TAM
automatic vehicle location made possible through global position systems , often referred to as Intelligent Transportation Systems or ITS . In communities where that ITS information is linked into realtime next-bus arrival information systems and web-based technology applications , customers will be able get ready access to updated transit schedule information on their smart phones .
The Importance of Partnerships Partnerships are essential to innovations and developments in the community transportation industry in Maryland . The Maryland Transit Administration ( MTA ) of the Maryland Department of Transportation ( MDOT ), as the provider of federal and state funding to the Locally Operated Transit Systems ( LOTS ), is a major partner , not only in terms of dollars , but also in the provision of training and technical assistance . Training for the LOTS , MTA grantees , and others is funded through Maryland ’ s Rural Transit Assistance Program ( RTAP ). RTAP training is offered in collaboration with TAM , a partner in identifying training needs , hosting , and promoting training events . In recent years MTA and TAM have partnered to raise the level of safety training and emergency preparedness among the LOTS through the TransitSCORE program , which MTA recently redeveloped into a web-based curriculum called MarylandTRAIN .
Meeting the Needs for Specialized Transportation Services Public transportation providers struggle to meet the needs of specialized transportation for those who are unable to ride traditional bus services due to disabilities , medical conditions , or the effects of aging . Meeting the individualized needs of vulnerable passengers requires significant resources . In Maryland , as in many other states across the nation , meeting the demand for getting people to and from specialized appointments is a concern . Kidney dialysis treatments are a prime example of this type of challenge . The number of dialysis treatment facilities continues to grow , offering opportunities for
92 August 2014