Lee-Russell United We Ride Pilot Program Report

1. Lisa Sandt Director of Planning & Economic Development Lee-Russell Council of Governments Lee-Russell United We Ride Pilot Program Report Good morning. I�m Lisa Sandt, Director of Planning and Economic Development at the Lee-Russell Council of Governments. Lee-Russell was asked to implement the United We Ride pilot program for the State of Alabama by Alabama Department of Senior Services and Alabama Department of Transportation. Our agency currently provides public transit and senior services to citizens in the urban and rural areas of Lee and Russell Counties. We have a vested interest in finding ways to increase the transportation options for our clients because we house program that are transportation providers and users. I would like to provide you with an overview of the pilot program, current accomplishments and future plans of our coordinated transportation program in Lee and Russell Counties. CLICKGood morning. I�m Lisa Sandt, Director of Planning and Economic Development at the Lee-Russell Council of Governments. Lee-Russell was asked to implement the United We Ride pilot program for the State of Alabama by Alabama Department of Senior Services and Alabama Department of Transportation. Our agency currently provides public transit and senior services to citizens in the urban and rural areas of Lee and Russell Counties. We have a vested interest in finding ways to increase the transportation options for our clients because we house program that are transportation providers and users. I would like to provide you with an overview of the pilot program, current accomplishments and future plans of our coordinated transportation program in Lee and Russell Counties. CLICK

2. Goal of the UWR Pilot Program To coordinate transportation in the region by working with agencies and businesses to achieve a more efficient and better quality transportation service, with increased capacity � Essentially doing more with less. THE GOAL OF THE UWR PILOT PROGRAM WAS- CLICK To coordinate transportation in the region by working with community agencies and businesses to achieve a more efficient and better quality transportation service, in an increased capacity � CLICK Essentially doing more with less. Sounds like a great plan. So what was our game plan for accomplishing this goal of coordinated transportation??? CLICK THE GOAL OF THE UWR PILOT PROGRAM WAS- CLICK To coordinate transportation in the region by working with community agencies and businesses to achieve a more efficient and better quality transportation service, in an increased capacity � CLICK Essentially doing more with less. Sounds like a great plan. So what was our game plan for accomplishing this goal of coordinated transportation??? CLICK

3. Pilot Program Objectives Develop the Lee-Russell Coordinated Transportation Action Plan Develop a �blue print� for other counties and the State of Alabama We felt that we needed to implement the following objectives to begin the coordinated transportation process in our region: CLICK Expand the 2006 Transportation Coordinated Plan and develop a Lee-Russell Coordinated Transportation Action Plan. Stakeholders in 2006 felt LRCOG was the agency take the lead on developing an detailed action plan. The action plan provides detailed implementation strategies and projected costs for coordinating transportation. By projecting cost and detailed strategies, it allowed agencies to understand the financial impacts and needs of this type of endeavor. As well as, make realistic decisions on timelines and seek additional funding systematically if needed. CLICK Develop a �blue print� for other Counties and the State of Alabama to implement effective coordinated transportation service for specialized populations. It was important to provide a blue print for others to implement coordinated transportation in other regions We will have first hand experiences that we can pass on to there areas of the challenges, barriers, and strategies that work in coordinating transportation among transportation providers and users. CLICKWe felt that we needed to implement the following objectives to begin the coordinated transportation process in our region: CLICK Expand the 2006 Transportation Coordinated Plan and develop a Lee-Russell Coordinated Transportation Action Plan. Stakeholders in 2006 felt LRCOG was the agency take the lead on developing an detailed action plan. The action plan provides detailed implementation strategies and projected costs for coordinating transportation. By projecting cost and detailed strategies, it allowed agencies to understand the financial impacts and needs of this type of endeavor. As well as, make realistic decisions on timelines and seek additional funding systematically if needed. CLICK Develop a �blue print� for other Counties and the State of Alabama to implement effective coordinated transportation service for specialized populations. It was important to provide a blue print for others to implement coordinated transportation in other regions We will have first hand experiences that we can pass on to there areas of the challenges, barriers, and strategies that work in coordinating transportation among transportation providers and users. CLICK

