TDP Virtual Workshop – Reviewer Guide

00:00:02 Speaker 1: Hi everyone! Welcome to the Virtual TDP Workshop: Guidance for Preparing and Reviewing TDPs.

00:00:09 Speaker 1: This was recorded in March of 2026.

00:00:17 Speaker 1: This workshop is designed to assist staff that prepare and review TDPs in understanding and clarifying the requirements, along with providing helpful pointers or examples.

00:00:29 Speaker 1: Each module will go over the TDP minimum requirements.

00:00:33 Speaker 1: We’ll offer the plain language interpretation and some helpful pointers to get your TDP done by component.

00:00:41 Speaker 1: Whenever you see the green light bulb throughout each module, you will know that the slide offers helpful guidance, examples, or pointers.

00:00:51 Speaker 1: Additionally, there are slides after each part of an element that will describe the steps needed to prepare, execute, and document the topic at hand.

00:01:00 Speaker 1: This module will also let you know where to find helpful resources, including information on FTPN, T-BEST, and the central office website.

00:01:12 Speaker 1: The virtual TDP workshop is divided into three parts: the Introduction with TDP Tools and Resources, the Preparer’s Guide, and the Reviewer’s Guide.

00:01:24 Speaker 1: You are currently listening to the Introduction module.

00:01:28 Speaker 1: In this module, we will go over what to expect in each virtual workshop session, along with some information about the new rule and the TDP Handbook and helpful resources.

00:01:40 Speaker 1: The Preparer’s Guide sessions will include information for agencies preparing TDPs.

00:01:46 Speaker 1: The modules include guidance on the public involvement process, and MPO coordination, operating context evaluation,

00:01:56 Speaker 1: Land Use and Corridor Assessment, 10-Year Operating and Capital Program, Annual TDP Updates, and Approval and Submission.

00:02:09 Speaker 1: The Reviewer’s Guide sessions will include information, guidance, and the checklist for reviewing five-year TDPs and annual TDP updates.

00:02:22 Speaker 1: It takes approximately 80 minutes to complete the preparer and reviewer sessions.

00:02:27 Speaker 1: You can listen to each module individually.

00:02:31 Speaker 1: Below lists the modules and the expected time to complete each.

00:02:36 Speaker 1: The preparer sessions are as follows.

00:02:39 Speaker 1: The Public Involvement Process module is approximately 13 minutes.

00:02:44 Speaker 1: The MPO Coordination module is approximately 7 minutes.

00:02:50 Speaker 1: The Operating Context Evaluation module is about seven minutes.

00:02:55 Speaker 1: The Land Use and Corridor Assessment module is approximately seven minutes.

00:03:01 Speaker 1: The Ten-Year Operating and Capital Program is approximately 17 minutes.

00:03:08 Speaker 1: The Annual TDP Update module is approximately six minutes.

00:03:14 Speaker 1: The Approval and Submission module is approximately six minutes.

00:03:20 Speaker 1: The reviewer sessions are as follows.

00:03:23 Speaker 1: The Reviewing Five-Year TDP module is approximately 15 minutes.

00:03:30 Speaker 1: The Reviewing Annual TDP Update module is approximately 2 minutes.

00:03:39 Speaker 1: This module is the introduction and overview of the TDP process.

00:03:44 Speaker 1: In this module, we also discuss the new rule that became effective in July 2024 and what has changed from the 2007 rule.

00:03:56 Speaker 1: Additionally, this module includes information about the new handbook that was created for the new rule.

00:04:04 Speaker 1: As some of you may know, the TDP rule was updated in July 2024.

00:04:09 Speaker 1: The rule update was designed to streamline and simplify the TDP process.

00:04:14 Speaker 1: It is intended to make the preparation and submission of TDPs more efficient and less burdensome.

00:04:20 Speaker 1: Additionally, there are a few changes, which we’ll go over in depth, including emphasis on coordination with the MPO and prioritizing projects.

00:04:28 Speaker 1: One of the most important changes for the TDP process is that the draft TDP is now due to FDOT on March 1st instead of the old September 1st date.

00:04:38 Speaker 1: Before we get into the new handbook, here’s an overview of the differences from the old rule from 2007 and the current rule, adopted in 2024.

00:04:47 Speaker 1: Like the rule, the process has been simplified and streamlined.

