2 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

FTA email 7/26:

 

FTA Issues Transit Asset Management (TAM) Rule

 

Today, FTA issued a final rule requiring FTA grantees to develop management plans for their public transportation assets, including vehicles, facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure. The Transit Asset Management (TAM) final rule asks transit agencies to develop a strategic approach to maintain and improve capital assets. Every FTA-supported transit provider will be required to inventory and assess the conditions of their assets, develop priorities for investment based on the inventory, and establish performance targets. The rule, established under MAP-21 legislation, is intended to close the gap on aging and poorly maintained transit assets.

 

Along with the final rule, FTA released two proposed Transit Asset Management guidebooks that detail the methods for transit agencies in measuring and reporting conditions of guideways and administrative, maintenance, and passenger facilities to the National Transit Database. The guidebooks were released for a 60-day public comment period.

 

FTA will host a multi-part webinar series between Tuesday, July 26-Thursday, August 18 to provide technical assistance to the transit industry on how to implement the rule.

 

Links:

TAM Final Rule
Transit Asset Management (TAM) landing page
Register for webinar sessions
Comment on TAM Guidebooks

 

 

[CNJRoss]

USDOT Fast Lane Blog, 7/27:

 

 

Managing Assets will Lead to Reliability, Transparency, Accountability

Posted by FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers

 

This week, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a final rule that requires FTA grantees to develop management systems for their capital assets such as vehicles, facilities and equipment. Transit asset management (TAM) is an essential practice for providing safer, more reliable transit service nationwide.

 

The rule was designed to ensure that transit infrastructure remains in a state of good repair, which is so important to the success of transportation systems everywhere. TAM’s strategic approach will help transit operators maintain and improve assets based on careful planning and improved decision-making.

 

_{Image courtesy New York MTA}

 

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act called for us to make asset management strategies uniform across the industry. In my view, the TAM rule means good business practice. We’ve watched many of our transit systems reach middle age, and the many parts that make them run need ongoing vigilance.

 

In 2013, according to our estimates, the transit industry had deferred maintenance and replacement needs totaling $86 billion. More than half of that backlog is made up by rail systems. In addition, nearly half of all buses are in either poor or marginal condition, meaning that they are due – or will soon be due – for replacement.

 

When transit assets are not in a state of good repair, both safety and reliability are put at risk. Maintenance costs rise. Breakdowns increase. And on-time service plummets.

 

Meanwhile, transit ridership continues to grow. To meet the demand, transit agencies have launched new services or planned expansions – sometimes at the expense of regular maintenance.

 

Within two years after the rule takes effect in October, agencies will set up assessment strategies, issue performance targets, and establish budgets and schedules – all so they can better track and maintain assets.

 

_{Image courtesy Port Authority of Allegheny County}

 

If just 1 to 2 percent of breakdowns are avoided thanks to better transit asset management practices, the rule will be cost-effective. Moreover, agencies will realize greater reliability, transparency and accountability.

 

Many transit systems are already doing a good job with asset management. Others need to renew their focus. In the end, we’ll have a uniform system that will benefit both transit operators and the traveling public.

 

FTA can help. In the coming months, keep an eye on our website for a number of technical assistance opportunities as we implement the rule.

 

Transit asset management is critical to providing safer, more reliable transit service nationwide. Now it’s time to work together to make it happen.

 

 

[CNJRoss]

FTA email, 10/7:

New TAM Resources and Correction to Performance Measure Target Reporting Requirement

 

 

October 1, 2016 marked the effective date of FTA’s Transit Asset Management (TAM) final rule. As part of the agency’s technical assistance to transit providers in implementing the rule, FTA has published new materials, including a webinar series, presentations and updated FAQs. The TAM final rule was published July 26, 2016.

 

Along with these new resources, FTA posted a correction to reporting due dates for the initial State of Good Repair (SGR) performance measure targets. The TAM Final Rule requires transit providers and group TAM plan sponsors to set SGR performance targets within three months after the effective date of the final rule, or no later than January 1, 2017. Previously, FTA incorrectly stated that transit providers and group TAM plan sponsors also are required to report their initial targets to the National Transit Database (NTD). A transit provider or group TAM plan sponsor may report initial targets to the NTD when the target reporting forms become available in early January 2017; however, the rule does not require initial targets to be reported.  

 

The Performance Measure Guidebooks for Facility and Infrastructure comment period has closed and FTA is reviewing comments.

 

Links:

TAM Final Rule Resources
TAM Final Rule
Transit Asset Management (TAM) landing page