Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

The Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) was initiated in 1986 by FTA of the U.S. DOT. RTAP provides resources, training and technical assistance to rural public and community transportation systems throughout Georgia.
Georgia RTAP Center
The Georgia RTAP Center is administered by the Georgia DOT to:
- To promote the safe and effective operation of public transit systems while efficiently utilizing public and private resources.
- To support the coordination of public, private and human service transit providers within a region.
- To address the training and technical needs of the rural transit community.
- The Georgia RTAP Center’s materials and services are available to rural organizations in Georgia that are eligible to apply for Section 5310 and Section 5311 funds. They are also available to agencies under contract with the Community Transportation Coordinator to provide services in rural areas, or small urban areas with a population of 50,000 or less.
- Information and technical assistance are available in the areas of driver training, grants management, federal and state regulations, funding, vehicle maintenance, and risk management.
- The RTAP Program offices house a library with books, videos, pamphlets and training modules available for loan to eligible transit providers.
- Small urban and rural transportation providers in Georgia can access RTAP funds directly to be reimbursed for individual training needs. These funds can be used for travel and registration fees at training programs, professional development seminars, training conferences, as well as for selected training materials.
- All Section 5311 operators and rural Section 5310 providers in Georgia are eligible for RTAP scholarships. Eligible operators must complete and return an RTAP scholarship application to GDOT for approval prior to attending a training activity.