00:04:51 Speaker 1: There’s an emphasis on the plans review, the new MPO coordination process, and the land use and corridor development assessment.

00:04:58 Speaker 1: The 10-year operating and capital program that has always been a part of the TDP is still there, just tweaked a little bit.

00:05:04 Speaker 1: We will get into this more later.

00:05:08 Speaker 1: The new handbook supports the new streamlined and simplified TDPs and explains all of the TDP requirements.

00:05:14 Speaker 1: This includes more emphasis on the new elements, such as the MPO and LRTP coordination and the focus on priority projects and corridors.

00:05:22 Speaker 1: It provides guidance on funding for TDP projects and even provides FDOT resources for further research and support.

00:05:31 Speaker 1: Although the rule has changed, TDPs are still required if you receive FDOT block grant funding, but they can be so much more than that.

00:05:38 Speaker 1: They also help providers with vision planning and now will coordinate with the MPO’s LRTP and the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process.

00:05:47 Speaker 1: The updated TDP will also be utilized in developing the UPWP, TIP, and other plans.

00:05:47 Speaker 1: The updated TDP will also be utilized in developing the UPWP, TIP, and other plans.

00:05:55 Speaker 1: Some of you may remember the old TDP components chart developed for the requirements of the 2007 rule, before the new rule was updated in July of 2024.

00:06:06 Speaker 1: There were nine components, including the baseline conditions assessment, the existing services and performance evaluation, public involvement, situation appraisal, goals and objectives, demand assessment, needs development and evaluation,

00:06:24 Speaker 1: the 10-year transit plan, and plan implications and coordination.

00:06:31 Speaker 1: Some of these elements are still present, just a little different and repackaged.

00:06:38 Speaker 1: So now we have streamlined those nine components to five components.

00:06:43 Speaker 1: We can think of developing a TDP like baking a cake.

00:06:46 Speaker 1: The public involvement process is like the eggs.

00:06:49 Speaker 1: It helps hold the cake together.

00:06:52 Speaker 1: We need public input to help make the providers plan its own and locally relevant.

00:06:57 Speaker 1: The MPO, planning process coordination, is like the milk or the oil.

00:07:02 Speaker 1: It helps the cake with its texture, just like the coordination process influences and helps form the TDP.

00:07:10 Speaker 1: The operating contact section is like the flour.

00:07:14 Speaker 1: Like how flour gives form to the batter, this component is where the TDP begins to form with local data analysis to support the 10-year operating and capital program.

00:07:26 Speaker 1: The land use and corridor development section is like butter, another necessary component to form a cake, and part of the TDP that helps give context and prioritization for the 10-year operating and capital program.

00:07:41 Speaker 1: The 10-year operating and capital program is the sugar.

00:07:45 Speaker 1: It is what makes the cake a dessert and not just a bread.

00:07:48 Speaker 1: This is where the TDP service and capital projects are combined into a phased program and prioritized.

00:07:58 Speaker 1: If you need additional guidance or information after listening to the workshop sessions, let’s talk about where to find that.

00:08:08 Speaker 1: Let’s talk about the online resources and technical support provided by FDOT for agencies preparing TDPs.

00:08:15 Speaker 1: The FDOT Public Transit Office provides help and assistance to transit agencies.

00:08:20 Speaker 1: It has continued to enhance its outreach to agencies on TDP development and reviews with the two key channels.

00:08:27 Speaker 1: FTPN, it’s FDOT’s main resource for TDP help, and we have a couple of slides to go over what that offers the FDOT Public Transit Office webpage.

00:08:39 Speaker 1: This also provides many important resources and useful links for TDP developers.

00:08:46 Speaker 1: The FTPN is a great resource for guidance materials for developing TDPs.

00:08:52 Speaker 1: FTPN is a partnership between FDOT, Florida Transit Agencies, and the Center for Urban Transportation Research,

00:08:59 Speaker 1: Also known as CUTR, at the University of South Florida to promote networking and information sharing among transit planning professionals in Florida.

00:09:08 Speaker 1: If you are not already, please join the e-mail list.

00:09:13 Speaker 1: The FTPN website has the TDP handbook, TDP due date schedule, links to approved TDPs, the TDP workshop presentation slides, technical assistance contact information,

00:09:28 Speaker 1: The official TDP rule, and T-BEST information to conduct the demand estimation assessment.