4. Pilot Program Tasks Hired RLS & Associates to complete the action plan and blue print Held kickoff and stakeholder meetings Conducted stakeholder interviews Presented long range action plan to stakeholders Prioritized goals and objectives We have completed the following pilot program tasks: Hired RLS and associates to complete the action plan and blue print for Coordinated Transportation in our region We solicited Request for Proposals and selected RLS Associates out of Ohio to action plan and blue print for Coordinated Transportation in our region. CLICK Held a Kick-off and 5 Stakeholder meetings. The pilot kicked off in late September of 2007. During the fall of 2007 to the summer of 2008 we held 5 stakeholder meetings. The purpose of these meetings were to gain input from the stakeholders on unmet needs, possible coordinated strategies, review action plan, and prioritize goals and objectives. CLICK Conducted stakeholder interviews Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to collect information on provider capabilities and services, past and current coordination efforts, trip data, financial data, and unmet needs in transportation services. CLICK Presented Long range Action Plan to Stakeholders RLS completed the long range plan in the early spring of 2008 and presented the plan to the stakeholders for final approval. CLICK Prioritized goals and objectives Stakeholders were asked to prioritize the goals and objectives contained in the long range action plan. Based on this prioritization, a core group of stakeholders decided to move forward to promote and implement coordinated transportation in our region. CLICK We have completed the following pilot program tasks: Hired RLS and associates to complete the action plan and blue print for Coordinated Transportation in our region We solicited Request for Proposals and selected RLS Associates out of Ohio to action plan and blue print for Coordinated Transportation in our region. CLICK Held a Kick-off and 5 Stakeholder meetings. The pilot kicked off in late September of 2007. During the fall of 2007 to the summer of 2008 we held 5 stakeholder meetings. The purpose of these meetings were to gain input from the stakeholders on unmet needs, possible coordinated strategies, review action plan, and prioritize goals and objectives. CLICK Conducted stakeholder interviews Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to collect information on provider capabilities and services, past and current coordination efforts, trip data, financial data, and unmet needs in transportation services. CLICK Presented Long range Action Plan to Stakeholders RLS completed the long range plan in the early spring of 2008 and presented the plan to the stakeholders for final approval. CLICK Prioritized goals and objectives Stakeholders were asked to prioritize the goals and objectives contained in the long range action plan. Based on this prioritization, a core group of stakeholders decided to move forward to promote and implement coordinated transportation in our region. CLICK

