Regional Service Planning Common Statewide Research Issues Update

1. Regional Service PlanningCommon Statewide Research IssuesUpdate May 2007 John Overman, TTI joverman@tamu.edu May 2007 Workshop

2. White Papers&Barriers and ConstraintsWhat a difference a year makes! Thanks to Regions! Thank you Providers! Thanks to TxDOT and PTN ! Thanks TTI team members! May 2007 Workshop

3. Research Topics Affecting Coordination • Alternative Fuels • Vehicles • Driver Training / Certification • Information Technology • Insurance May 2007 Workshop

4. May 2007 Workshop

5. General Observations • Papers respond to Barriers and Constraints • Topics are moving targets • Overcoming Barriers and Constraints • Often case-by-case and site specific • No silver bullets • Be diligent and persevere! • Shine a light on the problem – it helps everyone see it better May 2007 Workshop

6. Alternative Fuels • LEV for Attainment Areas • ULEV for Non-attainment Areas • Tier 2, Bins 1-5 • TxLED/ULSD is AF for TxDOT • Industry-Engine Mfg. Changing May 2007 Workshop

7. May 2007 Workshop

8. Vehicles • ADA Requirements • Demand response= Equivalency of service • Medicaid = contract requirement = lift when needed • One Size Does NOT fit all • Mini-vans not always the answer • Type II–Cutaways not always the answer • Choose Appropriate vehicle for service and conditions May 2007 Workshop

9. VehiclesNational Rural Fleet Mix May 2007 Workshop

10. Vehicle Procurement • TxDOT provides procurement documents, forms, vehicle specifications and examples. Three basic options: • Individual Purchase – a grantee prepares specifications and goes out for bid individually • Group Purchase Agreement – two or more grantees combine to procure vehicles. AKA piggy-back procurement. • Cooperative Purchase – grantees purchase through another agency such as the Texas Building Procurement Agency, or the Houston-Galveston Area Council May 2007 Workshop

11. Driver Hiring & Training Standards • Significant flexibility in most hiring and training administrative standards • Set your standard and cooperate • Shared / common training improves ability of provider to carry various clients May 2007 Workshop

12. Technology in Transit Coordination • Transit information services • Coordinated scheduling and reservations • Coordinated fare collection/billing • Vehicle location and communication • Maintenance tracking May 2007 Workshop

13. Technology in Transit Coordination • Lessons learned • Focus on outcomes - benefits • Custom software may become obsolete • Select scalable systems (expandable) • Introduce gradually • Regional ITS Architecture • Group Purchase May 2007 Workshop

14. Insurance & Risk Pools • Cost is most commonly cited • Risk management is key to controlling cost • Other Concerns • Funding specific requirements • Conflict in Requirements between programs • Vehicle sharing • Volunteer drivers May 2007 Workshop

15. May 2007 Workshop

16. Insurance & Risk Pools • TML Risk Pool • Vehicle sharing is… • Program misconceptions • It’s about cost sharing • Mixing riders is OK in most cases • Volunteer drivers… May 2007 Workshop

17. Feedback • Provide comments and examples • It’s a continuing process • Shine light on constraints May 2007 Workshop