00:09:39 Speaker 1: Here are the web links to access these resources and tools.

00:09:43 Speaker 1: The TDP resources and FTP and listserv can be accessed at planfortransit.com.

00:09:49 Speaker 1: The FDOT Public Transit Office website can be found at www.fdot.gov/fdot/transitofficehome

00:00:00 Speaker 1: For this next section, we will be outlining the process for reviewing transit development plans, including the responsibilities of the FDOT reviewer and key components of the TDP reviewer’s checklist.

00:00:13 Speaker 1: FDOT has two key responsibilities related to the public outreach and the TDP.

00:00:18 Speaker 1: First, FDOT must review and approve TDP draft public involvement plans, or PIPs, typically at the beginning phases of a specific TDP project schedule.

00:00:29 Speaker 1: Second, FDOT is responsible for participating in public meetings where the TDP is to be presented or discussed during the development of each respective TDP.

00:00:40 Speaker 1: When approving a draft TDP Public Involvement Plan, the FDOT reviewer will be looking for a draft PIP document that provides brief descriptions of each public involvement activity that has been proposed or planned.

00:00:55 Speaker 1: In addition, the FDOT reviewer will be looking for a draft PIP document that clearly identifies key stakeholders that will be involved in the TDP development process.

00:01:05 Speaker 1: A draft PIP should note the involvement of the following stakeholders at a minimum: FDOT, local Regional Workforce Board, local Government Comprehensive Planning Departments, and local Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or MPOs.

00:01:23 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer will be looking for a draft PIP document that clearly outlines how the local Regional Workforce Board and other key stakeholders will be given the opportunity to comment and review TDP elements throughout the overall project schedule.

00:01:37 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer has additional responsibilities to consider in the overall TDP development process.

00:01:44 Speaker 1: The first is to approve an alternative ridership forecasting method other than TBEST if such an alternative tool is being requested.

00:01:52 Speaker 1: The second responsibility is to review and comment on the TDP during the development of the proposed improvements and the 10-year implementation program when given the opportunity.

00:02:02 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer has several responsibilities related to the TDP approval process.

00:02:09 Speaker 1: The first is to review and approve TDPs that meet all applicable deadlines and address all requirements of the TDP rule.

00:02:16 Speaker 1: Second, FDOT must notify the transit provider on the approval if their TDP follows the requirements of the rule.

00:02:24 Speaker 1: And last, if not in compliance, FDOT must provide a list of deficiencies to the transit provider for a correction prior to resubmittal.

00:02:35 Speaker 1: Once the TDP has been approved in the review process, FDOT is responsible for awarding public transit grant funds after July 1st of each state fiscal year.

00:02:45 Speaker 1: In addition, an approved TDP can also be used in developing FDOT’s five-year work program and the program and resource plan.

00:02:54 Speaker 1: For the FDOT TDP review and approval process, there are three categories of findings that can be assigned to a TDP once submitted by a transit provider.

00:03:04 Speaker 1: The first is a notification of compliance, the second is a notification of compliance with comments, and the third is notification of non-compliance with a list of deficiencies.

00:03:19 Speaker 1: For TDPs found compliant, FDOT must do the following.

00:03:23 Speaker 1: Send a notification of compliance for a TDP via e-mail to the transit provider.

00:03:28 Speaker 1: Transmit the e-mail no later than June 1st.

00:03:32 Speaker 1: And overall, the notification of compliance provides assurance of the apportioned state public transit grant funds for that fiscal year.

00:03:42 Speaker 1: If notifying a transit provider of a TDP that is compliant with comments, FDOT must perform the following.

00:03:49 Speaker 1: FDOT district offices must send a notification of compliance with comments via e-mail.

00:03:56 Speaker 1: Also, comments may indicate needed changes or improvements that should be incorporated in the next TDP or annual TDP update.

00:04:04 Speaker 1: Such comments could allow FDOT district offices to share feedback and suggestions so that the TDP processes can be improved, and the comments also help avoid risking potential non-compliance in the future.

00:04:20 Speaker 1: If notifying a transit provider of a TDP that was found in non-compliance with a list of deficiencies, FDOT must perform the following.

00:04:30 Speaker 1: FDOT

00:04:31 Speaker 1: District offices will send a notification of non-compliance with a list of deficiencies via e-mail.

