TAM for Tribes
American Indian tribal transportation providers are Tier II agencies and are subject to Tier II TAM requirements.
The information below is provided to assist tribal providers in complying with the TAM Rule.
Getting Started
Tribes have the option to create an individual Tier II TAM Plan or participate in a group plan. Detailed information on what is required for the individual TAM Plan or group plan can be found on the TAM Plans Page.
A provider’s Accountable Executive is ultimately responsible for the TAM plan. In the case of tribal transportation providers, the Accountable Executive may be the tribal chairperson, CEO equivalent, or another senior staff member responsible for carrying out responsibilities as defined in 49 CFR 625.5.
Group Plan Participation
Tribal agencies may develop their own TAM plans or participate in their state Department of Transportation (DOT)’s group TAM plan. If the tribe only receives 5311(c) funds directly through FTA, then the state DOT is not required to solicit the tribe’s participation in its group plan. However, if the tribe requests to participate, then the state DOT must accept the tribe into its group plan.
In addition, a tribe can choose to serve as the sponsor of a tribal group plan that includes other tribal agencies of similar interests and experiences. Unlike traditional group plan sponsors, a tribe can both sponsor and participate in the group plan.
The Group Plan Sponsor Workbook provides further detail on identifying participants and developing group TAM plans.
FAQs
- How do transit providers comply with the TAM rule?
- My agency is the public transportation provider for a tribal government. What are we responsible for under the TAM Rule?
Available Resources
Below are some resources that are relevant to small transit systems like those operated by many tribal providers. Visit the TAM Resource Table for a full list of available TAM resources.
Peer Resources
- Alaska DOT: Asset Inventory and Condition Rating Tool
- This tool may help agencies complete an asset inventory and condition assessments.
- SARTA (Stark Area Regional Transit Authority, Stark County OH): ODOT Condition Instructions/Sarta Vehicle Assessments
- This resource demonstrates how vehicle inventory and condition assessments could be used as the basis for TAM performance measures.
- Union County Public Transit (OR): Inventory from Asset Management Plan
- This resource shows an example of a completed asset inventory.
- Kayak Public Transit: Kayak Public Transit Asset Management/Maintenance Plan
- This case study describes the creation of a plan for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in Oregon.
- RTAP: National RTAP Tribal Transit Program
- This site provides technical assistance, training and events for tribal transit providers.
TAM Resources
- TAMPLATE
This tool is designed to assist transit providers and group plan sponsors in developing their TAM plans. - Asset Management Guide for Small Providers (FTA 0092)
This guide is a supplemental resource for small transit service providers that have fewer assets and fewer asset classes to maintain than larger agencies. - TAM Final Rule - Small Systems Focus Webinar
- This webinar focuses on resources for small transit systems.
Funding Information
- Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program
- Tribal Transit Formula Grants - 5311(c)(2)(B)