Regional Public Transportation Authority

WHAT IS AN RPTA?

A Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) is a local transit authority, much like Spokane Transit Authority (STA) located in Spokane.  An RPTA addresses public transportation issues.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FORMING AN RPTA?

The advantages of forming an RPTA is that the agency’s focus is solely on public transportation and allows for better coordination of public transportation services. Under an RPTA, there is a unified effort to secure funding through federal and local sources and the spending of federal grant money is closely monitored. An RPTA also requires more accountability to the public, stakeholders, and member jurisdictions.

Currently, different Kootenai County agencies have formed a loose-knit collaboration to cover planning, funding, and operations regarding public transportation. Occasionally though, this can cause issues with cooperation and conflicts of interest.

HOW WOULD AN RPTA BE ORGANIZED AND FUNDED?

An RPTA would be governed by a board of local elected and appointed officials representing cities, the county, highway districts, and Native American Tribes within Kootenai County. It would be funded through the Federal Transit Administration and with local match money.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN I VIEW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORMATION OF AN RPTA?

KMPO has compiled a white paper regarding the feasibility of forming an RPTA. Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of Valley Ride, attended the January 2010 KMPO Board meeting to give a presentation on the experience of starting an RPTA in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho. Links to the RPTA White Paper and the Treasure Valley experience are provided below.

The RPTA White Paper is provided in two formats - interactive pdf booklet (below) or single page pdf.

The Treasure Valley Experience is provided in two formats - interactive pdf booklet (below) or single page pdf.