecipients receiving Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) funds through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation must submit a Title VI plan to Becky Soderholm
([email protected], (608) 266-1650) by Tuesday, April 30, 2014.
5310/New Freedom (Enhance Mobility for Seniors
and Individuals with Disabilities)
The WisDOT staff is currently reviewing the Section 5310
and New Freedom application packages, making revisions
prior to an anticipated competitive application release in the
summer of 2014. With the inclusion of the New Freedomtype projects into the Section 5310 program, the application
process must undergo a certain amount of change to comply
with the new program regulations.
On-Line Drug and Alcohol Training
All safety-sensitive employees of Section 5311 must undergo a minimum of 60 minutes of training on the signs and
symptoms of drug use, including the effects and consequences of drug use on personal health, safety, and the work
environment.
Drug and Alcohol training is now available
on-line. The on-line training program meets
Title VI is a Federal statute provides that no person in the
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
United States, on the grounds of race, color or national
drug and alcohol testing program regulatory
origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the ben- training requirement and is available for one year, effective
efits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program October 1, 2013. The cost of the training is covered by Wisor activity receiving federal financial assistance.
DOT.
Please visit the WisDOT website for a copy of the Title VI
Handbook, a Title VI plan template, and other resource materials at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/transit/
title6.htm.
Contact Becky Soderholm or Nancy Senn
([email protected], (608) 266-0560) with questions
related to Title VI Compliance.
For general questions related to the on-line training program
content, contact Sean Oswald, RLS & Associates, Inc., at
[email protected]. For technical questions regarding password set-up, access to the on-line training, etc., contact Zach Kincade, RLS & Associates, Inc., at
[email protected].
If you have questions related to MIS reporting and general
drug and alcohol compliance issues, please contact Becky
Soderholm, WisDOT ([email protected], (608)
266-1650).
The Drug and Alcohol On-Line Training,
http://transitsaatrain.com/dot/participantlogin.jsp, is available.
Page 4
WisDOT News & Notes
WisDOT News & Notes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
DBE Reports
The first of the DBE Quarterly Reports submitted by subrecipients in January (for the October through December period) have been reviewed and look very good. Hopefully, you
found the reports easier to complete than you anticipated.
There remain just a few instances in which the required reports have not been submitted; staff has already been in contact with you if your report is missing. Don’t jeopardize
funding by not submitting the required reports.
Grants Management System
Panther International was selected to implement WisDOT’s
new web-based grants management system. This system
will enable WisDOT subrecipients to apply for and manage
grants, submit requisitions and reports, and track assets
online. In January, Panther International held a three day
kick-off meeting with WisDOT to begin the implementation
process, which is expected to take about six months. When
the system is ready, training will be available for all users.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to
provide suggestions about how the system could be tailored
to meet the needs of subrecipients, please contact Sarah
Probasco ([email protected], (608) 264-8426).
The next quarterly reports for DBE are due on April 15 and
will cover the January through March reporting period. DBE
information and resource materials are now available on the
WisDOT website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/ Staff Changes
transit/dbe.htm. The website includes a link to the spreadRachel Storck ([email protected], 608/266-1535) is
sheet used for reporting.
WisDOT’s new transit asset manager. Rachel fills the position vacated by Sue Hart and had previously been assisting
If you have questions related to DBE requirements, please
with procurements, reporting, and grants management.
contact Nancy Senn ([email protected],
Please contact Rachel with any questions on asset disposi(608) 266-0560).
tion and vehicle disposal requests.
Katie Patterson ([email protected], 608/2647335) was hired recently as co-manager of the 5310 and
5339 (Bus and Bus Facilities)
WisDOT issued awards to six public transit systems for bus 85.21 programs. She joins Judy Foss in this capacity. Katie
replacement projects. WisDOT received numerous projects comes to us from a small tech firm in Madison, where she
through the discretionary application process; these projects served as office manager/jack of all trades.
competed favorably for the limited resources available. WisDOT will again hold a discretionary application process in The Transit Section also recently hired Jessica Buechler as
an intern. Jessica is working part-time, researching rural
the fall of 2014. For more information, please contact Ian
employment-related transportation options in Wisconsin.
Ritz at [email protected], 608/267-6680.
She is a graduate student in UW-Madison’s Department of
Urban & Regional Planning.
