Instruction Manual
The instruction manual is a comprehensive guide explaining the methodology behind the Cost Allocation Calculator and offering detailed instructions for both the Excel and Access versions.
Download Instructional Manual
Excel Version: Webinar | Powerpoint
Access Version: Webinar | Powerpoint
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to collect new data for my service in order to use the calculator?
A: The Cost Allocation Calculator relies on data normally readily available to every urban, small urban, rural, or tribal transit agency. No new data collection will be necessary to use the calculator.
Q: Can I use the Cost Allocation Calculator for a single route/servic?
A: The calculator application is designed to allocate expenses to multiple routes/services. Using the application for a single route would have all expenses going to the route, with no allocation taking place. The benefit of the calculator comes from using the application for multiple routes/services.
Q: How can I use the Cost Allocation Calculator for services with shared rides?
A: The calculator application is designed to allow users to suballocate expenses for shared-ride demand responsive services. Classify the route/service as Sponsored during Step 1 while entering Service Data. Then in Step 3 you can enter the sponsor names and passenger hours, miles, and trips for each sponsor that is part of the shared-ride services. The Summary Report will have a report with the cost allocation results for suballocated costs by sponsor within the shared-ride service.
Q: Can the application be used across multiple years/time periods?
A: The application is designed to store data for a single time period and is designed to be used annually. For each time period you should save a new version of the application before clearing old data.
Q: How do I use the Access version of the calculator if I don’t have Microsoft Access license?
A: If you do not have MS Access installed on your computer, search for the “Microsoft Access 2016 Runtime” or “Office 365 Access Runtime” extensions online (depending on your current version of Microsoft Office) and download the extension in order to run the Access version of this application.
Related Links
Federal Transit Administration
National Transit Database Glossary
TRCP Report 144 – Sharing the Cost of Human Services Transportation
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, (OMB),
Uniformed System of Accounting
FTA’s Uniform System of Accounts