5. Coordination Accomplishments Goal 1: Increase Awareness of Public Transportation & Establish a Shared Community Vision Formed Coordinated Transportation Advisory Council (CTAC) Hired mobility manager Formed ad-hoc committee to develop a community transportation service brochure Based on the commitment of the transportation providers and user to continue, what have we accomplished as a region as a result of the pilot program? CLICK GOAL 1: Increase Awareness of Public Transportation and Establish a Shared Community Vision for Transportation CLICK Formed Coordinated Transportation Advisory Council It was important to formalize commitments of transportation providers and human service agencies to the concept of coordinated transportation. The CTAC has elected officers and approved bylaws. Memorandum of Understanding are being developed with each organization detailing individual commitments. One group may commit to sharing grant writing expertise. Another group may commit to providing a number of trips between point a and point b each week. CLICK Hired a Mobility Manager Other communities working on coordination have found it very beneficial to have someone serve as a liaison between transportation providers and human service agencies and move coordination forward. In May, LRCOG hired Erin Mangum as Mobility Manager to implement Lee-Russell Coordinated Mobility Program by: Facilitate the CTAC activities; sharing information and resources among the members; recruiting and educating new members. Assess mobility needs in the community, develop advocacy and deliver services in an integrated manner. Publish and disseminate information pertaining to coordinated public and human services transportation Updating the Lee-Russell Coordination Transportation Plan and assist with establishing priorities for the United We Ride Coordination effort. CLICK Formed Ad-Hoc Committee to Develop Transportation Service Brochure This committee is tasked with two objectives. First, develop a template for a transportation brochure that provides information to human service agencies, their clients, and the public to assist them in finding available transportation options. Second, ways to market the availability of this resource and the future referral number. CLICK Based on the commitment of the transportation providers and user to continue, what have we accomplished as a region as a result of the pilot program? CLICK GOAL 1: Increase Awareness of Public Transportation and Establish a Shared Community Vision for Transportation CLICK Formed Coordinated Transportation Advisory Council It was important to formalize commitments of transportation providers and human service agencies to the concept of coordinated transportation. The CTAC has elected officers and approved bylaws. Memorandum of Understanding are being developed with each organization detailing individual commitments. One group may commit to sharing grant writing expertise. Another group may commit to providing a number of trips between point a and point b each week. CLICK Hired a Mobility Manager Other communities working on coordination have found it very beneficial to have someone serve as a liaison between transportation providers and human service agencies and move coordination forward. In May, LRCOG hired Erin Mangum as Mobility Manager to implement Lee-Russell Coordinated Mobility Program by: Facilitate the CTAC activities; sharing information and resources among the members; recruiting and educating new members. Assess mobility needs in the community, develop advocacy and deliver services in an integrated manner. Publish and disseminate information pertaining to coordinated public and human services transportation Updating the Lee-Russell Coordination Transportation Plan and assist with establishing priorities for the United We Ride Coordination effort. CLICK Formed Ad-Hoc Committee to Develop Transportation Service Brochure This committee is tasked with two objectives. First, develop a template for a transportation brochure that provides information to human service agencies, their clients, and the public to assist them in finding available transportation options. Second, ways to market the availability of this resource and the future referral number. CLICK

6. Coordination Accomplishments Goal 2: Better Utilize Existing Funding and Seek New Sources of Funding Submitted Expanded JARC Application Gathering Detailed Data on Vehicles, Employees, Services, Technology & Funding Goal 2: Better Utilize Existing Funding and Seek New Sources of Funding CLICK Submitted Expanded JARC Application The purpose of this application is to continue and expand the current JARC program in Lee County and to implement JARC in Russell County. The proposed JARC program will provide transportation services to welfare recipients and low income individuals who need assistance getting to and from their jobs and other activities associated with securing a job. We will be using the public transit services of Lee County Transit Agency and Phenix City Express and other private transportation providers such as taxis and other non-emergency transport services to accomplish this goal. This project will allow us to continue and to expand transportation services to welfare recipients and other low-income individuals in getting to jobs, training, and child care. CLICK Gathering Detailed Data on Vehicles, Employees, Services, Technology & Funding We are in the process of collecting detailed service and operation information from human service agencies and transportation provider for inclusion in the MOU�s, database and transportation brochure. This will allow our agency to become a resource for human service agencies, transportation providers, and residents who need transportation information and services. CLICK Goal 2: Better Utilize Existing Funding and Seek New Sources of Funding CLICK Submitted Expanded JARC Application The purpose of this application is to continue and expand the current JARC program in Lee County and to implement JARC in Russell County. The proposed JARC program will provide transportation services to welfare recipients and low income individuals who need assistance getting to and from their jobs and other activities associated with securing a job. We will be using the public transit services of Lee County Transit Agency and Phenix City Express and other private transportation providers such as taxis and other non-emergency transport services to accomplish this goal. This project will allow us to continue and to expand transportation services to welfare recipients and other low-income individuals in getting to jobs, training, and child care. CLICK Gathering Detailed Data on Vehicles, Employees, Services, Technology & Funding We are in the process of collecting detailed service and operation information from human service agencies and transportation provider for inclusion in the MOU�s, database and transportation brochure. This will allow our agency to become a resource for human service agencies, transportation providers, and residents who need transportation information and services. CLICK

