Travel needs and the potential to provide effective public transit differ significantly in rural and tribal communities compared to more densely populated urban areas. In addition, rural and tribal communities vary widely among themselves in terms of geography, population, resources, and mobility needs, all of which affect how transit services can be planned and delivered. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern that explored a range of service design strategies and transit modes, including emerging non-traditional services, that may be appropriate for rural and tribal contexts. This webinar also highlighted practices aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in providing mobility options. Presenters shared examples, lessons learned, and practical considerations to help agencies better respond to the diverse mobility needs of rural and tribal communities.
This webinar was based on NCHRP Research Report 1144 & TCRP Research Report 251: Public Transportation in Rural Areas and Tribal Communities: Guide for Service Improvements.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program and Transit Cooperative Research Program.
The slides are available. Please visit the webinar details page to access the recording.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Guide to Implementing New Services Strategies, Sue Knapp, KFH Group, Inc
• Selected Case Studies, Buffy Ellis, KFH Group, Inc
• Question and answer session moderated by Frederic Fravel, KFH Group, Inc

The first 40 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 20 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Explore and evaluate the potential for various enhanced or new service designs and modes that may be appropriate in their community
• Implement the new or enhanced service design, such as planning for that new service, communications with passengers, safety and security, and ensuring effective services

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credit. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.