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Transit asset management (TAM) is a strategic approach to managing systems and associated assets used in the transit operating environment. Transit asset information can be used to help guide optimal prioritization of funding. 

The purpose of the 2016 TAM Final Rule is to better achieve and maintain a state of good repair (SGR) for the nation’s public transportation systems – including infrastructure, vehicles, facilities, and supporting technology. The Final Rule and corresponding TAM Regulation (49 CFR Part 625) establish a framework for transit agencies to monitor and manage public transportation assets, improve safety, increase reliability and performance, and set performance measures to help agencies keep their systems operating smoothly and efficiently.

Transit agencies are required to develop TAM plans and submit their performance measures and targets to the National Transit Database by specific deadlines (see below). This page provides basic information to get you started toward compliance.

Performance measures allow transit agencies to quantify asset condition and set targets that support local funding prioritization.  

TAM measures performance toward SGR in three ways: 

• Rolling Stock & Equipment: Age, see Useful Life Benchmark (ULB)
• Facilities: TERM scale 
• Infrastructure: Performance Restriction

TAM Plans and NTD Reporting 
Every agency that owns, operates, or manages capital assets used to provide public transportation as defined in the TAM regulation, must develop and implement a TAM Plan. Additionally, agencies must submit their asset inventory and performance measures to the National Transit Database (NTD) by specific deadlines (see below).

A TAM plan is a tool that will aid transit providers in:  

1. Assessing the current condition of their capital assets;  
2. Determining what the condition and performance of their assets should be;  
3. Identifying the unacceptable risks, including safety risks, in continuing to use an asset that is not in a state of good repair; and  
4. Deciding how to best balance and prioritize anticipated funds (from all sources) towards improving asset condition and achieving a sufficient level of performance within those means. 

For more information on these elements, please refer to the resources linked below.  
 

Resources

The following resources highlight some basic information you need to know about the TAM Rule and TAM Plan requirements. Visit the TAM Resource Table for a full list of available TAM resources.   

TAM Final Rule and Regulation 
2016 TAM Final Rule
TAM Federal Regulation
TAM Final Rule Fact Sheet
Am I in compliance with the TAM final rule?

TAM Plan and NTD Reporting
TAM Plan Webpage 
NTD Manuals
TAM and NTD Guidance Crosswalk
Performance Management Webpage
TAM Performance Measures Fact Sheet
Am I a tier I or tier II agency?

Group Plans and MPOs
Group Plan Sponsor Workbook
TAM Roles & Responsibilities Fact Sheet for MPOs and State DOTs
Am I required to be a group TAM plan sponsor?
Am I going to be a participant in a group TAM plan?

Other Fact Sheets
TAM and PTASP Fact Sheet
Default Useful Life Benchmark (ULB) Cheat Sheet
 

TAM Regulation Deadlines

The table below indicates the upcoming TAM and NTD data reporting deadlines relative to an agency’s fiscal year end. The table does not show a complete list of reporting deadlines. The TAM Regulation and NTD regulation (49 CFR Part 630) require annual submission of asset inventory data and narrative reports and an updated TAM Plan at least every four years.

Additional Assistance

For any additional information not found on this page, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For general questions regarding TAM, requirements of the regulation, or for more information about specific issues related to your agency's situation, contact the TAM team at TAM@dot.gov.