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51 The tools, processes, and culture of transit agencies are evolving. Changes in workforce demographics, equipment state, and technology integration have increased the demand for training. As the industry continues to advance, the demands on the workforce will only become greater and new capabilities will continue to be required for the workforce to sustain timely and quality operations. The combined impact on the workforce demands has already exceeded the supply of train- ing in many areas. At the same time, most of the transit community still relies on antiquated approaches to training. A significant gap still exists between traditional and innovative training practices, and it is often the exception to use those innovative approaches as opposed to the norm. Compounding these challenges, transit systems are being faced with increased demands to operate more effectively, efficiently, and with tighter budgets. While transit systems need to expand their training, they are met with budget constraints that emerge from increasing ridership demands, political shifts, and economic changes that challenge their resources. Through this report and its counterpart, TCRP Research Report 199: Transit Technical Training, Volume 1: Guide to Applying Best Practices and Sharing Resources, the identification of training best practices and shared resource models will assist in addressing the barriers to the identifica- tion and adoption of innovative training for frontline workers. There were multiple objectives achieved through both efforts, including the following: ⢠Clarifying and operationally defining what constitutes high-quality training; ⢠Identifying and making available access to training that meets industry standards; ⢠Identifying shared resource models that may serve as an effective means for transit systems to access and afford innovative training; ⢠Increasing access to eLearning and other types of training that can be accessed anytime, anywhere; and ⢠Providing a practical guidebook that helps leaders from different transit systems conduct a critical evaluation of which models are most effective for their transit system structures and will enable them to provide exemplary, relevant training to their frontline staff. The results will increase access to training solutions across transit agencies of all sizes and identify an affordable shared resource model for accessing innovative training for the frontline workforce. This expanded access to best-practice training will help them meet their unique cir- cumstances and prepare for challenges in the future. It is also recommended that the industry continue to invest in the identification and main- tenance of best-practice training and shared-training resources going forward. While the current efforts have identified many valuable courses and tools, there will be a need to refine, promote, and refresh these resources going forward. Otherwise, the value of the materials gathered during this time period will decrease in the years to come as the industry demand, training content, and instructional delivery models rapidly evolve. C H A P T E R 6 Conclusion and Recommendations
