Prepared and Presented by: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Public...
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Human Services Transportation Coordination Workshop July 23-24, 2013 Prepared and Presented by: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Public Transportation Section and
Prepared and Presented by: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Public Transportation Section and
Prepared and Presented by: Louisiana Department of
Transportation & Development Public Transportation Section
and
Slide 2
Presenter JD Allen, AICP, Executive Vice President Alliance
Transportation Group, Inc.
Slide 3
Workshop Agenda Day 1 Introduction to Coordination Regional
Plans Coordination Resources Day 2 Challenges and Opportunities
Statewide Coordination Efforts Discussion and Next Steps
Slide 4
Who is Here? DOTD MPO 5311 Provider 5310 Provider JARC Provider
New Freedom Provider Other
Slide 5
Who is Here? Shreveport Monroe Alexandria Lake Charles
Lafayette Baton Rouge New Orleans Houma- Thibodaux
Slide 6
Do Any of These Apply to You? You have requests for
transportation that you cant fulfill. There are times when you cant
provide your agencies services to persons who need them because
those individuals cannot get transportation to your facilities. Its
difficult to serve some persons with special needs, such as persons
who use large wheelchairs. There are times when your drivers and
vehicles are not used to their full capacity. You could provide
more or better transportation if there was another organization
willing to help share the costs.
Slide 7
Do Any of These Apply to You? There are times when you would
like to turn the responsibility for operating transportation
services over to someone else. That the need to manage drivers,
maintenance, dispatching, funding, billing, vehicle acquisition and
storage, and all the rest just seems like a great big hassle. The
costs of providing transportation are a concern for you. You need
to hire more drivers but you dont have enough funding.
Slide 8
Do Any of These Apply to You? You need help in grant writing.
You see a need to become more competitive in applying for
transportation funds that now give more weight to coordinated
applications. You see a need for additional driver training and
dont know how to get it. You need help in recruiting and retaining
volunteers. You would like to extend your service hours or service
area.
Slide 9
Coordination Applies If any of the above apply then:
Coordination can help!
Slide 10
Coordination Applies If none apply then: Its the Law!
Slide 11
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required in
Metropolitan Transportation Planning 49 USC 5303(g)(3) "Under the
metropolitan planning process, transportation plans and TIPs shall
be developed with due consideration of other related planning
activities within the metropolitan area, and the process shall
provide for the design and delivery of transportation services
within the metropolitan area that are provided by--(A) recipients
[of Federal transit assistance]; (B) governmental agencies and
nonprofit organizations (including representatives of the agencies
and organizations) that receive Federal assistance from a source
other than the Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency
transportation services; and (C) recipients of assistance under
section 204 of title 23 [i.e., the Federal Lands Highway
Program].
Slide 12
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required in Statewide
Transportation Planning 49 USC 5304(e) "In carrying out [statewide
transportation] planning under this section, each State shall
consider, at a minimum...coordination of transportation plans, the
transportation improvement program, and planning activities with
related planning activities being carried out outside of
metropolitan planning areas and between States."
Slide 13
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required for Urban
Public Transit 49 USC 5307(c)(5) "[Each recipient of a grant under
this section shall] ensure that the proposed program of projects
provides for the coordination of public transportation services
assisted under section 5336 of this title [i.e., formula-based
grants for public transportation in urbanized areas] with
transportation services assisted from other United States
Government sources."
Slide 14
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required in Designing
and Providing Transportation for Elderly Individuals and Persons
with Disabilities 49 USC 5310(d)(2) "[Each] grant recipient under
this section shall certify that--(i) the projects selected were
derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human
services transportation plan; and (ii) the plan was developed
through a process that included representatives of public, private
and nonprofit transportation and human services providers and
participation by the public." 49 USC 5310(e)(2): "A State shall
submit annually to the Secretary [of Transportation] for approval a
program of projects [to be supported with funds apportioned to the
State under this section]. The program shall contain an assurance
that the program provides for maximum feasible coordination of
transportation services assisted under this section with
transportation services assisted by other Government sources."
Slide 15
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required for Rural
Public Transit 49 USC 5311(b)(2)(C) "The Secretary [of
Transportation] may not approve [a State's] program [of projects to
be supported with funds apportioned to the State under this
section] unless the Secretary determines that...the program
provides the maximum feasible coordination of public transportation
service assisted under this section with transportation services
assisted by other Federal sources."
Slide 16
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required in Designing
and Providing Job Access and Reverse Commute Transportation
Services 49 USC 5316(g) "The Secretary [of Transportation] shall
coordinate activities under this section with related activities
under programs of other Federal departments and agencies...A
recipient of funds under this section shall certify to the
Secretary that...the projects selected were derived from a locally
developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation
plan...and the plan was developed through a process that included
representatives of public, private and nonprofit transportation and
human services providers and participation by the public."
Slide 17
Coordination Its the Law Coordination is Required in Designing
and Providing New Freedom Transportation Services for Persons with
Disabilities 49 USC 5317(f) "The Secretary [of Transportation]
shall coordinate activities under this section with related
activities under programs of other Federal departments and
agencies...A recipient of funds under this section shall certify to
the Secretary that...the projects selected were derived from a
locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services
transportation plan...and the plan was developed through a process
that included representatives of public, private and nonprofit
transportation and human services providers and participation by
the public."
