Program Beginnings

TMAARC, originally formed as The Florida Maintenance Training Program (FMTP), began in April 1990 when the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) signed a joint participation agreement. The agreement entailed setting up training for public transit technicians in classrooms and labs and establishing a resource center of training programs and materials. TMAARC was also to produce and distribute Transit Training, a quarterly newsletter on training activities, training tips, and new programs. Administration of all parts of the program was undertaken by CUTR.

TMAARC began as a cooperative effort between FDOT and CUTR. The original idea for the program was developed by Hank Donaldson and Mike Johnson at FDOT.

Without the hard work and dedication of many individuals to the idea of providing bus technicians with thorough training opportunities, TMAARC could not have had the success it has seen.

Program Management

Since 1992, Robert E. Westbrook has overseen the program from the FDOT side. His dedication to providing training to Florida’s technicians is evident. He is closely involved in every facet of the program, especially the annual state Bus Maintenance Roadeo, where teams of the best technicians compete to show their skills.

At CUTR, Ed Bart, Lisa Staes, and Vicki Zambito work as the program management team.

Mr. Bart has more than 30 years experience in the vehicle maintenance arena. He has worked as both a mechanic and supervisor; as the Director of Maintenance with Volusia County Transit (VOTRAN) in Daytona Beach, Fl; and most recently, prior to joining CUTR in 2007, the General Manager of Vehicle and Facilities Maintenance with Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) in Tampa, FL.

Ms. Staes has more than 19 years of transit experience. Prior to coming to CUTR, she was the Grant Programs Administrator for FDOT, Public Transit Office. While with the FDOT, she managed state and federal transit grant programs, including the State of Florida Transit Block Grant and Service Development programs. 

Ms. Zambito, a Training Specialist, has been the coordinator of TMAARC since its inception. She oversees the daily operations of the program, working closely with the project sponsors. She develops the training schedule and coordinates all classes, partnering with trainers and transit properties. She also coordinates the activities of the Florida Transit Maintenance Consortium (FTMC).

The Consortium includes representatives from public transportation agencies’ maintenance departments around Florida. This group meets quarterly on a formal basis and at other times as needed. They elect a Committee Chair who is charged with the job of coordinating Committee activities. All major decisions concerning program structure, format, content, and policy are put before the Committee for approval. Members of the Committee communicate their needs and opinions, and provide the program feedback from the most important source - the maintenance departments and technicians themselves. CUTR and FDOT also support and participate in the activities of the Consortium.

Key TMAARC Activities

1. Maintenance Training Classes Between 24 and 30 classes are held at varying locations around the state during the year. Course surveys are completed by each transit agency twice a year before each training session to assess what areas and topics should be covered in classes. CUTR has managed the program through a mix of contracted services, in-house training module development and delivery, state level scheduling based on agency surveys, and a process to document and archive long term training trends and results. Program leaders are currently working with Votran and Palm Tran to help develop and administer state sponsored training and testing.

Technicians are reimbursed for travel (if over 50 miles from their home property), lodging, and meals. Classes are usually held Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and average about 20 students. At the end of the class, the students complete anonymous evaluations of the class content and the instructor. The instructor also completes an evaluation of each student. Pre- and post-class tests are given to monitor student progress. All students attending the class are given a certificate. A certificate of completion is given to all students who pass their final examination. Those students who do not achieve the minimum score on their exam are awarded a certificate of participation. Classes yield an average increase of 32% from pre- to post-test scores.

2. Transit Training Newsletter Published quarterly, Transit Training is distributed to all pubic transportation agencies within Florida, the Advisory Committee, and selected persons at FDOT. In addition, a rapidly growing number of maintenance professionals nation-wide have joined the newsletter’s mailing list. The aim of Transit Training is to provide up-to-date information on topics of interest to technicians and managers around the state, and in the industry as a whole. Articles often focus on new technology available, new training classes and programs, and innovations and accomplishments at properties around Florida. The Fax/Facts section of the newsletter allows technicians and managers to submit ideas and requests to the editor. An Upcoming Events section keeps technicians and managers abreast of seminars, conferences and other events of interest at the state and national levels.

3. Maintenance Forum Listserv This listserv is open to all maintenance technicians, managers, trainers, or others interested in vehicle maintenance. Introduced in January 2000, this list is growing in size and contributions. It is used as an open forum on all issues related to maintenance, including buses and parts for sale or needed, questions on repairs, training issues, and other topics.

4. State Roadeos TMAARC is instrumental in the administration and design of the annual Mega Bus Roadeo.  FDOT and CUTR work closely to ensure this event, hosted by a different property each year, runs smoothly. TMAARC provides related training during the three days leading up to the event.

The success of the first ten years of TMAARC led to an expansion of its functions and services. CUTR and FDOT developed new activities which help TMAARC increase its usefulness to transit properties. Some additional services include:

*Technical Assistance One-on-one interaction through site visits to enhance the feedback process.

*Regulatory Issue Review Monitoring current topics and identifying new topics and concerns where the results of federal and state regulatory legislation will affect the operation of public transportation systems.

*Online registration and feedback Individuals are able to register for classes and provide feedback online that can be acted on by staff.

 Top