Fayette Area Fayette Area Coordinated Coordinated

TransportationTransportation

Presented by:Presented by:Ray McDonaldRay McDonald

What is FACT?What is FACT?

FACT stands for:FACT stands for: Fayette Area Coordinated TransportationFayette Area Coordinated Transportation

Mission Statement:Mission Statement: Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation

(FACT) is fully committed to providing all (FACT) is fully committed to providing all Fayette county residents with quality Fayette county residents with quality transportation services, regardless of age, transportation services, regardless of age, income, or mobility requirements.income, or mobility requirements.

Incorporated by the Fayette County Incorporated by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners in 1996.Board of Commissioners in 1996.

HoursHours

FACT office hours are Monday through FACT office hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM.

An answering service is available after An answering service is available after regular office hours and on weekends.regular office hours and on weekends.

Hours of operation are Monday through Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 7AM to 5PM and on Sunday Saturday 7AM to 5PM and on Sunday 7AM to 1PM.7AM to 1PM.

What Will You Learn Today?What Will You Learn Today?

What transportation options are available to your What transportation options are available to your clientsclients

How to determine if your client lives near a How to determine if your client lives near a public transit bus routepublic transit bus route

How to help plan a trip using bus schedulesHow to help plan a trip using bus schedules The cost of a bus ride and how to payThe cost of a bus ride and how to pay How to use shared ride servicesHow to use shared ride services Who to contact for additional questionsWho to contact for additional questions

Who am I?Who am I?

FACT Transportation Information Manager & FACT Transportation Information Manager & Operations ManagerOperations Manager

Primary duties:Primary duties: Design routing and scheduling for fixed and Design routing and scheduling for fixed and

demand response servicesdemand response services Track and analyze service data and statisticsTrack and analyze service data and statistics Apply for and administer grant fundingApply for and administer grant funding Oversee the customer service functionOversee the customer service function Maintain local agency relationshipsMaintain local agency relationships

What is FACT?What is FACT?

Mission Statement:Mission Statement:

Fayette Area Coordinated Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) is fully Transportation (FACT) is fully committed to providing all Fayette committed to providing all Fayette County residents with quality County residents with quality transportation services, regardless of transportation services, regardless of age, income, or mobility requirements.age, income, or mobility requirements.

Where is FACT Located?Where is FACT Located?

The FACT The FACT Transit Center Transit Center is located at is located at 825 Airport 825 Airport Road, Lemont Road, Lemont Furnace, PAFurnace, PA, , across from the across from the Connellsville Connellsville Airport.Airport.

How are Transit Services How are Transit Services Funded?Funded?

Federal funds:Federal funds: Primarily restricted to capital improvementsPrimarily restricted to capital improvements

Replacement vehicles or fleet expansionReplacement vehicles or fleet expansion Construction of facilitiesConstruction of facilities Purchase of fixed equipment (computers, Purchase of fixed equipment (computers,

fareboxes, telephones)fareboxes, telephones) Allocated based on complex formulas Allocated based on complex formulas

including population, service area size, and including population, service area size, and ridershipridership

Also include dedicated “earmarks” from Also include dedicated “earmarks” from elected officialselected officials

How are Transit Services How are Transit Services Funded?Funded?

State funds:State funds: Provide for both capital improvements and Provide for both capital improvements and

operating expensesoperating expenses FuelFuel Wages and benefitsWages and benefits Vehicle maintenanceVehicle maintenance

Come from a variety of sourcesCome from a variety of sources Slow growth and inconsistency in these sources Slow growth and inconsistency in these sources

has brought about a transit funding crisis in has brought about a transit funding crisis in PennsylvaniaPennsylvania

How are Transit Services How are Transit Services Funded?Funded?

Local funds:Local funds: Provide mostly for operating expensesProvide mostly for operating expenses Allow us to subsidize fares for certain Allow us to subsidize fares for certain

customer groupscustomer groups In our case, these are provided by Fayette In our case, these are provided by Fayette

County, but they can also come from County, but they can also come from individual municipalities or a local sales taxindividual municipalities or a local sales tax

These are important because they not only These are important because they not only help us to operate, but also indicate a help us to operate, but also indicate a “hometown” investment in and commitment “hometown” investment in and commitment to transitto transit

How are Transit Services How are Transit Services Funded?Funded?