Slide 18
SAFETEA-LU Mandates Projects selected must be derived from a
locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services
transportation plan. Plans must be developed through a process that
includes representatives of public, private, and nonprofit
transportation and human services providers and participation by
the public.
Slide 19
MAP-21 Mandates Coordination with human services will remain a
requirement for FTA grantees across the range of all non- rail FTA
programs. Coordination with human services continues to be a
requirement of statewide and metropolitan transportation planning,
and coordination of service delivery continues to be a requirement
in all three core FTA grant programs as authorized by MAP-21:
Section 5307, 5310 and 5311.
Slide 20
What is Coordination An opportunity to identify mobility needs
An opportunity to develop a shared understanding the Big Picture A
shift away from providing rides toward managing mobility
Slide 21
What is Coordination A process in which two or more
organizations (that may not have worked together previously)
interact to accomplish their transportation objectives. A technique
for better resource management. Improved organization strategies
achieve greater cost- effectiveness in service delivery. A way to
stretch scarce resources and improve mobility of everyone.
Slide 22
What is Coordination Coordinating transportation services is
like any political process - It involves changing environments,
conflicts regarding power and control over resources, and competing
goals or personalities. Shared Power Shared responsibility Shared
management Shared funding Shared benefit
Slide 23
Slide 24
Coordination Requirements Coordination requires building trust
relationships. Coordination requires diligence and a continued
commitment to the process by ALL parties. Without ongoing active
participation by all members, coordination efforts will fall apart.
Alliances will disintegrate. Progress will halt.
Slide 25
Coordination Requirements Open-minded approach Willingness to
do things differently than before Significant investment in time
and effort before you see real benefits
Slide 26
Purpose of Coordination Improved utilization of resources
Reduction or elimination of duplication Reduction in operating
costs Shared maintenance Shared dispatching Shared administration
Reduction in capital expenses Simplified access for users Enhanced
quality of service
Slide 27
Coordination Benefits Lower trip costs for travelers Lower
overall costs for human service agencies Expanded human services
provided Alternatives to institutionalization Alternatives to high
routine medical costs in the emergency room Increased local
economic development through better access to jobs
Slide 28
Coordination Benefits Expanded/extended service hours Expanded
service areas More trips made by persons needing transportation
Services more responsive to customers schedules, points of origin,
and destinations More door-to-door service More flexible payment
and service options
Slide 29
Key Coordination Strategies Increase labor productivity
Eliminate overlapping driver assignments Drivers from different
agencies traveling same routes at the same time Combine other
administrative functions Transportation Director Dispatchers
Bookkeepers Office Staff Maintenance Personnel
Slide 30
Key Coordination Strategies Coordinate dispatching Centralized
dispatching can increase overall level of productivity (the number
of seats filled on the vehicles) Decrease the administrative staff
required Reduced vehicles needed to serve the area Fewer computers
Fewer phones and phone lines Less office space
Slide 31
Key Coordination Strategies Expand service hours Offer weekend
or evening hours Shared responsibility for expanded hours
(alternating shifts) Expand service areas Client needs dont
generally end at jurisdictional boundaries Options other than trip
denial
Slide 32
Key Coordination Strategies Increase funding opportunities
Funding priorities giving to coordinated services Two heads are
better than one new federal guidelines for collaborative efforts
Joint maintenance Especially where larger transit agencies can
service smaller agency vehicles
Slide 33
History of Coordination 1990s: Inter Agency Transportation
Coordination Committee (IATCC) formed in 1992 under Gov. Edwards
and was continued by Gov. Foster. Tasked with collecting data on
transportation services & making recommendations for
coordination of those services. IATCC Died with Governor Blanco
DOTD develops Statewide Coordination Opportunity Plan (SCOP)
identified statewide areas of need Louisiana adopts Vision 2010
Plan
Slide 34
History of Coordination IATCC Challenges Met: Mid-level
managers from various state agencies began working to solve
problems Some coordination occurred Good recommendations made in
report to Governor IATCC Challenges Unmet: Lack of support from the
Governor Mandated to collect data, but no sense of urgency
Recommendations went unanswered by Gov/legislature
Slide 35
History of Coordination Louisiana Vision 2020: The success of
the states workforce development initiatives, welfare reform, and
motor vehicle insurance requirements depend on the availability of
public transportation service to all citizens regardless of where
they reside. Public transportation is necessary for access to
education, training, and employment, particularly for people in the
lower income levels (i.e. those without automobiles and those who
cannot afford insurance).
Slide 36
History of Coordination 2003: Transportation Service
Coordination Summit A listening meeting to gather information from
transportation providers from across the state regarding barriers
to effective coordination. Rayville coordination Meeting DOTD and
DSS met with representatives of nine parishes to discuss public
transportation issues. Survey of State Agencies DOTD gathered data
from state agencies regarding expenditure of funds for
transportation services.
