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Florida Statewide Technical Assistance & Transit Training Program
Conducted in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the technical assistance
component of this program includes providing short-term assistance to Florida transit agencies. This
technical assistance includes subject research, presentations, technical reports and serving in an advisory
capacity. The training component offers timely, relevant and innovative transit-related classes on topics
such as transit marketing, planning, operations, safety, security, and professional development. A schedule
of upcoming classes can be viewed on the CUTR website.
For more information contact:
Amber Reep via email or phone at (813) 974-9823,
Lisa Staes via email or phone at (813) 974-9787, or
Elizabeth Stutts via email or phone at (850) 414-4500.
Transit Maintenance Analysis & Resource Center (TMAARC)
In cooperation with the Florida DOT, CUTR has administered the Transit Maintenance Analysis and Resources Center
since 1990, coordinating training classes for public transit technicians, establishing a resource center for use
by transit properties and personnel, and producing a quarterly newsletter. Up to 30 classes per year are held at
transit properties throughout Florida, with training conducted by experts. The Florida Transit Maintenance Consortium
comprised of representatives from Florida transit agencies, steer the center and develops the curriculum. A schedule of upcoming
classes can be viewed on the TMAARC Website
For more information, contact
Ed Bart via email or phone at (813) 974-6693, or
Robert Westbrook via email or phone at (850) 414-4500.
Florida Substance Abuse Management Oversight Program
Administered with assistance from the FDOT, the Florida Substance Abuse Management Oversight program (SAM) aids rural
transit systems in the implementation of the FTA and DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. CUTR conducts Substance
Abuse Management reviews of 5311 sub recipient agencies to ensure compliance to regulations and provides regional
training sessions, on-site training and technical assistance. CUTR also monitors the compliance of the service providers
utilized within the testing program, manages the testing data on a quarterly basis, verifies MIS reports and maintains a
twenty-four hour technical assistance hot line number.
For more information contact:
Diana Byrnes, Substance Abuse Management Specialist via email or phone at (813) 426-6980,
Robert Westbrook via email or phone at (850) 414-4500, or
visit the SAM website.
Transit Research Inspection & Procurement Services Program (TRIPS)
In partnership with the FDOT, CUTR administers the Transit Research Inspection & Procurement Services Program (TRIPS).
TRIPS conducts state sponsored agency procurements for transit vehicles. Specifications for various vehicles are developed and
procurement processes are conducted routinely. Contracts are established with vehicle dealers representing a number of transit
vehicle manufacturers. The program supports full-time line inspectors ensuring well built vehicles, built to specifications.
Additionally we provide service-after-the-sale and extended product and service warranties. Descriptions and order information for
vehicles currently under contract are at www.tripsflorida.org. In addition, CUTR administers the Section 5310 Program for
FDOT. Procurements undertaken with Section 5310 funds must be coordinated through CUTR.
For additional information, please contact Cindy Wooten at (813) 974-9771 or via email.
For more information on TRIPs contact:
Hank Cusack via email or phone at (813) 974-7834,
Vicki Zambito via email or phone at (813) 974-9763, or
Erin Schepers via email or phone at (850) 414-4500.
Bus Safety & Security Program
In cooperation with the FDOT, CUTR has established the Bus System Safety and Security Program to assist Florida’s transit
agencies with compliance of adopted safety and security standards. Reviews of bus transit systems are conducted under
the FDOT’s direction, ensuring compliance with the provisions of Rule 14-90 Florida Administrative Code and locally
developed Bus System Safety Program Plans (SSPPs) and Security Program Plans (SPPs). On-site technical assistance is
available to local transit agencies for meeting the established standards. Training on various program compliance areas
and national safety and security initiatives are also provided.
For additional information contact:
Deborah Sapper via email or phone at (813) 974-1446,
Robert Westbrook via email or phone at (850) 414-4500, or
visit the website.
Florida Statewide Operator Training Program
CUTR administers the Florida Statewide Operator Training Program for the FDOT. The program involves two distinct
activities. The Operator Train-the-Trainer Program, conducted in partnership with USDOT’s Transportation Safety
Institute, offering a series of federal and state certified classes for operator trainers at no cost to participants,
with travel and per diem reimbursed. A schedule of upcoming classes can be viewed on the CUTR website.
The Florida Operations Network serves as a forum for Florida’s transit operations managers to provide an opportunity for information
sharing, networking, and a unified voice.
For more information contact:
Amber Reep via email or phone at (813) 974-9823,
Elizabeth Stutts via email or phone at (850) 414-4500, or
visit the website.
Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
CUTR administers the Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) for the FDOT. RTAP is designed to provide training,
technical assistance, and technology exchange for rural and small urban areas. CUTR manages the program and helps address
technical assistance and training needs of Florida’s small and rural transit systems providing training, publishing a quarterly
newsletter, maintaining a , and providing technical assistance. Meetings of the RTAP Advisory
Committee are convened regularly to address the program’s goals and actions.
For more information contact:
Jay Goodwill via email or phone at (813) 974-8755, or
Michael Wright via email or phone at (850) 414-4529.
Other Projects/Research:
- Charlotte County Transit Development Plan
- Collier County Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan
- St. Lucie County Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan
- Heartland Rural Mobility Plan
- Impacts of More Rigorous ADA Paratransit Eligibility
- Evaluation of Electronic Data Recorders for Incident Investigators
- Evaluation of Smart Video for Transit Event Detection
- Best Practices in Service Planning
- A Qualitative Analysis of Bus Simulator Training on Transit Incidents—A Case Study in Florida