7. Coordination Accomplishments Goal 3: Improve Opportunities for Affordable Transportation Implemented JARC Program in Lee County Expanding Demand-Response Service to Rural Russell County Phased Out Fixed Routes In Favor of More Demand Response Service Goal 3: Improve Opportunities for Affordable Transportation CLICK Implemented JARC Program in Lee County In conjunction with DHR over the past 3 months, we have transported ____ adults to jobs and ___ to child care. These individuals would not of have had transportation without the cooperation between public transit and DHR case workers. CLICK Expanding Demand-Response Service to Rural Russell County Oct 1, 2008 Lee-Russell Public Transit will be providing demand response to the unincorporated areas of Russell County. Based on a zone system, certain location will go on designated days and times. Fare will be based on distance. 25 miles or more $6 per trip Bringing the rural residents into city limits of Phenix City. CLICK Phased Out Fixed Routes In Favor of More Demand Response Service October 1, 2008, Lee-Russell Public Transit will eliminate fixed route buses in the city limits of Auburn and Opelika. A dial-a-ride system will be implemented where we go to their homes to pick them up and take them to their destinations No certification is required to ride the system just need to schedule accordingly; it is a first come first serve system Reasonable fares for seniors and the general public. CLICK Goal 3: Improve Opportunities for Affordable Transportation CLICK Implemented JARC Program in Lee County In conjunction with DHR over the past 3 months, we have transported ____ adults to jobs and ___ to child care. These individuals would not of have had transportation without the cooperation between public transit and DHR case workers. CLICK Expanding Demand-Response Service to Rural Russell County Oct 1, 2008 Lee-Russell Public Transit will be providing demand response to the unincorporated areas of Russell County. Based on a zone system, certain location will go on designated days and times. Fare will be based on distance. 25 miles or more $6 per trip Bringing the rural residents into city limits of Phenix City. CLICK Phased Out Fixed Routes In Favor of More Demand Response Service October 1, 2008, Lee-Russell Public Transit will eliminate fixed route buses in the city limits of Auburn and Opelika. A dial-a-ride system will be implemented where we go to their homes to pick them up and take them to their destinations No certification is required to ride the system just need to schedule accordingly; it is a first come first serve system Reasonable fares for seniors and the general public. CLICK

8. Coordination Accomplishments Goal 4: Improve Cost Effectiveness & Service Efficiency By Sharing Purchasing, Maintenance, Insurance, & Driver Training IFB for new Transportation Software Exploring Purchasing Cooperative Options Goal 4: Improve Cost Effectiveness & Service Efficiency By Sharing Purchasing, Maintenance, Insurance, & Driver Training CLICK IFB for new Transportation Software Based on the changes to the Lee-Russell Public Transit system, we have solicited bids for a new scheduling and tracking software to better serve the residents by increasing our efficiency and effectiveness in managing their trips. CLICK Exploring Purchasing Cooperative Options Through the CTAC membership, we are look at the possibility of organizing a Purchasing Cooperative for fuel, office supplies, janitorial supplies, etc. the purpose of joint bidding which will result in the following: lower costs to the members on commonly used commodities, lower administrative costs, promote interchange of information on purchasing problems, and advance purchasing professionalism through the exchange of ideas and experiences. CLICK Goal 4: Improve Cost Effectiveness & Service Efficiency By Sharing Purchasing, Maintenance, Insurance, & Driver Training CLICK IFB for new Transportation Software Based on the changes to the Lee-Russell Public Transit system, we have solicited bids for a new scheduling and tracking software to better serve the residents by increasing our efficiency and effectiveness in managing their trips. CLICK Exploring Purchasing Cooperative Options Through the CTAC membership, we are look at the possibility of organizing a Purchasing Cooperative for fuel, office supplies, janitorial supplies, etc. the purpose of joint bidding which will result in the following: lower costs to the members on commonly used commodities, lower administrative costs, promote interchange of information on purchasing problems, and advance purchasing professionalism through the exchange of ideas and experiences. CLICK