Slide 37
History of Coordination 2004: Federal government initiated a
new program aimed at coordinating transportation for disadvantaged
populations: United We Ride FTA created a self-assessment resource
tool: A Framework for Action Building the Fully Coordinated
Transportation System President Bush signed EO establishing the
Interagency Transportation Coordination Council on Access and
Mobility (CCAM) mandates eliminating duplication and overlap in
federal programs funding transportation services and facilitating
access to the most appropriate & cost effective transportation
services available
Slide 38
History of Coordination 2005: United We Ride: Task Force met
several times in 2005 and completed the Self-Assessment for States.
Resulted in a statewide plan: Louisiana Action Plan for Statewide
Transportation Coordination
Slide 39
History of Coordination 2005: President Bush signed into law
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users act SAFETEA-LU 2006: FTA published
guidelines for Sections 5310, 5311, 5316, and 5317 that required
that all projects: be derived from a locally developed, coordinated
public transit-human services transportation plan
Slide 40
History of Coordination 2007: DOTD created a state-wide
coordination plan for human services public transportation DOTD
assisted 8 regions of the state to each create a locally developed,
coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan 2008:
DOTD conducts 2 day workshop on coordination DOTD updates statewide
coordination plan
Slide 41
DistrictParishes New OrleansJefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines,
St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles Baton
RougeAscension, E. Baton Rouge, E. Feliciana, Iberville,
Livingston, Pointe Coupe, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, W.
Baton Rouge, W. Feliciana Houma/ThibodauxAssumption, Lafourche, St.
James, Terrebonne LafayetteAcadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette,
St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermillion Lake CharlesAllen,
Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis
AlexandriaAvoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, La Salle,
Rapides, Vernon, Winn ShreveportBienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Claiborne, De Soto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine,
Webster MonroeCaldwell, E. Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Madison,
Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, W. Carroll
Slide 42
Shreveport Monroe Alexandria Lake Charles Lafayette Baton Rouge
New Orleans Houma- Thibodaux
Slide 43
History of Coordination 2011: Louisiana Legislature passes HCR
131 DOTD holds coordination workshop in Marksville 2011/2012: DOTD
forms HSTC Work Group
Slide 44
Break 15 minutes
Slide 45
Regional Plans Steps to developing a plan: Identify the issue,
challenge or problem to be addressed Evaluate the issue Background,
need, constraints, resources available and needed Develop a mission
statement Create goals Construct action steps
Slide 46
Regional Plans Steps to developing a plan: Where are we? What
is our current situation? What do we have to work with? Where do we
want to be? How do we get there?
Slide 47
Regional Plans Federal Regulations Required Elements: An
inclusive planning process An assessment of available services An
assessment of needs Gap analysis resources vs. needs Strategies to
address gaps for target populations Method for prioritizing
strategies Action Plan for implementing coordination
Slide 48
Who is Participating Likely suspects include: Metropolitan
Planning Organization Regional Planning Commission DOTD Public
Transportation Section 5311 providers Section 5310 providers
Section 5307 providers
Slide 49
Who is Participating (cont.) Likely suspects include: Council
on Aging (likely a 5311 or 5310 provider) Area Agency on Aging
(likely a 5311 or 5310 provider) Local Area Arc (likely a 5311 or
5310 provider) Department of Children & Family Services (Social
Services) Department of Health and Hospitals
Slide 50
Who Should Be Participating AARP representative Local nursing
homes Local Hospitals Local United Way representative Local State
Legislators (or at least their representative) Local Elected
Officials Local Workforce Investment Board
Slide 51
Who Did We Forget? Fill in Here
Slide 52
Who Did We Forget? Schools Goodwill/Easter Seals Veterans
Affairs Churches Indian Reservations
Slide 53
Data Collection Who is providing services in our region? Do we
know all of the providers? Public, private, nonprofit? Where are
services provided and not provided? Who needs services in our
region? Census data Human service providers Surveys
Slide 54
Gap Analysis Where is the service matched with the need? Where
are there overlaps in service? Where is there need - without
service?
Slide 55
Current Issues Identify the current transportation issues
Traveling across parish boundaries is difficult unless you drive
Current transportation services are fragmented Non-drivers have few
travel options There is some limited coordination, but there are
still service gaps and overlaps, and substantial system
inefficiency. Significant productivity and efficiency improvements
are possible.
