Note: The use of information on this website (www.martap.org) has been designed for informational purpose only and does not supersede any MAP contract. Be sure to reference your contract for exact contractual information regarding MAP/driver training requirements. Copying from this website or republishing contents of the data on this website for other use is strictly prohibited. Information provided is subject to change. The Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) and the Massachusetts Rural Transit Assistance Program, also known as MArtap and all of its officers, agents and employees are not responsible for any errors or omission in the information listed on www.martap.org. All agencies must comply with the terms and conditions of the MAP contract.
The Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) provides capital assistance to public agencies and private non-profit corporations for the purchase of vehicles and related equipment to be used in the provision of transportation services to the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The training and education of drivers, paid or volunteer, helps to ensure their top performance in routine situations and emergencies. Training in the safe operation of a vehicle and in passenger assistance techniques not only makes sense but the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires it.
The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) has mandated that all vehicle acceptance recipients under the Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) agree to ensure all vehicle drivers receive proper training; therefore, has mandated the following training requirements each year.
All vehicle acceptance recipients under the MAP program are required to have the following yearly training.
Also required under the MAP program, but not offered through the MArtap program:
CPR (certification must be renewed each year)
First Aid (certification must be renewed every two (2) years)
Q. Can anyone drive a public van or mini bus (or vehicle of any kind) without adequate training?
A. NO - Not only does driver training make sense but the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires it.
Q. How can I obtain a list of the types of license required for particular vehicles, especially the types of endorsements need on the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) for a particular size vehicle?
A. Information is available from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE). DTE is the State regulatory authority for transportation (www.mass.gov/dte). Information can also be found on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website (www.mass.gov/rmv).
Q. What will drivers learn from the mandated yearly training?
A. Coaching the Van Driver or Defensive Driving Course 4 - This course covers vehicle pre-inspection, driving safety and how to avoid intersection collisions. Video tapes, charts, workbooks and manuals are used (4 hour course). Note: Defensive Driving Course 4 (DDC4) is designed for automobile drivers.
Wheelchair Lift and Securement - This training will help educate drivers on the proper procedures to operate wheelchair lifts and to safely transport passengers with disabilities. This course is a hands-on course that covers a variety of equipment, lift operations and passenger-handling procedures. This course covers basic knowledge of wheelchair lift and securement equipment being used by many rural and small urban systems. Proper tie-down procedures using a variety of equipment lift operation and handling procedures are covered. This 2/3 hour course is mostly hands-on.
CPR - Known as "Adult and Infant Heart Saver", this course teaches skills to rescue adults and infants using cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It also covers obstructed airway incidents and is appropriate for most lay person (4 hour course). CPR is not funded through MArtap.
Q. Who can I contact if I want to schedule MArtap training at my location?
A. To schedule a training offered by MArtap, simply complete the Driver Training Request Form (schedule training at your location) and submit to MArtap. All requests will be confirmed by e-mail and the MArtap trainer will contact you to schedule the training.
Q. Is there a certain number of students I need in order to schedule training at my location?
A. Yes, a minimum of ten students must be available for each training session.
Q. What if I need to cancel the training at my location?
A. There is no fee if you need to cancel or reschedule at least 10 days prior to the scheduled training date. There is a $100 cancellation fee for all trainings cancelled within 7 days of the scheduled training date.
Q. Do I need to provide AV or other equipment?
A. Yes. Please provide a TV/VCR.
Q. Do I need to provide food/beverages?
A. No. However, you may wish to include lunch, for a fee, to attendees. This is completely optional. If you decide to offer a meal, we recommend you require prior registration. MArtap does not offer food/beverages at any training.
Q. Am I required to invite other agencies to the scheduled training?
A. In order for MArtap to provide free training to you, there is a required minimum of 10 students for each training class scheduled. The 10 students do not need to be from your organization. Because of limited funding and in order to train the most drivers as possible, we encourage you to invite other agencies to attend your trainings. We have included a sample "invitation" for you to send out (email works great). MArtap will cancel the training if you can not guarantee at least 10 attendees. .
Q. What if we want to attend a pre-scheduled MArtap training course at another location?
A. All personnel from your organization is welcome to attend any of the scheduled training courses. To register, complete the Driver Training Signup Form (register to attend a scheduled training course) and submit to MArtap. All requests will be confirmed by e-mail.
Q. How can I get more information about CPR and First Aid training?
A. CPR and First Aid training generally are available from your local chapter of the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org). Also, many city and town fire departments/rescue squads offer such training to people in their community. Make sure your trainer is certified by the National Safety Council. MArtap can suggest (but does not endorse) companies that will provide training for a fee. For more information, please call Carol Tally at 877-MArtap 1 (627-8271).
Q. Do local regional transit authorities (RTA) host training courses?
A. Defensive Driving, Wheelchair Lift and Securement and Passenger Sensitivity or Safe Transportation of the Public under the ADA may be offered by the RTA serving your area. Call your local RTA or check their website. For a listing of RTAs, check the Internet web site of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities: www.matransit.com.
Some vehicle makers offer occasional trainings at their locations in cooperation with manufacturers of lift equipment, transmissions, etc. Check with your vendor but be sure that all trainers are certified.
Still have questions, please call Carol Tally at MArtap at 877-MArtap1 (627-8271).
ANYTHING ELSE TO KNOW?
Yes, be sure your training records are complete and up-to-date. When a MArtap trainer comes to your area, he may ask to see your training records. Remember, you are required to annually certify to EOT that you have met its training requirements. Unannounced, periodic inspections of your records are a new part of the Commonwealth's compliance process. If you are found to be out of compliance, the MArtap trainer will recommend that you schedule the necessary training.
If you need further
information or have a question, please contact Joanne Champa, Mobility
Assistance Program Coordinator for EOT, at
(617) 973-7062 or,
via e-mail, at joanne.champa@state.ma.us.
Note: The use of information on this website (www.martap.org) has been designed for informational purpose only and does not supersede any MAP contract. Be sure to reference your contract for exact contractual information regarding MAP/driver training requirements. Copying from this website or republishing contents of the data on this website for other use is strictly prohibited. Information provided is subject to change. The Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) and the Massachusetts Rural Transit Assistance Program, also known as MArtap and all of its officers, agents and employees are not responsible for any errors or omission in the information listed on www.martap.org. All agencies must comply with the terms and conditions of the MAP contract.