Passenger fares:Passenger fares: Offset our reliance on federal, state, and Offset our reliance on federal, state, and

local subsidieslocal subsidies Usually set far below market price of Usually set far below market price of

serviceservice Transit agencies are increasingly being Transit agencies are increasingly being

judged by elected officials and taxpayers judged by elected officials and taxpayers on their ability to recover a high percentage on their ability to recover a high percentage of their operating costs through these faresof their operating costs through these fares

Sound route planning and fare policies Sound route planning and fare policies help to increase this percentagehelp to increase this percentage

Shared RideShared RideMedical Assistance Transportation Medical Assistance Transportation

ProgramProgram This service is a FREE curb to curb transportation for Fayette This service is a FREE curb to curb transportation for Fayette

County residents and is also a Non-Emergency Transportation County residents and is also a Non-Emergency Transportation program.  program.  FACTFACT does not provide escorts.  A parent or guardian does not provide escorts.  A parent or guardian over 18 years of age must accompany a child under the age of over 18 years of age must accompany a child under the age of 16, the Primary Care Physician, (PCP), must complete an 16, the Primary Care Physician, (PCP), must complete an Escort Eligibility Physician Verification Form stating the need for Escort Eligibility Physician Verification Form stating the need for an escort to and from appointments.an escort to and from appointments.

Eligibility & ProcedureEligibility & Procedure To become eligible to use To become eligible to use FACTFACT transportation services, Fayette County residency and a valid transportation services, Fayette County residency and a valid medical or Access card is required.  An eligibility form must be medical or Access card is required.  An eligibility form must be filled out by the client before filled out by the client before FACTFACT can process a request for can process a request for transportation services.  In the event the request for transportation services.  In the event the request for transportation is denied, transportation is denied, FACTFACT will place a referral with the will place a referral with the County Assistance Office.  County Assistance Office.  FACTFACT retains as formal retains as formal documentation, the referral form indicating denial of documentation, the referral form indicating denial of transportation service request along with a copy of the letter to transportation service request along with a copy of the letter to the client explaining the reason of denial.the client explaining the reason of denial.

Shared RideShared RidePerson with Disabilities Person with Disabilities

TransportationTransportation This grant has provided a reduced fare This grant has provided a reduced fare

transportation program for shared-ride transportation program for shared-ride service to persons who:service to persons who: Have a disabilityHave a disability Are 18-64 years oldAre 18-64 years old Live in or wish to travel in the County of Live in or wish to travel in the County of

FayetteFayette

Other goals of this project Other goals of this project include:include:

Collecting data on customers with disabilities Collecting data on customers with disabilities who use public shared-ride transportation who use public shared-ride transportation service in rural areas in order to assess their service in rural areas in order to assess their transportation needstransportation needs

Collect data on the impact-quality, and cost of Collect data on the impact-quality, and cost of service-on other passengers when shared-ride service-on other passengers when shared-ride transportation providers attempt to meet the transportation providers attempt to meet the transportation needs of customers with transportation needs of customers with disabilitiesdisabilities

To ensure that the PwD is perceived and used To ensure that the PwD is perceived and used as a supplemental transportation service for as a supplemental transportation service for customers with disabilitiescustomers with disabilities

Human service agencies need to Human service agencies need to continue to provide and/or pay for continue to provide and/or pay for

transportation services for persons transportation services for persons with disabilities as they did before.with disabilities as they did before.

Such as:Such as:

HSDFHSDF W2WW2W MATPMATP OVROVR

DESIGNDESIGN

The PwD uses the public Shared-Ride services The PwD uses the public Shared-Ride services model, now used for seniors and the general model, now used for seniors and the general public.public.

It is expected that the PwD will be operated in a It is expected that the PwD will be operated in a manner that does not diminish or otherwise have manner that does not diminish or otherwise have a negative impact on the existing Shared-Ride a negative impact on the existing Shared-Ride services available for older Pennsylvanians and services available for older Pennsylvanians and other shared-ride passengers.other shared-ride passengers.

PwD FARESPwD FARES For customers with disabilities, the PwD For customers with disabilities, the PwD

will fund up to 85% of the general public will fund up to 85% of the general public shared-ride fares that are currently in shared-ride fares that are currently in accordance with the Shared-Ride Program accordance with the Shared-Ride Program for Senior Citizens.for Senior Citizens.

Fares are based on one-way trips and Fares are based on one-way trips and range from $1.50-$6.00. Please contact range from $1.50-$6.00. Please contact the FACT Transit Center for the exact fare. the FACT Transit Center for the exact fare. All riders must bring All riders must bring EXACTEXACT fare when fare when you ride. Sorry, our drivers cannot give you ride. Sorry, our drivers cannot give change.change.