Slide 56
Current Issues Identify the current transportation issues
(continued) No one knows or manages the entire travel options
picture: there is no parish or regional source to call which can
direct the public to the best source of transportation to meet a
specific need Current public and agency services need improvement
There are reported difficulties in obtaining rides Full cost
accounting is not generally practiced The number of rides provided
could be improved
Slide 57
Goals and Objectives The goal is where we want to be. The
objectives are the steps needed to get there. Measurable objectives
are the specific measures we use to determine whether or not we are
successful in achieving the goal. Remember: Goals are broad;
objectives are narrow Goals are general intentions; objectives are
precise Goals are intangible; objectives are tangible Goals are
abstract; objectives are concrete
Slide 58
Goals and Objectives Goal: Improve transportation services
information delivery for all travelers in our region Objectives:
Collect information on all transportation services Develop a
website listing all transportation services Develop a one-call
number that provides information on all transportation
services
Slide 59
Goals and Objectives Reassess your plans goals Ensure that you
have developed measurable objectives that will lead your
coordination efforts toward your goals
Slide 60
Potential Action Steps Beginning Formalize regional /
sub-regional leadership councils Develop coordination agreements
between transportation providers Next Steps Link the parish public
transit services at transit hubs Provide easily-accessed regional
transportation information
Slide 61
Potential Action Steps (cont.) Further in the Process Create a
regional trip broker to administer and monitor trips Add new
transportation hours, services and areas Still Further in the
Process Centralize management and administrative functions
Consolidate some transportation operations
Slide 62
Performance Measures Lower cost per vehicle hour or passenger
mile Referred to as resource efficiency increases, which means more
service outputs for the same resource inputs More passenger trips
per vehicle hour or vehicle mile Referred to as service
effectiveness increases, which means more services consumed for the
same service outputs Lower costs per trip Referred to as cost
effectiveness increases, which means more services consumed for the
same resource inputs
Slide 63
Results of the Plan Kinds of improvements observed as a result
of plan implementation Traveling across parish boundaries in modes
other than autos is becoming less difficult than it used to be
Current transportation services are documented; information is
available on a comprehensive basis; coordination of operations is
occurring Non-drivers have more travel options than before
Slide 64
Results of the Plan Kinds of improvements observed as a result
of plan implementation (continued) On-going coordination has
decreased the problems of service gaps and overlaps and substantial
system inefficiency; significant productivity and efficiency
improvements have been made Centralized information is available
concerning the entire travel options picture: there is one or more
centralized source[s] to call to inform the public about the best
source of transportation to meet a specific need
Slide 65
Results of the Plan Kinds of improvements observed as a result
of plan implementation (continued) Improvements have been made to
public and agency transportation services There are fewer
difficulties in obtaining rides than before Full cost accounting is
generally practiced among transportation providers and purchasers
The number of rides provided has increased
Slide 66
Implementation Benefits Benefits of implementing the plan More
riders per trip, which creates a more cost-effective use of drivers
time and lowers the average cost per trip More transportation
services available to more people Transportation services available
to a larger service area and at more times A focal point for
information about all transportation services in the region
Slide 67
Implementation Benefits Benefits of implementing the plan
(continued) A one-stop shopping approach -- one number to call when
individuals need a ride or their advocates need information
Agencies for whom transportation is not a focal point of their
mission (and perhaps a burden to them) turn this responsibility
over to transportation professionals Lower-cost operators
(including those who can use volunteers) provide some trips at
lower costs than some of the high-wage agencies
Slide 68
Implementation Benefits Benefits of implementing the plan
(continued) Transportation professionals provide some services
(such as dispatching, maintenance, training, planning,
administration, grant applications, etc) that may be more expensive
or difficult for non-transportation agencies to procure Agencies
save costs on administration, office space and equipment, training,
and the capital costs of vehicles by working together
Slide 69
Implementation Benefits Benefits of implementing the plan
(continued) Coordinated transportation services, operating at
higher levels of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, more readily
obtain the financial and political support of their
communities
Slide 70
Planning Process Evaluation What have we done? What did it cost
us? Did we do it when we thought we would? What did we produce? How
can we do it better?
Slide 71
Your Regional Plan What is happening in your area? Where are
you in the planning process? Break into your Regions and Discuss
Where are you in the planning process? Be prepared to give a status
report. 20 minutes
Slide 72
Coordination Resources Federal Funding Programs Transit
Cooperative Research Program Community Self Assessment Tool United
We Ride National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation
Coordination Government Accountability Office Other Resources
Slide 73
Federal Funding Programs According to GAO estimates, there are
between 62 and 80 federal funding streams Medicaid is by far the
largest direct funding mechanism for transportation services
Slide 74
Federal Funding Programs Most commonly used for coordination
include: Medicaid TANF FTA Section 5310, Elderly and Persons with
Disabilities FTA Section 5311, Other than Urbanized Formula Grant
Program FTA Section 5307, Urbanized Area Grants FTA Section 5316,
Job Access and Reverse Commute (phased out) FTA Section 5317, New
Freedom (phased out) Administration on Aging, Title III B
Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans Care
Slide 75
Federal Funding Programs MAP-21: JARC (5316) and New Freedom
(5317) Significant changes in MAP-21 include the end of both JARC
and New Freedom as distinct programs. Both survive as eligible
activities. JARC-type projects will be eligible activities under
the rural (Section 5311) and urban (Section 5307) funding
provisions. New Freedom-type projects will be allowable under
Section 5310 regarding seniors and people with disabilities. MAP-21
became effective on Oct. 1, 2012 and will remain in effect until
Sept. 30, 2014. Funds already obligated for these programs may be
expended for current JARC and New Freedom projects through Sept.
30, 2014.
Slide 76
Medicaid Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, US
Department of Health and Human Services The Medicaid program
ensures medical assistance to qualified persons, such as certain
low-income individuals and families, who fit into an eligibility
group that is recognized by federal and state law. The Medicaid
program provides more funding for specialized transportation than
any other Federal program. Medicaids Federal transportation
expenses equal two- thirds of all of the other expenses of all
other Federal transportation programs combined.
Slide 77
Medicaid (cont.) While state funding for Medicaid
transportation services is difficult to document on a national
basis, the combination of state and Federal funding for Medicaid
transportation is probably about $2 billion per year at this time.