How to Avoid Potholes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
If you’ve damaged your vehicle when you hit a pothole, you Sources:
can submit an insurance claim. The damage may be covered 1. "How Can I Tell If My Car Has Pothole Damage?" WiseGEEK.
N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013. http://www.wisegeek.org/how-can
under Collision coverage, and your deductible will apply.
Your insurance adjuster will make a determination of fault, 2. -i-tell-if-my-car-has-pothole-damage.htm
"Firestone Complete Auto CareTM." Pothole Damage to Tires
based on the details surrounding the loss. Tires are generally
and Vehicles.N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2013. http://
excluded in the policy from damage, but the rims may be
www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/cf/tires/pothole-damage-totires-and-vehicles/
covered if they are damaged.
3.
Ameriprize Auto and Home Insurance. www.ameriprize.com
Potholes are, unfortunately, inevitable in our freeze and
thaw winters. Avoid them whenever possible, and when you
can’t, identify and address any resulting damage as soon as
possible in order to avoid more costly repairs down the
road.
Page 5
Wisconsin RTAP Newsletter
Loving this Weather Yet?
Many of us are wondering and wishing when this white and
wet stuff is going to stop. Only time will tell, so for now
you have to make sure that your drivers are being mindful
of the securements. Securements, you may ask?
if the bay area is equipped to secure two
wheelchairs) your agency could be looking
to spend $680 that could very easily be
avoided. And, don’t forget to add in the
cost of labor to tear out the old and reinstall
Yes, wheelchair securements. If you are not aware that a
new, which will vary from vehicle to vehidriver or drivers are not properly storing securements in the cle based upon each unique vehicle configuvehicles, you may find out the hard way, such as during
ration. The corrosion could reach the point
training, a compliance review, or impromptu meeting with where the securement itself would no longer
an RTAP or WisDOT representative. This is not recomfit properly into the track, allowing the semended. Even drivers visiting from other agencies will
curement to loosen, a very dangerous situation, and all in
quickly identify improperly stored and maintained equipall, a very expensive lesson.
ment.
The best practice is to stow the securements in the mounted
Removing the securements from the L-Tracks when not in bag on the vehicle wall or stow the securements in the bag
use (and the results of not doing so) is stressed during
they came in. It is of the utmost importance that you stress
RTAP trainings. In addition to the safety risk, there is a
to your drivers the implications of leaving the securements
significant price tag attached to these securement systems, in the floor, especially during the wintery conditions that
and budget-minded transit managers should be well aware we are now encountering. Then, perform spot inspections
of the associated costs for both the initial purchase and re- to determine if the equipment is being properly stored, and
placement of these safety devices.
address issues of non-compliance whenever they are identified.
The aluminum track and the steel track fittings are two dissimilar metals. Once they touch, the corrosion process beTake proper steps in taking care of the securements and you
gins. Add the mix of snow, ice, and road salt that is tracked will not only extend their useful life, but ensure the safe
into the bus and it only speeds up the process. Once the cor- transport of your passengers.
rosion process occurs, you are looking at the securement(s)
“becoming one” with the L-track. A single securement is
If you have any questions or need further information, conroughly around $85, so for eight securements (eight per bus, tact the Wisconsin RTAP staff at (855) 299-1460.
What is Wisconsin RTAP? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
As in the case of the ‘dear RTAP’ column, some articles act as a means of technical assistance that transportation providers can reference as situations arise. Although the newsletter is distributed each quarter via a mass emailing to all Wisconsin transportation providers, it is also published each quarter on the RTAP website. In addition, the website contains
various program information, news updates from WisDOT and RTAP, and other valuable resources. Special dates for
conferences and training are also posted and kept current.
Please take full advantage of the services offered by Wisconsin RTAP and plan to use them to enhance and improve the
management and operation of your system. Make Wisconsin RTAP a part of your management team.
The Wisconsin RTAP staff is dedicated to responding to the needs of Wisconsin’s transportation providers and providing
the best services available in the industry. If you have a question, need assistance, or would like to schedule training,
please contact the Wisconsin RTAP staff at (855) 299-1460 or visit us at the RTAP website at www.wisconsinrtap.com.
If you are not receiving this newsletter directly, or know of someone who is not currently receiving it,
and would like to, please contact Zach Kincade ([email protected]). This publication is free.
Help is just a phone call away! Contact the Wisconsin RTAP Hotline at (855) 299-1460
Page 6