00:04:38 Speaker 1: This list must also include specific deficiencies that need to be addressed before a second review is completed for compliance.

00:04:45 Speaker 1: In addition, all notices of all non-compliance are copied to the Transit Planning Administrator at the FDOT Central Office.

00:04:55 Speaker 1: For all TDPs identified as non-compliant with deficiencies, keep in mind the following.

00:05:01 Speaker 1: A transit provider and the FDOT district office may negotiate a schedule and necessary activities for resubmittal.

00:05:08 Speaker 1: Re-reviews of non-compliant TDPs are limited to 30 days.

00:05:13 Speaker 1: Re-reviewed TDPs may subsequently need to be re-approved by the transit provider’s adopting governing body.

00:05:21 Speaker 1: And compliance of a re-reviewed plan may be conditional on a subsequent approval.

00:05:27 Speaker 1: Please remember that a transit provider should be aware of this schedule and keep this in mind when looking for re-approval from a governing board if needed.

00:05:38 Speaker 1: The overall TDP approval timeline is highlighted by the following.

00:05:43 Speaker 1: Transit providers must submit a TDP by March 1st.

00:05:46 Speaker 1: The FDOT district office will notify the provider of a decision within 60 days of receiving an adopted TDP or annual TDP update.

00:05:57 Speaker 1: The district office will notify the transit provider as to whether or not the TDP or annual TDP update is in compliance with the requirements of the TDP rule, and if not in compliance, a list of deficiencies will be cited to the transit provider for correction and resubmittal.

00:06:12 Speaker 1: An approval timeline for a compliant TDP is composed of the following.

00:06:19 Speaker 1: Submittal of TDP or annual TDP update by March 1st.

00:06:24 Speaker 1: Up to 60 days for FDOT review, and a notification of compliance from FDOT within 60 days, and lastly, eligibility to receive funds after July 1st.

00:06:39 Speaker 1: An approval timeline for a compliant TDP with comments is composed of the following: a submittal of a TDP or annual TDP update by March 1st, up to 60 days for FDOT review, and then receiving notification of compliance with comments from FDOT within 60 days.

00:07:00 Speaker 1: Transit providers should consider the comments and feedback for the next annual TDP update or next TDP.

00:07:06 Speaker 1: And finally, this all leads to eligibility to receive funds after July 1st.

00:07:13 Speaker 1: A timeline for a non-compliant TDP with deficiencies is composed of the following: submittal of a TDP or annual TDP update by March 1st, up to 60 days for FDOT review.

00:07:26 Speaker 1: Within 60 days, FDOT must notify the transit provider of non-compliance along with a list of deficiencies, resubmittal of a TDP by the transit provider, and up to 30 days for FDOT to re-review the updated TDP submittal.

00:07:46 Speaker 1: FDOT re-review and notification of compliance must be completed by June 1st.

00:07:52 Speaker 1: And if this is all successful, eligibility to receive funds after July 1st is confirmed.

00:08:01 Speaker 1: TDPs and annual TDP updates that are filed late will be accepted if extenuating circumstances beyond the transit provider’s control exist, and if the transit provider’s FDOT district office is able to complete its review and approval process by June 30th.

00:08:19 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the public involvement process component of a TDP.

00:08:26 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:08:36 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirements for a public involvement process include:

00:08:41 Speaker 1: Did the TDP use a PIP that has been approved by FDOT or a local MPO PIP that is approved by both FTA and FHWA?

00:08:52 Speaker 1: Were opportunities for public involvement outlined in the final PIP?

00:08:58 Speaker 1: Did the final PIP include descriptions of the public involvement process used in the activities undertaken?

00:09:04 Speaker 1: Did the PIP process involve soliciting comments from the local Regional Workforce Board?

00:09:10 Speaker 1: Did the PIP outline how FDOT, the local Regional Workforce Board, local government Comprehensive Planning Departments, and the MPO of all public meetings where the TDP was presented or discussed?

00:09:22 Speaker 1: Did the PIP outline how FDOT, the local Regional Workforce Board, local government Comprehensive Planning Departments, and the MPO were given the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed transit project needs and implementation timeline?

00:09:38 Speaker 1: And did the final TDP outline how TDP-PIP coordination with the local MPO on long-range transportation plan outreach efforts and resources occurred, if possible.

