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Update to the Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan for

the National Capital Region

Beth NewmanTransportation Planner

Item 11December 16, 2009

National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board

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Overview of Briefing

• Background• What is in the Coordinated Plan• What We Have Learned• Plan Revisions• Solicitation Schedule for 2010

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Background: TPB Role

• Designated Recipient of FTA Programs– JARC– New Freedom

• Implementation Role

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Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan

• SAFETEA-LU Requirement– Locally-developed– Projects derived from Plan– Projects competitively selected

• Approved by TPB in April 2007– Establishes criteria for selection process– Guidance to prospective applicants

• Developed by the Task Force

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Human Service Transportation Coordination Task Force

• 45 Members Represent:– Public transit agencies– Departments of Transportation– Private and nonprofit transportation providers– Human service agencies– Users/Consumers

• Chaired by TPB Member

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Revisions to the Plan

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Project Solicitations

• Annual project solicitations– 2007 through 2009– 2010 last one

• Independent Selection Committee

– Chaired by TPB Member Elected Official

– Evaluate projects using competitive selection criteria

• 25 Pilots Funded– 4 completed– 11 in progress– 10 in contract phase– $7.7 million projects

approved– 11 JARC; 14 New Freedom

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Breakdown of Projects Funded

*Includes projects like taxi vouchers and door-through-door services that enhance access to existing transportation services.

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Outcomes and Lessons Learned

• What works well– Outreach– Selection process and

criteria– Flexibility in

developing projects– Creating opportunities

for coordination

• Challenges– Matching funds– Long time for

implementation– JARC limitations– Federal requirements

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Strategies for Improved Service and Coordination

• Tailor transportation services– Emphasizes individual needs

• Provide user-friendly information– Appropriate formats– Work with caregivers

• Services that improve reliability• Implement new programs and

services

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Recommended Projects for JARC

• Brochure for Low-Income Workers• Loan Program for Low-Income

Workers to Purchase Cars• Shuttles or Van Pools to Suburban

Employment Sites• Transportation Vouchers• Transportation Ombudsman• Expanded Transit in Underserved

Neighborhoods

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Recommended Projects for New Freedom

• Accessible Taxi Pilot• Sensitivity and Customer Service

Training• Door-through-Door Service• Same-Day Service Pilot• Travel Training• Volunteer Driver Program

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Timeline and Next Steps

Jan 18 – Apr 16, 2010 Solicitation for Projects

Apr – May Independent Selection Committee makes funding recommendations

May – June TPB asked to approve funding recommendations

Sept – Nov Project Implementation Begins