Technical Assistance and Workforce Development

FY2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS - PROJECTS PLANNED IN FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025 under the Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program include:

1) In FY 2025, funding supported continued engagement in national transportation research activities, allowing nearly 100 staff to participate in technical sessions, workshops, and committee meetings at a major annual gathering. Staff received full access to online research tools, including a comprehensive database containing more than 1.4 million records, which helped identify knowledge gaps and inform evidence-based decisions. Program activities also included the development of new research materials, virtual learning events, and ongoing coordination that strengthened collaboration across transportation modes.
2) In FY 2025, the project established a multisector advisory group and a partner roundtable to strengthen collaboration across Federal agencies and stakeholder organizations. It maintained and transitioned key training and technical assistance resources to a new online platform, ensuring uninterrupted access after the prior program concluded. The project also updated major tools used nationwide—including the community transportation map, case studies, and state-level profiles—providing improved resources that help agencies plan and deliver more coordinated transportation services.
3) In FY 2025, Between October 2024 and March 2025, the program delivered 130 courses across 36 topic areas, two Transit Academy workshops, and 11 webinars, serving 3,463 transportation professionals. Training was offered through both virtual and in-person formats, expanding access to participants nationwide. The program also strengthened its portfolio by revising and relaunching four specialized courses—offered for the first time since before the pandemic—further enhancing the breadth and relevance of its training resources.
4) In FY 2025, the project advanced efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable users near rail systems. Participation in the effort contributed to three interim reports that identified and recommended potential technologies for testing to reduce risks to trespassers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users around railroad tracks. The work provided valuable guidance for evaluating emerging safety technologies and informed strategies that transit agencies and stakeholders can use to enhance safety around rail corridors.
5) In FY 2025, the project engaged youth in exploring careers in public transportation and mobility. The program expanded its network by bringing on 12 new local host organizations, representing transit agencies and community partners across North America. Funding supported program staffing, assessments, advisory committee meetings, and development of the first draft of a comprehensive Innovation Challenge Guide/Toolkit, including customizable outreach materials and evaluation criteria. The Career Awareness series delivered six national webinars and a youth forum, reaching over 200 youth and professionals. Youth teams from multiple regions submitted projects for a national Innovation Challenge, culminating in a three-day competition and awards ceremony that showcased innovative mobility concepts and amplified visibility through digital and social media engagement.

FY2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS - PROJECTS EXPECTED TO BE FUNDED IN FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026 under the Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program include:

1) In FY 2026, funding is expected to support the completion of more than 200 technical sessions and the review of over 5,500 research papers for a major national transportation research meeting. Approximately 250–300 transit-related papers are anticipated to be selected for presentation, with a portion advanced for journal review. These efforts will help refine national research priorities and highlight innovative practices.
The program is also expected to deliver a strong year-round webinar series, expanding access to technical insights for practitioners nationwide. Through collaboration with hundreds of volunteer experts and committee members, the 2026 meeting is expected to be fully developed, technically sound, and responsive to emerging industry needs—strengthening national research collaboration and supporting evidence-based transportation improvements
2) In FY 2026, the program is expected to continue expanding national workforce development by delivering a strong mix of virtual and in-person training for the transit industry. Building on the growing demand seen in FY 2024 and FY 2025, NTI is anticipated to offer 140–150 courses across more than 35 subject areas, along with additional Transit Academy workshops and a steady schedule of topic-focused webinars. The program is expected to serve over 3,500 professionals, with continued emphasis on emerging technologies, safety practices, and operational readiness. FY 2026 efforts are also likely to include updates to existing curricula and development of new or modernized courses to address evolving workforce needs—particularly in zero-emission vehicles, safety management, and frontline workforce skills. Through these activities, the program will continue to strengthen the public transportation workforce by identifying training gaps, expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities, and supporting agencies as they adapt to new challenges and technologies.
3) In FY 2026, this project is expected to support public transportation agencies in strengthening their workforce across all modes of transit. Anticipated accomplishments include helping agencies recruit, hire, train, and retain skilled frontline employees, with an estimated 100 agencies benefiting from hands-on technical assistance. The project will implement collaborative workforce initiatives, such as apprenticeship programs and labor-management partnerships, aimed at improving employee performance and reducing turnover. Outputs are expected to include customized training materials, technical guidance, and structured workforce development plans. Results for FY 2026 are projected to increase workforce productivity by up to 15% and reduce staff turnover by approximately 10%, ensuring agencies are equipped to meet current and future operational needs.
4) In FY 2026, this project is expected to advance the development of safety standards and technologies that allow transit vehicles to transfer power to critical facilities during emergencies. Anticipated accomplishments include designing, testing, and demonstrating vehicle power units capable of safely supplying electricity to an estimated 50–75 hospitals, schools, emergency shelters, and other essential buildings. The project will also explore applications for approximately 200 homes and offices in transit-oriented communities to maintain power during outages caused by natural disasters or other hazards. Outputs for FY 2026 are projected to include validated technical guidelines, 10–15 prototype power units, and demonstration results. Expected results include enhanced emergency preparedness, increased community resilience, and practical solutions that enable critical facilities and residences to access power when conventional sources are unavailable.
5) In FY 2026, this project is expected to support transit agencies in enhancing public safety around rail crossings through education and outreach. Anticipated outputs include the development of new transit-focused safety materials, such as brochures, digital content, and training resources, which will be made available to agencies for use on their websites and in community outreach. The project will also provide targeted safety messages during national awareness campaigns and participate in industry events to share best practices for rail safety. Results for FY 2026 are projected to reach an estimated 500 transit agencies and more than 2 million transit riders and community members, increasing awareness of safe behaviors near rail crossings and strengthening the capacity of transit providers to implement effective safety programs.