9. Short-Term Objectives Create regional transportation database Place transportation directory on line and distribute to agencies and public Establish a central transportation information and referral call line Submit joint grant applications to state and national foundations We plan to achieve the following Short-Term Objectives in the next 6 � 9 months CLICK Create regional transportation database Based on the interview with human service providers and transportation providers, information will be inputted in a central database for reference. Central location for updated transportation information. CLICK Place transportation directory on line and distribute to agencies and public Information from the regional transportation database will be formulated in a regional transportation resource directory. It will be available on-line as well distributed to the public and human service agencies. CLICK Establish a central transportation information and referral call line One responsibility of the Mobility Manager will be to answer calls concerning available transportation resources Provide the community with a referral number to call to receive update information on transportation users and providers and the service that they provide. CLICK Submit joint grant applications to state and national foundations CLICK We plan to achieve the following Short-Term Objectives in the next 6 � 9 months CLICK Create regional transportation database Based on the interview with human service providers and transportation providers, information will be inputted in a central database for reference. Central location for updated transportation information. CLICK Place transportation directory on line and distribute to agencies and public Information from the regional transportation database will be formulated in a regional transportation resource directory. It will be available on-line as well distributed to the public and human service agencies. CLICK Establish a central transportation information and referral call line One responsibility of the Mobility Manager will be to answer calls concerning available transportation resources Provide the community with a referral number to call to receive update information on transportation users and providers and the service that they provide. CLICK Submit joint grant applications to state and national foundations CLICK

10. Long-Term Goals Establish monthly rural one-stop human service centers and provide transportation to and from the center Promote the use of employer/employee tax credits for transportation Research the feasibility of establishing vanpools at major employers Establish a fully operational call center for scheduling and dispatching We also have Long-Term Goals that we plan to accomplish over several years: CLICK Establish monthly rural one-stop human service centers and provide transportation to and from the center Bring the services to the rural residents instead of requiring them to travel to the city where most offices are located Additionally provide transportation to these one-stop centers. CLICK Promote the use of employer/employee tax credits for transportation Tax credits are available to employers who provide opportunities for vanpools and commuting among employees Working with local industries to make them aware of the possible benefits. CLICK Research the feasibility of establishing vanpools at major employers Meeting with local employers to establish possible vanpools with existing or new resources They could provide the match on a vehicle and public transit manages the federal requirements for the industry Beneficial partnership between employers and the transit system. CLICK Establish a fully operational call center for scheduling and dispatching CLICK We also have Long-Term Goals that we plan to accomplish over several years: CLICK Establish monthly rural one-stop human service centers and provide transportation to and from the center Bring the services to the rural residents instead of requiring them to travel to the city where most offices are located Additionally provide transportation to these one-stop centers. CLICK Promote the use of employer/employee tax credits for transportation Tax credits are available to employers who provide opportunities for vanpools and commuting among employees Working with local industries to make them aware of the possible benefits. CLICK Research the feasibility of establishing vanpools at major employers Meeting with local employers to establish possible vanpools with existing or new resources They could provide the match on a vehicle and public transit manages the federal requirements for the industry Beneficial partnership between employers and the transit system. CLICK Establish a fully operational call center for scheduling and dispatching CLICK

11. Impacts of UWR Pilot Program Lee and Russell county will have a coordinated transportation system that Is more efficient Costs less Avoids duplication Increases access to additional funding Provides more citizens with reliable and accessible transportation The goal of the pilot was to provide a model of coordinated transportation services that can be duplicated across the state. The bottom line is that the it will take a partnership in our region between those who provide transportation and those who need it for their clients by working together to implement a coordinated transportation system that: Is more efficient and provides a more extensive transportation service, seek ways to lower costs avoids duplication caused by overlapping individual program efforts encourages the use and sharing of existing community resources.� Provides a reliable and easily accessible transportation system for all citizens in the region. CLICK The goal of the pilot was to provide a model of coordinated transportation services that can be duplicated across the state. The bottom line is that the it will take a partnership in our region between those who provide transportation and those who need it for their clients by working together to implement a coordinated transportation system that: Is more efficient and provides a more extensive transportation service, seek ways to lower costs avoids duplication caused by overlapping individual program efforts encourages the use and sharing of existing community resources.� Provides a reliable and easily accessible transportation system for all citizens in the region. CLICK

12. Any questions?????