Updates to the Public Transportation Division’s Oregon Public Transit Information System (OPTIS)
ODOT Public Transportation Division (PTD) would like to share changes that were made as part of the most recent updates to the Oregon Public Transit Information System (OPTIS). Included is a list of high-level items that are new or updated.
As a result of the delay in access to create periodic reports, the quarter 1 due date has been extended for Statewide Transporation Improvement Fund (STIF) Period Reports (SPR) and Agency Periodic Reports (APR) from 11/15/2023 to 11/30/2023.
Updates to STIF Periodic Reports
- New feature showing if a project supports older adults and people with disabilities transportation (formerly Special Transportation Fund (STF))
- New reporting field for services for older adults and people with disabilities included in SPR reports from the STIF Plan
- New payment report that shows STIF Plan and STIF Plan Project spending as reported on the SPRs, along with population based (formerly STF) payment information from payment requests.
- Update to SPR Overview screen where STIF Carry Forward is separate from other funding, which can be found in the Budget Totals and Expenditures Totals sections.
- New reporting fields for Qualified Entities (QE) Cash Flow on the SPR, and Public Transportation Service Providers (PTSP) Cash Flow on the SPR Project.
- Update to SPR Overview screen to show the QE Cash Flow and PTSP Cash Flow.
Grant Applications
- New feature which will allow agencies to apply for grants directly in OPTIS for formula and discretionary applications in future solicitations.
- Added a “view my applications” menu item to assist with application navigation.
General Updates
- Increased font size throughout OPTIS
- Security Updates
- Bug Fixes
Finally, regarding the STIF Cash Flow additional reporting fields, we are providing the following questions and answers:
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Why is PTD asking for this information? PTD is responsible for overseeing the proper use of disbursed STIF formula funds. In response to problems manifesting this spring, PTD staff determined there was a need for enhanced visibility of the cash position of both the Qualifying Entity, and their Public Transportation Service Providers, by project.
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In general, what does PTD want? The fields within the new Cash section of the SPR are designed to show the flow of STIF formula cash for both the QE, and their PTSPs. It provides PTD with much more information than has been previously available each quarter. To reconcile expenses and cash on hand for STIF funds. This additional information will assist ODOT in providing a cumulative overview of STIF funding availability. In addition, the information will provide a reporting mechanism to show cash flow and expenditures on a per project basis.
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When is will the first 2023-2025 quarterly reporting (SPR/APR) due? With these changes, reports will have additional time to complete. PTD has extended from the original due date from 11/15/2023 to 11/30/2023 for first quarter reporting period from July 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023.
For more information and questions, please contact the Regional Transit Coordinator (RTC) in your region. Please note, Arla Miller is the interim Region 1 RTC.
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