PwD EligibilityPwD Eligibility

PwD can provide trips for services that PwD can provide trips for services that were previously restricted under other were previously restricted under other funding streamsfunding streams

Example:Example: PreviouslyPreviously an eligible MATP client with a an eligible MATP client with a

disability could not be funded to go to a storedisability could not be funded to go to a store Under PwDUnder PwD, an MATP client with a disability , an MATP client with a disability

would be eligible for a lower fare to go to a would be eligible for a lower fare to go to a storestore

PwD Eligibility cont.PwD Eligibility cont.

Provisions for transportation by already Provisions for transportation by already established funding streams cannot be established funding streams cannot be shed to PwDshed to PwD

ExampleExample PreviouslyPreviously an eligible MATP client with a an eligible MATP client with a

disability was entitled transportation to disability was entitled transportation to medical appointmentsmedical appointments

Under PwDUnder PwD, this MATP client , this MATP client mustmust continue continue to use the established program for medical to use the established program for medical appointmentsappointments

In other words…In other words…

PwD PwD mustmust be used in addition to, not in be used in addition to, not in lieu of transportation services funded by lieu of transportation services funded by social service and public transportation social service and public transportation resources.resources.

These resources These resources mustmust be used before be used before PwD funds are utilized.PwD funds are utilized.

Registration ProceduresRegistration Procedures

Fayette County determines the eligibility Fayette County determines the eligibility for the PwD program through a PA Dot for the PwD program through a PA Dot approved standard registration formapproved standard registration form

A person with a disability is ineligible for the A person with a disability is ineligible for the PwdPwd

IFIF

The client refuses to have his/her eligibility The client refuses to have his/her eligibility determined by alternative potential service determined by alternative potential service provider/funding agencies which may fund provider/funding agencies which may fund

the tripthe trip

The transit provider will conduct The transit provider will conduct a standard registration process a standard registration process

for all interested applicantsfor all interested applicants This intake process will include, but not be This intake process will include, but not be

limited tolimited to Gathering income dataGathering income data Confirming that the applicant is a person with a Confirming that the applicant is a person with a

physical and/or mental impairment that limits him/her physical and/or mental impairment that limits him/her in one or more of the major life activitiesin one or more of the major life activities

Determining the availability of transportation services Determining the availability of transportation services from other transportation programsfrom other transportation programs

If applicable, referring the applicant to other agencies If applicable, referring the applicant to other agencies to determine the applicant’s eligibility for to determine the applicant’s eligibility for transportation services outside the PwDtransportation services outside the PwD

Other Shared Ride Programs:Other Shared Ride Programs:

Welfare To Work:Welfare To Work: Eligibility determined Eligibility determined through CAOthrough CAO

Shared Ride For Seniors:Shared Ride For Seniors:

85% of fare paid for seniors over 6585% of fare paid for seniors over 65 HSDF Transportation:HSDF Transportation:

For life saving transportation when not For life saving transportation when not eligible for other programseligible for other programs

Shared Ride – Other GuidelinesShared Ride – Other Guidelines Every year the client must visit the FACT office and complete an Every year the client must visit the FACT office and complete an

annual eligibility renewal form. The client, when requesting annual eligibility renewal form. The client, when requesting transportation services, must call 24 hours in advance, prior to transportation services, must call 24 hours in advance, prior to 2PM. Reservations for transportation services can be made as 2PM. Reservations for transportation services can be made as early as one month in advance. FACT does not offer same day early as one month in advance. FACT does not offer same day transportation services, except for those clients needing urgent transportation services, except for those clients needing urgent care.care. FACT will accommodate urgent care or emergency transportation FACT will accommodate urgent care or emergency transportation

requests providing the client’s PCP or Managed Care Organization, requests providing the client’s PCP or Managed Care Organization, (MCO), contacts FACT via the telephone or fax stating the need for (MCO), contacts FACT via the telephone or fax stating the need for same day transportation service. FACT must have at least a two same day transportation service. FACT must have at least a two hour advance notice to accommodate urgent care or emergency hour advance notice to accommodate urgent care or emergency transportation requests.transportation requests.

FACT transportation services are available to Pittsburgh area FACT transportation services are available to Pittsburgh area medical facilities weekly, Thursdays, departing at 8AM and medical facilities weekly, Thursdays, departing at 8AM and returning 3PM.returning 3PM.

FACT Fixed Routes – FACT Fixed Routes –

FACT Schedules – FACT Schedules –

Reading the Schedules – Reading the Schedules – •Step 1 – Locate where you are and where you want to go. Let’s assume you’re at the Uniontown Hub and you want to go to Super Wal-Mart

•Step 2 – Locate the timed stop closest to your current location. In this example, it is 11:45AM, the next bus will be at the Uniontown Hub at 12:00PM.

