Reference Manual for Transit Agencies

The Office of Passenger Transportation (OPT) has put together this Reference Manual in an effort to assist transit agency staff and other customers of the OPT. The Reference Manual explains requirements, regulations, and deadlines for recipients of state and federal funds. It is organized into seven sections and the topics discussed in each section are listed alphabetically.

Some of the information contained in this reference manual may no longer be accurate. If you are unsure whether a specific procedure has changed from what is stated in the manual, or if you need further assistance, please contact your OPT Project Manager.

Accounting

• Cost Allocation Plans

Administration 

• Reporting Matrix for Transit Agencies
• MDOT/FTA Required Plans and Policies

Audits

• Audit Deadlines and Submitting a Deficit Elimination Plan
• Identification, Review and Follow Up of Audit Findings
• Local Bus Operating Assistance Advance
• Payment Processing
• Submitting Quarterly and/or Reconciled Operating Assistance Reports (OAR) and Withholding of State Operating Funds for Non-submission of the Quarterly and/or Reconciled OAR

Contracts

• Urbanized Area Funding Application Process, Including the FHWA Transfer (Flex) Process

Equipment

• Local Disposal of Vehicles or Equipment
• Local Disposal of Transit Real Property
• Transit Vehicle and Equipment Transfer

Federal 

• Title VI Requirements

Operations 

• Public Transportation Accessibility Plan Processing
• School Bus Service