WELCOME!
If you are one of Indiana's small urban or rural transportation providers, the Indiana Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) is here to serve you. The RTAP Program provides technical assistance and training to not-for-profit public and specialized transportation providers all over the state of Indiana. We work with many different types of transportation agencies including:
- Public Transit Operators
- Agencies/Councils on Aging (AoA/CoA)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Providers
- Step Ahead Councils
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO)
- Transportation Advisory Committees (TAC)
Our services are provided at no cost to those agencies that provide public and social service transportation and receive capital and/or operating assistance through INDOT's 5310 or 5311 transportation grant programs. The Indiana RTAP Program is funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
INRTAP NEWS
Available Training Opportunities
Please click on the training calendar to register for any of the below training. Training for 2026 is now being added and will continued to be added throughout 2026 as it is scheduled.
RLS & Associates, Inc. uses the Zoom Events webinar platform. You can check your device by joining a test session at https://zoom.us/test.
The Desktop web browser requirements are:
Chromium Edge: 80 or higher
Google Chrome: 53.0.2785 or higher
Safari: 10.0.602.1.50 or higher
Firefox: 76 or higher
Internet Explorer: 10 or higher
May, 2026
5/1/2026 (9:00 - 5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @RTAP Training Center, Columbus
5/5/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Pre-Trip Inspection Webinar
5/19/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Boone Co, Lebanon
5/19/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Boone Co, Lebanon
5/19/2026 (10:00 - 12:00) - Defensive Driving Webinar
5/26/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Webinar
5/28/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Paul Phillips Resource Center, Frankfort
June, 2026
6/2/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Manager/Supervisor Passenger Assistance Techniques @ Carroll Co, Delphi
6/4/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Defensive Driving Webinar
6/9/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Diversity & Sensitivity in Transit Webinar
6/18/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Pre-Trip Inspection Webinar
6/25/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Noble Co, Kendallville
6/26/2026 (9:00 - 5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @RTAP Training Center, Columbus
6/30/2026 (1:00 - 3:00) - Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Webinar
July 2026
7/9/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Newton Co., Morocco
7/28/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Boone Co, Lebanon
August 2026
8/1/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Elkhart Co., Elkhart
8/27/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Jay-Randolph Co., Portland
September 2026
9/19/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Kokomo Transit, Kokomo
9/24/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ New Horizonz, Batesville
9/30/2026 (9:00-5:00) - Passenger Assistance Techniques (PAT) @ Carey Services, Marion
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NATIONAL NEWS
Posted November 10, 2025 (Updated December 15, 2025)
Changes to USDOT's DBE Program
Effective October 3, 2025, the USDOT published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) requiring immediate changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. USDOT has released FAQs regarding the changes.
UPDATED - An updated DBE FAQ was released on December 1, 2025 with additional guidance.
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NATIONAL RTAP NEWS
Celebrating National Rural Transit Day
Mark Your Calendars for July 16 as We Renew Our Pledge to Honor the Essential Services and Dedicated People Keeping Rural Communities Connected Everyday
National Rural Transit Day (July 16th) is a time to recognize the vital role rural public transportation plays in connecting communities, supporting economic growth, and improving quality of life across America. Sponsored by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program, this annual celebration highlights the dedication of transit agencies, drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and staff who ensure people in rural areas have access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services.
Rural transit systems often serve as a lifeline for individuals who would otherwise face transportation barriers, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and residents in geographically isolated communities. From medical appointments and grocery trips to workforce transportation and community events, rural transit keeps communities connected every day.
This year’s National Rural Transit Day encourages agencies and partners nationwide to celebrate their employees, riders, and community impact through local events, rider appreciation activities, social media campaigns, and community outreach.
Learn more about National Rural Transit Day and access promotional resources from the National Rural Transit Assistance Program here: NATIONAL RTAP Website: Rural Transit Day Pledge
posted 5.22.26
Indiana RTAP is
administered by INDOT and operated by RLS & Associates, Inc. via RLS'
Columbus, Indiana office.