•Step 3 – To find the arrival time at your destination, read down the timetable column. In this example, the bus leaving the Uniontown Hub at 12:00PM will arrive at Super Wal-Mart at 12:20PM.

The Cost to Ride Fixed The Cost to Ride Fixed RouteRoute

The average fare for a The average fare for a FACTFACT customer is customer is $1.90.  Please consult the $1.90.  Please consult the Fare Schedule to determine your exact fare. to determine your exact fare.

Your Starting Location:  Uniontown Your Starting Location:  Uniontown Cost to the following Destinations:Cost to the following Destinations: BrownsvilleBrownsville $1.90$1.90 ConnellsvilleConnellsville $1.90$1.90 FairchanceFairchance $1.90$1.90 FarmingtonFarmington $1.90$1.90

Does Does FACTFACT offer Senior offer Senior discounts?discounts?

Persons 65 and older who are Persons 65 and older who are registered with registered with FACTFACT ride for free.  ride for free. 

You can stop in at the You can stop in at the FACT office to to register, or call 1-800-321-RIDE (7433) register, or call 1-800-321-RIDE (7433) for more information.for more information.

How to Identify Your BusHow to Identify Your Bus

Bus front destination sign sample picture:Bus front destination sign sample picture:

How do I know exactly where the How do I know exactly where the FACTFACT bus stops along a particular bus stops along a particular

route?route? FACT routes are designed with "FACT routes are designed with "flag stops". ". This means that you can "flag" or signal the This means that you can "flag" or signal the driver to stop the bus anywhere along the driver to stop the bus anywhere along the route to pick you up (as long as it doesn't route to pick you up (as long as it doesn't create a hazard for the driver). These rolling create a hazard for the driver). These rolling stops allow riders easier access than a stops allow riders easier access than a traditional designated stop. traditional designated stop. Stops designated at businesses or offices are made at the main entrances are made at the main entrances of these facilities.of these facilities.

How to Board the BusHow to Board the Bus

Please be at a designated stop on-timePlease be at a designated stop on-time In most cases, drivers must adhere to a In most cases, drivers must adhere to a

strict schedule and will not be able to waitstrict schedule and will not be able to wait As the bus approaches, stand close to As the bus approaches, stand close to

the stop and signal the driverthe stop and signal the driver Wait until the bus comes to a complete Wait until the bus comes to a complete

stop, then board at the front doorstop, then board at the front door If you require the bus to “kneel”, or the If you require the bus to “kneel”, or the

use of a wheelchair lift, please ask the use of a wheelchair lift, please ask the driverdriver

How to Pay Your FareHow to Pay Your Fare

As you board, please have your exact fare As you board, please have your exact fare ready in the form of cash, pass, or tokenready in the form of cash, pass, or token

This will help speed the boarding process and This will help speed the boarding process and keep the bus on-timekeep the bus on-time

Drivers do not carry changeDrivers do not carry change In most cases, drivers will allow an exception In most cases, drivers will allow an exception

to you if you do not have the full amount to you if you do not have the full amount needed to pay your fare – however, this is a needed to pay your fare – however, this is a one-time courtesy onlyone-time courtesy only

You will generally not be permitted to You will generally not be permitted to deboard at an interim stop to get change in deboard at an interim stop to get change in order to pay your fareorder to pay your fare

How to Pay Your FareHow to Pay Your Fare

If paying by cash:If paying by cash: You will notice two slots on the fareboxYou will notice two slots on the farebox Coins are dropped in the left slotCoins are dropped in the left slot Paper media are deposited in the slot on Paper media are deposited in the slot on

the rightthe right To ensure that the correct fare is being paid, To ensure that the correct fare is being paid,

and help to prevent farebox breakdowns, bills and help to prevent farebox breakdowns, bills must be unfolded before being placed into the must be unfolded before being placed into the farebox.farebox.

How to Pay Your FareHow to Pay Your Fare

Farebox sample picture:Farebox sample picture:

How to Pay Your FareHow to Pay Your Fare

If paying by pass:If paying by pass: Passes are sold by month for unlimited use Passes are sold by month for unlimited use

for work or recreationfor work or recreation Show your pass to the bus driverShow your pass to the bus driver If your pass is expired, visit the FACT If your pass is expired, visit the FACT

office to purchase a new passoffice to purchase a new pass Passes are also sponsored through the Passes are also sponsored through the

Welfare To Work Program, ask your Welfare To Work Program, ask your caseworker for detailscaseworker for details

Half Fare Program for Persons with Half Fare Program for Persons with Disabilities:Disabilities:

Ride for half-fare at all times. Ride for half-fare at all times.  Customers must show a Half Fare ID card Customers must show a Half Fare ID card

to receive half fare rate.to receive half fare rate. Half Fare ID cards are available from FACT Half Fare ID cards are available from FACT

to persons with qualifying disabilities.to persons with qualifying disabilities. Persons under age 65 with a Medicare Persons under age 65 with a Medicare

card qualify for this program.card qualify for this program.

