Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) supports Virginia’s rural and specialized transit providers with training, technical assistance, and professional development to build management skills and networks.
Funder: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Due Dates: Rolling (scholarship applications, at least 30 days before the program) | Within 30 days after travel (reimbursement claims)
Funding Amounts: Expense reimbursement; hotel rooms, hotel taxes, and meals capped at applicable federal GSA rates
Summary: RTAP supports training, technical assistance, and professional development for Virginia’s rural and specialized transit providers.
Key Information: Scholarships reimburse the agency, not the individual; urbanized-area participation is subject to state discretion.
Description
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) administers Virginia’s Rural Transit Assistance Program using Federal Transit Administration Section 5311(b)(3) funding. Through DRPT’s Public Transit Division, the program supports the design and implementation of training, technical-assistance projects, and related support services for transportation operators in non-urbanized areas.
RTAP scholarships help rural and specialized transit operations develop management skills and professional networks through courses, workshops, seminars, driver rodeos, and conferences. Activities must address rural or specialized transportation and suit participants’ expertise. RTAP funds also support research and equipment purchases related to eligible activities. National RTAP complements this support with free training materials, toolkits, eLearning courses, webinars, and connections to peer transit agencies.