Within broad national guidelines which the Federal government
provides, each of the States establishes its own eligibility
standards; determines the type, amount, duration, and scope of
services; sets the rate of payment for services; and administers
its own program.
Slide 78
Medicaid (cont.) The program is structured on a reimbursement
basis: individual trips must be authorized in advance, substantial
documentation that the trip actually occurred must be provided, and
there may be a significant waiting period before expenses are
reimbursed. The administrative and reporting requirements are
substantial. Per trip reimbursements are most often based on strict
reimbursement schedules which may not reflect the actual costs of
providing transportation.
Slide 79
DHH Regions
Slide 80
TANF Administration for Children and Families, US DHHS The
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides
block grants to states to help families transition from welfare to
self-sufficiency. TANF funds provide cash assistance, work
opportunities, and necessary support services for needy families
with children.
Slide 81
TANF (cont.) States may choose to spend some of their TANF
funds on transportation to purchase and/or operate vehicles, as
well as reimburse costs of transportation. While some states spend
no TANF dollars on transportation, the national average for state
TANF transportation expenses is about 2 percent of TANF funds
received by all states. In 2011, Louisiana spent ~ $233 million in
TANF funds.
Slide 82
Title III Programs for the Elderly: Grants for State and
Community Programs on Aging Administration on Aging, US DHHS Title
III of the Older Americans Act is entitled Grants for State and
Community Programs on Aging. Section 311 of the Act (Title III B)
authorizes funding for Supportive Services and Senior Centers. This
section enables funding for a long list of home and community-based
supportive services including transportation, health, education and
training, welfare, information dissemination or referral services,
recreation, homemaker, counseling, transportation, access services,
housing, and many other services.
Slide 83
Urbanized Area Formula Program: Section 5307 Federal Transit
Administration, US DOT The Section 5307 program provides Federal
funds to urbanized areas (areas with populations of 50,000 or more)
and to Governors for transit capital and operating assistance in
urbanized areas and for transportation planning. For urbanized
areas with populations of 200,000 and over, funds flow directly to
the designated local recipient. For urbanized areas under 200,000
in population, the funds are apportioned to the Governor of each
state for distribution. Eligible purposes for expenditures include
planning, capital investments in bus and bus-related activities,
and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems.
All preventive maintenance and some Americans with Disabilities Act
complementary paratransit service costs are considered capital
costs.
Slide 84
Formula Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with
Disabilities: Section 5310 Federal Transit Administration, US DOT
Section 5310, the Formula Program for Elderly Persons and Persons
with Disabilities program, provides formula funding to States for
the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups and certain
public bodies in meeting the special transportation needs of
seniors and persons with disabilities. Funds are apportioned based
on each States share of population for these groups of people and
are primarily to be used for capital expenses but may include
purchase-of- service agreements.
Slide 85
Formula Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with
Disabilities: Section 5310 (cont.) Federal Transit Administration,
US DOT This program requires coordination with other federally
assisted programs and services in order to provide the most
effective use of federal resources. Not-for-profit, public transit,
and/or specialized human service providers are awarded funds, by
States, to purchase buses, vans, and related capital items, and to
engage in contracts for the purchase of transportation services.
Funds are obligated based on the annual program of projects
included in a statewide grant application. The State agency ensures
that local applicants and project activities are eligible and in
compliance with Federal requirements, that private not- for-profit
transportation providers have an opportunity to participate as
feasible. The program requires a coordinated planning process with
other Federally-assisted programs and services.
Slide 86
Section 5311: Other than Urbanized Formula Grant Program
Federal Transit Administration, US DOT Section 5311 provides funds
for public transportation services in rural and small urban
communities with populations under 50,000 persons. The goals of the
nonurbanized formula grants program are to: enhance the access of
people in nonurbanized areas to health care, shopping, education,
employment, pubic services, and recreation; assist in the
maintenance, development, improvement, and use of public
transportation systems in rural and small urban areas;
Slide 87
Section 5311: Other than Urbanized Formula Grant Program
(cont.) encourage and facilitate the most efficient use of all
Federal funds used to provide passenger transportation in
nonurbanized areas through the coordination of programs and
services; assist in the development and support of intercity bus
transportation; provide for the participation of private
transportation providers in nonurbanized transportation to the
maximum extent feasible. Section 5311 funds are distributed to
states which in turn designate local recipients. Local program
recipients are usually designated units of government, including
transit authorities. Local recipients can provide or purchase
transportation services.
Slide 88
JARC: Section 5311 & 5307 Federal Transit Administration,
US DOT JARC activities are given a new definition in MAP-21: "Job
access and reverse commute project' means a transportation project
to finance planning, capital, and operating costs that support the
development and maintenance of transportation services designed to
transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to
and from jobs and activities related to their employment, including
transportation projects that facilitate the provision of public
transportation services from urbanized areas and rural areas to
suburban employment locations." (The old definition under
SAFETEA-LU was slightly different, with specific language about
vouchers and transit passes.) Vanpool vehicles are now included as
permissible expenses.
