Accessible Transportation Options

Transcription

1 Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) Technical Assistance Center HVRP Technical Assistance Center is funded by grant #HV with the US DOL. Accessible Transportation Options Robyn Hoeschen Easter Seals Project ACTION The Vision of Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA) Accessible transportation In our nation. Getting people where they need to go When they need to get there In the most efficient, effective and quality manner possible Family of Transportation Services What are the services? What are the services available in my community? Fixed Route Buses Rail Accessible vehicles Paratransit Complementary Service Hours of operation Service Area Eligibility Guidelines 1

2 Flex Route Options Blend of Fixed Route & Paratransit Deviation off of route possible Good for rural areas Demand Response Non fixed route service Door to door or curb to curb service Advanced scheduling usually required Human Service Transportation Specialized Transportation Shuttle Services Transportation for a specific purpose Characteristics dependent on community and organization Often provided by faith based organizations or community businesses Volunteer Driver Utilize volunteer drivers Many variations of programs Two basic models: Organization provides the vehicle Volunteers use their own cars Transit Pass / Voucher Program Promote choice to riders Many forms of passes/vouchers Organizations or transit system can distribute 2

3 Travel Training Helping individuals learn the transit system Provided by: Transit company Human Service Organization Carpool & Vanpool Programs Ridesharing Specific purposesp Can be used for special activities Accessible Taxis Wheelchair accessible Notavailable in all cities Vehicle Sharing Programs Rent a vehicle for a certain amount of time Examples: Zipcar Flexcar Private Vehicle Loan/ Purchase/Donation Programs Transportation Options Tool Assistance purchasing a vehicle Could be a part of a vehicle sharing program 3

4 Many different options to consider Community specific Use volunteers in various ways Two basic models: 1. Organization buys the vehicle 2. Volunteer uses their own vehicle Where do I find volunteers? Churches Volunteer organizations Community groups Veterans organizations Others Qualifications for drivers Drivers license Insurance Good physical/mental health Flexibility Other Qualifications Other issues/policies to consider: Training for volunteers Reimbursement Trip purpose Scheduling options Liability Volunteer Driver Examples COAST program Volunteer vehicles St. Anne s Mission Program owned vehicles 4

5 Volunteer Driver Resources Beverly Foundation Washington State Department of Transportation Easter Seals A Solutions Package for Volunteer Transportation Programs What are they? Tickets Passes Farecards Who could utilize vouchers? Volunteer drivers Public transportation Taxis Two Models Public or private transportation vouchers Volunteer driver vouchers Advantages Allows more choice to riders Gives resources to customers Small amount of overhead Increases coordination Examples Use of county funds APRIL s Traveler s Check Program Resources Association of Programs for Rural g Independent Living rural.org 5

6 Travel Training Travel Training is short term one to one intensive instruction designed to teach people with disabilities and others to travel safely and independently using public transportation in their community when appropriate. Source: Association of Travel Instruction Travel Training Travel trainers are: Professional Travel Trainers Individuals who have received instruction on travel training Peer riders Travel Training: One on One Specific Routes Delivered using various approaches Bus Familiarization : Larger Groups Basic Information on Transit System General Overview Travel Training Examples Grand Rapids, Michigan Travel Trainer employed by transit system Lane County, Oregon Travel Trainer contracted with non profit organization i Houston, Texas Free fare to learners Lane County, Oregon Transit Hosts Bus Buddies Travel Training Resource Funding Federal Funding Easter Seals Project ACTION Intro to Travel Training Course State Funding Local Funding 6

7 Funding Fed Funding Opportunities Section 5310, Section 5311 The Elderly Individuals & Individuals with Disabilities Program Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute Program Workforce Investment Act Programs Tips for Getting Started Develop relationships with other human service organizations Coordination i Include your customers! Other Useful Resources National Accessible Travelers Database American Public Transportation Association AARP Easter Seals Veterans Initiative Systems Change Adult Day Health Care Camping and Recreation Family Support Job Training and Employment 7

8 Contact Information: Robyn Hoeschen Easter Seals Project ACTION 1425 K Street NW Suite 200 Washington, DC TDD rhoeschen@easterseals.com 8