Federal Transit Administrator Jenna Dorn is urging publicly funded transit agencies to “respect the needs of private sector agencies to operate effectively in a competitive marketplace for services that do not receive subsidies.” In a letter to all subsidized transit systems, Dorn emphasized the need to “work together to maintain the vitality and effectiveness of every component of our [transportation] system.” She also urged the state departments of transportation and directors of federally subsidized transit agencies to consider the effects the Sept. 11 attacks had on the private bus industry. “Privately operated intercity bus transportation is also an important part of our nation’s overall surface transportation network, particularly in smaller communities and rural areas,” Dorn said. “Intercity buses provide linkages among smaller communities within a region and to larger urban areas that offer services and opportunities not available in less populated areas.” The FTA called for communities to include private bus operators in transportation planning and funding. Along with the letter, Dorn sent a brochure explaining the rules and offering questions and answers for transit agencies. The FTA Website features the agency’s charter rules at www.fta.dot.gov/library/legal/cbs.html.