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Mobility management training program

WisDOT’s commitment to providing training and technical assistance to mobility managers has resulted in the development and sponsorship of a mobility management training program initiative. The focus of the program is to provide training on topics relevant to mobility management activities, and to foster and encourage the development of a mobility manager peer network through which experiences, ideas and feedback can be easily and efficiently shared with other mobility managers in the state and throughout the country.

The mobility management training program was developed with the intent of providing up to five one-year recurrences of the curriculum, subject to the availability of funding. The training program is comprised of four to five face-to-face workshops, teleconferences in the months that meetings are not held, and the Mobility Management Forum, a web-based (Google) group for discussion of topics where more information is needed or issues have been identified and need resolution.

The primary focus for participation is on Wisconsin’s existing mobility managers . As new mobility manager positions become funded by grants under the programs administered by WisDOT, they will be invited and encouraged to attend workshops, participate in teleconferences, and become members of the web discussion group. Other individuals with an interest in mobility management may be invited to attend workshops; however, attendance is determined on a case-by-case basis and as space allows. They, as well as others, may join the web discussion group, as appropriate.

Experts in the field from other states or representing national mobility management groups and activities may be invited to speak at workshops or participate in teleconferences as existing mobility managers identify areas of need.

In 2008, workshops were held in May, June, September and November. Mobility managers were surveyed to determine the training topics they wanted to know more about, which included:

• Mobility management (Session One – May 21 & 22, 2008)
• Building partnerships (Session Two – June 16 & 17, 2008)
• Central dispatch and billing (Session Three – Sept. 16 – 18, 2008)
• Volunteer drivers (Session Three – Sept. 16 – 18, 2008)

In addition to the workshops, 20 mobility managers were sponsored for attendance at the 2008 18th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation in Omaha, NE on October 19-22. This conference is held every two years and offers sessions on topics addressing small, rural, and specialized transportation.

At the workshop held on Nov. 11-13, 2008, conference attendees shared what they had learned with those who were unable to go.

Workshops are held at certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) locations throughout the state. Expenses for mobility managers to attend the events are covered by WisDOT’s mobility management training program initiative.

Mobility managers who attended these workshops in 2008 have wholeheartedly endorsed the training program by stating that what they have learned has helped them to achieve effective transportation coordination in an efficient manner within their one-year grant program. The training program has enabled them to quickly and effectively implement the programs that are in place. The peer networking and on-line group discussions have facilitated expeditious resolution of problems and issues. By use of best practices and lessons learned by others, successful programs have resulted.

For more information, contact Ingrid Koch: ingrid.koch@dot.state.wi.us, 
(608) 266-1379.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Ingrid Koch, ingrid.koch@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: October 28, 2008