How to Conduct One’s SelfHow to Conduct One’s Self

Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles includes, but is not limited to, the following:includes, but is not limited to, the following: Refusing to pay the proper fareRefusing to pay the proper fare Harassing or threatening the driver or other Harassing or threatening the driver or other

passengerspassengers Using profanityUsing profanity Drinking alcoholic beverages or being grossly Drinking alcoholic beverages or being grossly

intoxicated to the point of the following:intoxicated to the point of the following: Harassing or disturbing othersHarassing or disturbing others Loud or disruptiveLoud or disruptive Loss of control over bodily functionsLoss of control over bodily functions

How to Conduct One’s SelfHow to Conduct One’s Self

Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles includes, but is not limited to, the following:includes, but is not limited to, the following: SmokingSmoking EatingEating DrinkingDrinking

Except non-alcoholic beverages from a covered, spill-Except non-alcoholic beverages from a covered, spill-resistant container such as a travel mugresistant container such as a travel mug

Carrying weaponsCarrying weapons Listening to music without headphones and/or at a Listening to music without headphones and/or at a

volume that disturbs other passengers or the volume that disturbs other passengers or the driverdriver

How to Conduct One’s SelfHow to Conduct One’s Self

Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles Conduct prohibited aboard FACT vehicles includes, but is not limited to, the following:includes, but is not limited to, the following: Lying down or occupying more than one seatLying down or occupying more than one seat

Of course, we make reasonable exceptions for children Of course, we make reasonable exceptions for children and sleepy adults as space permitsand sleepy adults as space permits

Loud or disruptive behaviorLoud or disruptive behavior Putting feet up on the seatsPutting feet up on the seats LitteringLittering Defacing the vehicle or other peoples’ belongingsDefacing the vehicle or other peoples’ belongings Bringing animals aboard that are not service Bringing animals aboard that are not service

animals or are not carried in an approved pet animals or are not carried in an approved pet carriercarrier

How to Conduct One’s SelfHow to Conduct One’s Self

Violation of these rules can result in the Violation of these rules can result in the following:following: Expulsion from the vehicleExpulsion from the vehicle Refusal of future serviceRefusal of future service FineFine ArrestArrest

In general, our rules are common sense and In general, our rules are common sense and we expect our passengers to treat others the we expect our passengers to treat others the way they would like to be treatedway they would like to be treated

How to De-board the BusHow to De-board the Bus

Shortly after the bus passes the stop before Shortly after the bus passes the stop before yours, pull the cord located directly above or yours, pull the cord located directly above or alongside your seatalongside your seat

A “stop requested” light and a bell at the front A “stop requested” light and a bell at the front of the bus will let the driver know you want to of the bus will let the driver know you want to de-boardde-board

Don’t hesitate to ask the driver if you need Don’t hesitate to ask the driver if you need help identifying your destinationhelp identifying your destination

Please wait to exit the bus until it comes to a Please wait to exit the bus until it comes to a complete stopcomplete stop

How to De-board the BusHow to De-board the Bus

De-boarding features sample pictures:De-boarding features sample pictures:

If You Need More If You Need More InformationInformation

We will be happy to assist you in person, We will be happy to assist you in person, by mail, via email or over the phoneby mail, via email or over the phone

Toll Free:Toll Free: 1-800-321-RIDE (7433)1-800-321-RIDE (7433) Main Office:Main Office: Phone:724-628-7433 Phone:724-628-7433 E-Mail:E-Mail: info@factbus.com Office Location:Office Location:

825 Airport Road825 Airport RoadLemont Furnace, PA 15456Lemont Furnace, PA 15456

Office Hours:Office Hours: 8:00AM - 4:30PM8:00AM - 4:30PMMonday thru FridayMonday thru FridayClosed Weekends and HolidaysClosed Weekends and Holidays

If You Need More If You Need More InformationInformation

Answers are also available over the Answers are also available over the web: web:

www.factbus.com

What you will find:What you will find: Timely service news and updatesTimely service news and updates Descriptions of FACT programsDescriptions of FACT programs Contact informationContact information Schedules and faresSchedules and fares