Slide 89
New Freedom: Section 5310 Federal Transit Administration, US
DOT DOT may make grants under this section to a recipient for new
public transportation services and public transportation
alternatives that assist individuals with disabilities with
transportation; these activities must be beyond those required by
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Transportation to and
from jobs and employment support services can be included.
Slide 90
Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States Rehabilitation
Services Administration, US DOE The Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) oversees six formula and discretionary grant
programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities
obtain employment and live more independently through the provision
of such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services,
job training and other individualized services, such as travel and
related expenses. RSA's Title I formula grant program provides
funds to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to provide
employment-related services for individuals with disabilities,
giving priority to individuals who are significantly disabled.
Slide 91
Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States (cont.)
Transportation services that enable an individual to participate in
a VR service are an allowable expense for VR programs. Allowable
expenditures include costs of purchased services from public and
private vendors. School transportation, transportation support
services including travel training and service coordination, and
private vehicle purchase are among the allowable expenses provided
through funding in the Title I formula grant program.
Slide 92
Veterans Medical Care Benefits Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans of military service may be eligible for a wide range of
hospital- based services, medications, and outpatient medical
services. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the operating
unit of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that acts as a
direct provider of primary care, specialized care, and related
medical and social support services to veterans through the VA
health care system. In addition to reimbursing individual veterans,
many VA Medical Centers have travel offices that may offer their
own transportation services, may contract directly with
transportation providers for some trips to VA Medical Centers, or
may work with volunteer networks to provide transportation for
veterans seeking health care. Trip orders come from the VA travel
office, not the rider. Typical contracts specify a base fare for
each trip and a mileage charge but some contracts pay strictly on a
mileage basis.
Slide 93
Other Potential Programs Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvement Program (CMAQ) Federal Highway Administration, US DOT
The National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on Americas
Transportation Network provides the framework for government
officials, the private sector, and the citizen- user, to take the
necessary steps to make todays congestion a thing of the past.
Solutions require a smarter approach to capacity expansion and
improved productivity of existing transportation assets.
Slide 94
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Developmental Disabilities
Administration for Children and Families, US DHHS The Developmental
Disabilities program provides financial assistance to State
governments, local communities, and the private sector to assist
people with developmental disabilities (severe, chronic, and
possibly permanent disabilities attributable to physical or mental
impairment) reach their potentials through increased independence,
productivity, inclusion, and community integration. Agencies
serving individuals with developmental disabilities typically
provide transportation directly to their own clients, although some
DD-funded agencies purchase transportation from other
providers.
Slide 95
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Workforce Investment Act
Programs Employment and Training Administration, US DOL WIA offers
workforce development activities through statewide and local
organizations. Workforce development activities provided in local
communities are intended to benefit job seekers, laid off workers,
youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans,
persons with disabilities, and employers. These activities are
designed to promote an increase in the employment, job retention,
earnings, and occupational skills improvement by participants.
These funds may be used to help provide transportation to training
programs for program participants. Transportation is considered as
a supportive service that may be approved under certain
circumstances to allow an individual to participate in the
program.
Slide 96
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Head Start Administration for
Children and Families, US DHHS Head Start is a national program
which provides comprehensive developmental services for America's
low- income, pre-school children ages three to five and social
services for their families. Specific services for children focus
on education, socio-emotional development, physical and mental
health, and nutrition. Head Start mandates place this program under
the Department of Education; this means that the program must adopt
school bus standards (e.g., for vehicles and for seat belt
restraints) for transportation. Use of these 16 regulations has
made coordination with other local public or human service
transportation operations a difficult process in some
communities.
Slide 97
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Community Services Block
Grants Administration for Children and Families, US DHHS Community
Services Block Grant (CSBG) program provides resources to alleviate
the causes and conditions of poverty. The CSBG statute requires
that 90 percent of block grant funds to the states be passed
through to the local eligible entities and that states use no more
than 5 percent for their administrative costs. The remaining 5
percent of funds may be used for a range of state discretionary
programs to accomplish the CSBG statutory purposes. Because the
needs of low- income people vary, a program like CSBG that is
intended to fight many causes of poverty must offer a broad array
of services; transportation is often seen as a key service in
addressing poverty issues. These services are delivered in most
communities through the local Community Action Agency or a similar
organization funded by the states.
Slide 98
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Social Services Block Grants
Administration for Children and Families, US DHHS This program,
also known as Title XX of the Social Security Act, provides formula
funds to state welfare agencies to provide needed social services,
including transportation services, that help individuals reduce
welfare dependency, achieve self- sufficiency or forestall
unnecessary use of institutional care. The state may transfer up to
ten percent of its allotment for any fiscal year to the preventive
health and health services, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health
services, maternal and child health services, and low-income home
energy assistance block grants. Purchase of transportation services
is an eligible expense under this program.
Slide 99
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Community Mental Health
Services Block Grants Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, US DHHS The Center for Mental Health Services
(CMHS), in partnership with States, leads national efforts to
demonstrate, evaluate, and disseminate service delivery models to
treat mental illness, promote mental health and prevent the
development or worsening of mental illness when possible.
Transportation is an allowable expense within the CMHSBG but is not
generally a significant component of CMHSBG-funded activities.
