A program of the Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation which is designed to provide training materials and technical assistance to local transit operators. FTA allocates RTAP funds to the states based on an administrative formula. The RTAP formula allocates a set amount to each of the states and Puerto Rico and a smaller set amount to Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands. RTAP then distributes the balance according to the non-urbanized population of the states. Every state is funded under an annual allocation to operate its own Rural Transportation Assistance Program to develop and implement training and technical assistance programs in conjunction with the state's administration of the Section 5311 formula assistance program. Each state may set up these services tailored to its specific mobility needs. The national component of the program is funded under a competitive agreement with no federal requirement for a local match. The national RTAP offers training materials, technical assistance, bulletins and special reports. RTAP is involved in national, state and regional meetings that are designed to strengthen the partnership between federal, state and local transit professionals.