MArtap is designed to meet the needs of transportation providers in rural and small urban regions of Massachusetts, although agencies that serve urban populations are eligible for help as well. Budget and policy for MArtap are overseen by an Advisory Committee of dedicated volunteers who represent provider organizations that use MArtap services.

MArtap gets its funds from the Federal Transit Administration in Washington, DC. Here in Massachusetts, the state's Executive Office of Transportation has contracted with MARTA, the Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities to administer the program.

Driver Training: Seven driver training courses, taught by MArtap trainers, are available to you on your site.

They are:

• Wheelchair Lift and Securement
• Trading Places: Assisting Passengers with Special Needs
• Defensive Driving-4
• Emergency and Accident Handling Procedures
• Coaching the Van Driver
• Safe Transportation of the Public Under the ADA
• Coaching the Transit Bus Operator

Course descriptions and a Driver Training Request Form are included in the Driver Training section of our this Web site. To schedule training simply complete the on-line request form and the MArtap trainer will contact you to schedule your session.

Training Scholarships: MArtap provides scholarship assistance to employees of rural and small urban transportation providers to attend approved training courses and workshops. MArtap will reimburse the student up to 90% of tuition and expenses. One-day, community-based training courses are eligible for 100% tuition-only assistance. To apply for a MArtap scholarship, complete the Application and Expense Reimbursement Form in the MArtap Scholarships section of this Web site and you will be contacted by a MArtap staff member to confirm the status of your application.

National Transit Resource Center: There is a national resource of training and information waiting for you toll-free at 800-527-8279 or on-line at www.ctaa.org/ntrc/. Check it out!

The Resource is MArtap's popular newsletter, published 6 times a year and available to you in print, via mail at The Resource. It includes the latest driver training schedules, up-to-the-minute scholarship information, professional training opportunities and lots of other news you can use.

Let us know if you have an article that you would like us to print or if you would like to advertise in The Resource.