Slide 100
Other Potential Programs (cont.) Substance Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Block Grant Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, US DHHS The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
(CSAT), Division of State and Community Assistance (DSCA),
developed a State Systems Development Program (SSDP) to enhance
Federal and State accountability for the Substance Abuse Prevention
and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant. Transportation is an allowable
expense within the substance abuse prevention and/or treatment
related activities funded under the SSDP. However, SAMHSA does not
require the States to report on transportation activities or the
expenditure of funds for transportation activities. Transportation
is not likely to be a significant component of SAPTBG-funded
activities.
Slide 101
TCRP TCRP Report 91 Economic Benefits of Coordinating Human
Service Transportation and Transit Services TCRP Report 101 Toolkit
for Rural Community Coordinated Transportation Services TCRP Report
105 Strategies to Increase Coordination of Transportation Services
for the Transportation Disadvantaged
Slide 102
Community Self Assessment Tool Section 1: Making Things Happen
by Working Together Section 2: Taking Stock of Community Needs and
Moving Forward Section 3: Putting Customers First Section 4:
Adapting Funding for Greater Mobility Section 5: Moving People
Efficiently
Slide 103
United We Ride A federal interagency initiative aimed at
improving the availability, quality, and efficient delivery of
transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities,
and individuals with lower incomes. United We Ride initiative was
started by the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM),
a federal interagency council established by President George W.
Bush by Executive Order in 2004.
Slide 104
NRC The National Resource Center for Human Service
Transportation Coordination (NRC) was established as a result of
SAFETEA-LU. It is operated by the Community Transportation
Association of America (CTAA) through a cooperative agreement with
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). NRC has 10 UWR
Ambassadors that provide states and territories with hands-on
technical assistance in developing and implementing coordinated
human service transportation.
Slide 105
Government Accountability Office October 1999 - Transportation
Coordination Benefits and Barriers Exist, and Planning Efforts
Progress Slowly June 2003 - Transportation Disadvantaged
Populations Some Coordination Efforts Among Programs Providing
Transportation Services, but Obstacles Persist March 1, 2010 -
Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government
Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue
Slide 106
Government Accountability Office March 18, 2011 - Supplement to
the March 1, 2010 Report, List of Selected Federal Programs That
Have Similar or Overlapping Objectives, Provide Similar Services,
or Are Fragmented Across Government Missions June 2012
Transportation Disadvantaged Populations: Federal Coordination
Efforts Could Be Further Strengthened
Slide 107
Other Resources UWR Report to the President on Human Service
Transportation Coordination (EO 13330) 2005 National Conference of
State Legislators Center for Urban Transportation Research Other
State Programs
Slide 108
End of Day 1 See you tomorrow morning at 8:00 am
Slide 109
Challenges to Coordination 62 Federal funding streams Multiple
reporting requirements Institutional barriers at federal and state
level Turf issues Small non-profits have few resources for planning
Lack of leadership Lack of perceived benefit
Slide 110
Coordination Opportunities STTARS Statewide Transit Tracking
and Reporting System Provide standardized report Provide statewide
and regional data for analysis Renewed statewide coordination
efforts MAP-21 Coordination is being integrated into all new
legislation
Slide 111
Coordination Opportunities Address gaps in service
geographically Address gaps in service to target population groups
Reduce duplication of service Reduce inefficient use of resources
Control escalating costs Address poor or inconsistent quality of
service
Slide 112
Challenges and Opportunities What are the challenges facing
your region? What are the opportunities available in your region?
Break into your Regions and discuss Come up with a list of
Challenges and Opportunities 20 Minutes
Slide 113
Break 15 minutes
Slide 114
Statewide Coordination United We Ride Task Force met in 2005
and developed the: Louisiana Action Plan for Statewide
Transportation Coordination
Slide 115
UWR LA Statewide Plan From the UWR coordination work done at
the state level four key components of coordination were
identified: Accurate Data Support Structure Frequent Interaction
Adequate Resources
Slide 116
Accurate Data Coordination cannot be effective without: Knowing
where all the assets are (providers, equipment, facilities, etc.)
Having a process for measuring effectiveness for comparing data
Maintaining complete financial and ridership records
Slide 117
Accurate Data (cont.) Keep all records in the same format and
in one place so that they can be used to document, analyze and
evaluate all transportation programs Have someone who is
responsible for looking at the data to find coordination
opportunities on a regular basis Maintain a Clearinghouse on
Transportation Disadvantaged Populations one place for all data to
reside so everyone can use it, and analyze it
Slide 118
Support Structure The Interagency Transportation Coordination
Council (IATCC) needs to become a truly effective Board by:
Regulating, mandating and enforcing/encouraging coordination from
the top down Being legislatively mandated Creating interagency MOUs
that support consistent data collection, and other coordination
efforts
Slide 119
Frequent Interaction Coordination requires frequent interaction
between all the agencies and individuals involved in the
coordination effort: Need the Governors interaction, involvement,
and coordination with the legislature Need regular interaction
between state departments/divisions Need occasional interaction
between the 8 regional coordination teams Need regular interaction
between the local coordination team members
Slide 120
Adequate Resources Coordination requires adequate resources
from the state, to: Provide the infrastructure to support
coordination Provide minimal upfront $$$, to reap large rewards in
the long term
Slide 121
Statewide Coordination House Concurrent Resolution No. 131 To
create and form a Human Services Coordinated Transit Work Group,
led by the DOTD, with active support and leadership commitment from
both public and private stakeholders to improve mobility, optimize
efficiencies, and manage costs of transit and paratransit services
for both able-bodied and disabled persons.
