2021 TASC Annual Training Event – Virtual Experience

Interactive Agenda

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P: Planning A: Accessibility T: Transit H: Human Services

Day One – Thursday, March 4, 2021

Welcome & Instructions

Sharon Hollis, TASC President

This plenary session will kick off the 2021 Annual Conference. Instructions on how to interact, network and navigate through the virtual conference will also be provided.

General Session: Embracing the Spirit of the ADA

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

In this session, you will be introduced to key ADA Compliance requirements that apply to all providers of transportation services. Topics discussed include Non-discrimination, assisting riders with disabilities, Reasonable Modification of Policy, Denial of Service, Service Animals and COVID.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Break with Sponsors

Please take time to visit with our sponsors and thank them for generous support to help make this virtual training opportunity possible.

P: How to be a Planner in 75 Minutes (or less!)

Kayleigh Sullivan and Nicole McAden, Greenlink; Jorge Luna, HDR

Are you looking for a career change? Interested in exploring the glamorous life of a Transit Planner? Blueville is hiring! This session will consist of a quick overview of real-life service planning considerations and a hands-on transit planning exercise.

A, H: Best Practices for Providing Safe Transportation Services  (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

This session will review best practices and compliance requirements for delivery fully accessible, safe transportation services to riders with disabilities.  Topics include a comprehensive review of wheelchair securement practices, sensitivity training, and Driver training elements.

T: Harnessing the Power of Alternative Fuels in Your Fleet

Ben Kessler, Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition

Join Palmetto Clean Fuels, an initiative of the South Carolina Energy Office, to learn about ways to green your fleet, take advantage of financial and technical assistance, and save on costs too! Topics such as funding opportunities, alternative fuels for support vehicles and buses, green garage products, and technical assistance will be discussed.

11:45 AM – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own or virtually with a friend/colleague

The conference platform will be available during this time to have lunch with a friend or vendor you haven’t seen since last year.

P, H: CTAA National Update

Amy Conrick, CTAA and National Center for Mobility Management;
Andrew Carpenter, CTAA and National Center for Applied Transit Technology
Andrea Culletto, Twin Transit; Kendra McGeady, Pelivan Transit

This workshop will be a three-fer! An update on CTAA activities on behalf of rural, tribal and small urban transportation systems; plus highlights from both the National Center for Mobility Management and the National Center for Applied Transit Technology, with cameos by transportation systems these two centers have worked with.

A: ADA Paratransit Operating Requirements  (1:30 PM – 4:15 PM)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

Often called the most difficult form of transportation to deliver, participants will be introduced to the operating requirements of ADA Paratransit services.  Elements reviewed include the relationship between Paratransit and fixed route services, equivalency requirements, the negotiation of requested trips, Origin-to-Destination, general assistance requirements, requests for accommodations, eligibility approaches, and many more!

T: Networking Hour

Connect with fellow transit professionals and sponsors.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Break with Sponsors

Please take time to visit with our sponsors and thank them for generous support to help make this virtual training opportunity possible.

P, H: Grant Writing Tips & Tricks

Christiane Walker, CTE 

Winning a grant is all about answering the questions explicitly asked with the implied level of detail. Tips and tricks will be shared to help your agency better understand what is truly being asked of you so your application rises to the top.

A: ADA Paratransit Operating Requirements (session began at 1:30 PM)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

T: Maintenance Best Practices – COVID and Beyond

Moderator: Don Strickland, Pee Dee RTA

Panelists: Tom Burda, Coast RTA; David Bonner, TransDev; Jason Woznac, CARTA; Mark Stanley, Palmetto Breeze

Agencies have been extremely creative in tackling COVID-19 challenges in order to keep buses on the road and ensure the safety of our staff and passengers. Some changes have become the new norm; others will fade into memory. The panelists will discuss what has worked well at their agencies to keep buses rolling.  Along with Covid measures, panelists will discuss the planning and implementation of electric buses and new equipment.

Day Two – Friday, March 5, 2021

Welcome & Instructions

Sharon Hollis, TASC President

Get your day started off right with instructions and links to the day’s sessions.

P: State and Federal Update

Dr. Yvette Taylor, FTA Region IV; Doug Frate, SCDOT

Receive the latest news and updates from Federal Transit Administration Region IV and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

A: Networking Hour

Connect with fellow Accessibility professionals and sponsors before sessions start at 9 AM.

T: Virtual Bus and Van Tour with Palmetto Bus Sales (8:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

Barnie Smith, Palmetto Bus Sales

View the latest makes, models, and bus features from Platinum Sponsor Palmetto Bus Sales.

