FTA Awards $2.3 Million for Transit Training and Educational Programs

Washington D.C. – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a grant for $2.3 million to Rutgers University in New Jersey to support the ongoing efforts of its National Transit Institute (NTI), which provides training, education and services in support of public transportation.

“The Bush Administration recognizes that a key factor in the economic success of public transportation is an investment in human capital,” said Administrator Jennifer Dorn. “The training and development provided by the National Transit Institute is an investment that leads to opening new markets, applying innovative technologies, and forming productive relationships for transportation programs of the future.”

The National Transit Institute serves the FTA, industry and state and local officials by developing and conducting training sessions and education programs for transportation employees.  The NTI supports a number of FTA training initiatives including management, supervision, advanced technology, workforce safety and security and multi-modal planning courses.  This latest grant marks the twelfth year the program has received funding.

  “The introduction of new technology and the changing nature of the transit workforce requires a continuous effort to train, retain, and develop quality employees,” said Administrator Dorn.

In addition, the NTI annually selects a group of Fellows representing industry practitioners with a variety of expertise to provide workshops and short seminars on industry-related topics. The NTI also sponsors an annual trainer’s conference bringing together trainers and human resources specialists from throughout the nation to learn new training techniques and share their experiences.