Transit agencies typically hire finance professionals for their finance expertise.  As such, these professionals often do not have transit knowledge.  The TFLEX Guide for Transit Newbies was developed to provide transit basics.

Audience

Finance professionals new to transit are the intended audience. TFLEx wanted to create these lessons to help staff become more able to converse knowledgeably about the industry with internal and external customers.

Modules

Module 1: History and Benefits of Transit

In this module, we will explore the benefits and history of public transportation in North America and give you a sense of the transit customer’s perspective.

Module 2: Bus and Rail Operations

What are the critical success factors for continued and improved ridership levels? What impact do planning, scheduling, and maintenance decisions have on transit operations?

Module 3: Key Performance Indicators

What are the different types of key performance indicators (KPIs)? What are the leading and lagging measures?

Module 4: Federal Regulatory Framework

Every public agency is faced with regulations from local, state, and federal sources. While every agency must deal with different regulations from their local and state governments, all agencies must abide by the same federal regulations. This module will deal with federal regulations.

Module 5: Sources of Capital and Operating Funds

This module provided you with a basic understanding of federal and non-federal funding sources.

Module 6: Grants Management

This module addresses the importance of grants and grant money to all transit agencies, as well as how to manage those grants.

Module 7: Fare Policy  

This module provides you with a basic understanding of fares and fare collection for urban transit agencies.

Module 8: Paratransit Operations

This module provides you with a basic understanding of paratransit operations.

Module 9: Procurement

After completing this module, you will be able to comply with federal and non-federal regulations and avoid penalties, recognize your agency’s responsibilities as a steward of public funds, and identify the roles and responsibilities involved in procurement activities.

Module 10: Capital Projects

After completing this module, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the capital project process, identify the types of capital projects risk, and understand how agencies manage the different types of risk.