00:09:57 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the MPO coordination component of a TDP.

00:10:04 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement, and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:10:14 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirements for MPO coordination include: To the extent possible, did the TDP process involve coordination with the local MPO’s LRTP socioeconomic forecasts for baseline year/future year data?

00:10:32 Speaker 1: Did the TDP process involve coordination with the local MPO to inject transit-related guidance into LRTP goals and objectives and stay consistent with the goals and objectives in the LRTP?

00:10:44 Speaker 1: Did the TDP process involve coordination with the local MPO to support their efforts to consider include TDP project priorities in the UPWP, TIP updates, and corridor development studies?

00:10:59 Speaker 1: And finally, was a draft final TDP presented to the local MPO board?

00:11:07 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT’s reviewer’s checklist requirements for the operating context evaluation component of a TDP.

00:11:14 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:11:25 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirement for operating context evaluation include: Did the TDP conduct relationship reviews of planned studies as identified by the TDP rule?

00:11:37 Speaker 1: and did the TDP review current UPWP, TIP, and corridor development studies to ensure consistency with them.

00:11:48 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the land use assessment and priority corridor development component of a TDP.

00:11:57 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:12:08 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirements for land use assessment and priority corridor development include: Did the TDP assess land use and urban design information in the service area?

00:12:19 Speaker 1: Did the TDP identify and evaluate priority transit corridors for the TDP?

00:12:24 Speaker 1: and compare them with the priority transit corridors in the LRTP, if any, for consistency and coordination.

00:12:34 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the demand estimation component of a TDP.

00:12:40 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement, if needed.

00:12:51 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirement for demand estimation includes, did the TDP conduct a 10-year annual projection of transit ridership using the software tool provided by FDOT, known as TBEST, or using some other FDOT-approved demand estimation method and summarized ridership data?

00:13:11 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the 10-year operating and capital program component of a TDP.

00:13:20 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:13:30 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirement for Ten-Year Operating and Capital Program include: A review of the relationship between the TDP’s Operating and Capital Program and other local plans.

00:13:42 Speaker 1: A 10-year schedule of projects that includes descriptions, maps, timeframes, costs, and the types and levels of service and capital improvements, a 10-year financial plan with operating and capital expenses for the schedule of projects, and a ranked list of priority projects based on the schedule of projects showing description, type, location, and funding availability by project.

00:14:09 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for the TDP adoption and submittal components of a TDP.

00:14:17 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to identify whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement, and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:14:28 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirement for TDP adoption and submittal include: Was the TDP approved and adopted by the provider’s governing body?

00:14:38 Speaker 1: And was the TDP submitted to FDOT by March 1st, or a revised date as agreed by FDOT?

00:00:00 Speaker 1: For this next section, we will be outlining the process for reviewing annual transit development plan updates, including the responsibilities of the FDOT reviewer and key components of the TDP reviewer’s checklist for annual TDP updates.

00:00:14 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer must check for the following from all annual TDP updates.

00:00:21 Speaker 1: First, annual TDP updates must include an overview of operating or capital changes,

00:00:28 Speaker 1: A new 10th year for the schedule of projects and the financial plan, an updated list of priority projects, and an update on any coordination with the MPO, TIP, UPWP, and/or corridor studies.

00:00:45 Speaker 1: The transit provider must also provide evidence that they presented the annual TDP update to their MPO board and that it was submitted to FDOT by March 1st.

00:00:59 Speaker 1: The following outlines the FDOT reviewer’s checklist requirements for an annual TDP update.

00:01:03 Speaker 1: The FDOT reviewer is tasked to ascertain whether the content in the TDP meets the minimum requirement and to provide any comments or suggestions on each checklist requirement if needed.

00:01:15 Speaker 1: The TDP rule minimum requirements for an annual TDP update include the inclusion of any updated modification to the previous year’s 10-year operating capital program, an extension of the current 10-year operating and capital program to a new 10th year, the inclusion of tables presenting updated 10-year schedule of projects, financial plan, and list of priority projects, evidence that the TDP was presented to the local MPO Board, confirmation that the TDP was submitted to FDOT by March 1st or a revised date as agreed by FDOT, and finally,

00:01:53 Speaker 1: Documented progress on the achievements and coordination efforts with the local MPO, including coordination on UPWP, TIP, and/or corridor development studies.