Slide 122
Statewide Coordination House Concurrent Resolution No. 131
(continued) The work group shall convene no later than October 1,
2011, to review best practices in other areas in the nation, the
2003 GAO Report, the 2005 United We Ride Task Force Report, 2010
census data, and other relevant reports and information that help
to establish existing conditions, forecast needs, identify gaps,
control costs, and make existing services more effective and
prepared for the future.
Slide 123
Statewide Coordination House Concurrent Resolution No. 131
(continued) The work group shall report its findings and
recommendations to the legislature prior to the convening of the
2012 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.
Slide 124
Statewide Coordination HCR 131 Participants: A representative
of AARP A representative of the Center for Planning Excellence A
representative of the NORPC A representative of the SCPDC A
representative of a COA A representative of the Gov.s Office of
Elderly Affairs A representative of the LA Public Health Institute
A representative of the ARC
Slide 125
Statewide Coordination HCR 131 Participants: (cont.) A
representative of Vet-Trans A representative of Catholic Charities
of New Orleans A representative of PACE New Orleans A
representative from the private sector providers of human services
transport A representative of the Area Agency on Aging
Representatives of DHH (who will collectively have 1 vote) A
representative of the LA APA
Slide 126
Statewide Coordination HCR 131 Participants: (cont.) A
representative of the LA Association of Social Workers A
representative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation A
representative of the LPTA A representative of the Statewide
Independent Living Council A representative of the LA Workforce
Commission A representative of LA Rehabilitation Services A
representative of IMCAL
Slide 127
Statewide Coordination HCR 131 reported to the Legislature
March 2012 Report included many recommendations for statewide
coordination Report listed benefits to the state Legislature passed
HCR 181 to continue workgroup efforts
Slide 128
Statewide Coordination HCR 181 reported to the Legislature
March 2013 over 30 specific recommendations including: 1. Establish
an independent interagency Louisiana Mobility Council (LMC) to
oversee statewide coordination of all human services public
transportation and bring to fruition the Groups recommendations; 2.
Create a State Mobility Manager to implement the recommendations
and the eventual establishment of the LMC;
Slide 129
Statewide Coordination HCR 181 report recommendations
continued: 3. Institute statewide procedures for: a single call
point of contact for transit service; a clearing house for
coordinating grant applications; researching additional sources of
funding; a reduced cost provider insurance program; a reduced fuel
rate card for providers; a customer/rider identification and data
card; a single website for customers and providers to reference
transit information; data collection to provide a geographic
reference to needs and resources for gaps in coverage; resolving
boundary disputes; determining resources to enhance emergency
procedures with GOHSEP; implementing standards for training,
equipment, safety, communication, emergency procedures, and
performance measurements;
Slide 130
Statewide Coordination HCR 181 report recommendations
continued: 4. Form co-ops of smaller agencies; 5. Expand workshops
for federal applications, identify best practices that include
effective administration, safety, and service; 6. Review local,
state, and federal regulations for barriers to efficiencies; 7.
Identify needs for facility improvements.
Slide 131
Statewide Coordination HCR 181 report included Next Steps: 1.
Continue to present the Business case to the executive level of all
agencies to alert them to cost savings and achieve top down backing
for obtaining asset data to expand the Resource Guide. 2.
Distribute the new survey. 3. Standardize the data collection and
storage for uniformity and interoperability.
Slide 132
Statewide Coordination HCR 181 report included Next Steps -
continued: 4. Implement the Resource Guide into the 211 call
centers. 5. Refine recommendations into specific actions needed and
allocate responsibilities for accomplishing them. 6. Continue to
lay the ground work for eventually funding and organizing a
permanent independent transit coordination council.
Slide 133
Statewide Coordination LTRC Research Project Develop a
statewide database of all transportation resources to utilize in
emergency preparedness
Slide 134
Statewide Coordination What can the DOTD do for the regions?
What are some recommendations for assistance with coordination
efforts? Break into your Regions and Discuss Come up with
Suggestions
Slide 135
Conclusions What do we do? Provide rides sure Fundamentally, we
provide opportunity where none might otherwise exist Accessibility
to jobs, services and health care Alternative to
institutionalization through increased socialization
Slide 136
Conclusions Remember: Coordinating transportation services is
like any political process. It involves changing environments,
conflicts regarding power and control over resources, and competing
goals or personalities.
Slide 137
Conclusions Coordination is all about: Better resource
management Developing trust Shared responsibility and respect
Coordination is a continuum You dont ever get there you just get
better!
Slide 138
Questions
Slide 139
Helpful Links National Resource Center for Human Service
Transportation Coordination (NRC) National Resource Center for
Human Service Transportation Coordination (NRC) United We Ride
(UWR) Community Self-Assessment Tool CWLA 2011 Report on Louisianas
Children Louisiana Transit Resource Guide