H: Accountability: What’s the hidden secret?

Wynn Godbold, Bee Sharp Professional Training

Great leaders know the buck stops with them. But carrying the weight of everyone’s performance and follow through is exhausting. How do we make others take accountability for themselves, especially with so many people working remotely and from home? Participants in this interactive session will discover the secret.

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Break with Sponsors

Please take time to visit with our sponsors and thank them for generous support to help make this virtual training opportunity possible.

P: Administrator’s Roundtable (9:15 AM – 10:45 AM)

Dr. Yvette Taylor, FTA Region IV Administrator; Nicole Spivey, FTA

General Managers are encouraged to engage in a candid conversation with Dr. Taylor on the needs of South Carolina agencies and the direction of the FTA. Additionally, Ms. Spivey will be discussing SC recipient concerns as it relates to STIP/TIP inclusion, CARES/CRRSAA funds, and Lapsing Formula Funds.

A: Creating Effective Policies, Procedures and Documentation Strategies  (9am-12:15pm)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

This session provides best practices in creating (and enhancing) operating policies and procedures for the delivery of transportation services. Topics include reviewing a variety of approaches to documenting issues involving riders with disabilities in order to reduce agency liability.

T: Driver Barriers – Evolution of Options

Rex Carriker, Queen City Engineering; Karla Lynch, Creative Bus Sales; Jake Wolf, Coach Crafters

Before COVID, separating drivers and riders seemed unnecessary; now it is essential. Participants will be better informed on the driver/passenger barrier options available on the market and applicable standards when choosing and installing barriers. Additionally, participants will be able to share with manufacturers additional needs or desires as it pertains to driver barriers.

H: Leading from Middle Management

Wynn Godbold, Bee Sharp Professional Training

Leading from the middle of an organization presents unique challenges. In this interactive session we will get to the truth of how to lead up, lead across, and lead down. You can be an impactful 360-degree leader despite feeling as if your hands are tied behind your back.

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM Break with Sponsors

Please take time to visit with our sponsors and thank them for generous support to help make this virtual training opportunity possible.

P: TASC Legislative Agenda Development

Moderator: Bob Coble, Nexsen Pruet

Join James Keel, Policy Committee Chair, and the other members of the TASC Policy Committee in a moderated conversation to develop the TASC legislative agenda and approach. A two-year horizon will be discussed.

A: Creating Effective Policies, Procedures and Documentation Strategies (session began at 9:00 AM)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

T, H: ADA Vehicle Procurement from State Contract

Curtis Sims, SCDOT Office of Public Transit; Michael Speakmon, State Procurement

The Office of Public Transit (OPT) along with the State Office of procurement prepares a periodic bid solicitation for the procurement of ADA vehicles.  The current State contract is scheduled to conclude October 31, 2021.  This session will provide an overview of the requirements OPT has for procuring ADA vehicles that subrecipients must adhere to. The session will also include a review of how State Procurement prepares the specifications for the ADA vehicle solicitation.  This would be an excellent session to submit your questions regarding either process.

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch on your own or virtually with a friend/colleague

The conference platform will be available during this time to have lunch with a friend or vendor you haven’t seen since last year.

TASC Award of Excellence Presentation & Annual Business Meeting

The winners of the 2021 TASC Awards of Excellence will be announced followed by our Annual Business Meeting, including the election results of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors and Executive Leadership positions.

Board Meeting Agenda

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Break with Sponsors

Please take time to visit with our sponsors and thank them for generous support to help make this virtual training opportunity possible.

P: FTA Region IV 101

Michael Sherman, Charles Chiu, and Holly Liles, FTA Region IV

The FTA 101 presentation consists of an overview of FTA Region 4, important updates and announcements, grant application development tips (pre- through post-award), and super grants.

A, H: Enhancing Your Community’s Transportation Coordination / Mobility Management Efforts (2 PM – 4:30 PM)

Jess Segovia, ADA Guru

In this session, participants will be introduced to key strategies for improving a community’s transportation coordination effectiveness; including ways to increase participation by key stakeholders, improving a region’s Transportation Coordination Plan and process, and enhancing the safety and quality of transportation services delivered in a community.

T: Elevating Your Agency

Brian Piascik, COAST RTA; Eileen Soisson, The Meeting Institute

Transitioning from small town transit to Big Boy transit is not simple. Hear how Coast RTA is preparing to make that change both within its organization and outward to the community.