Transportation Voucher Programs

Transcription

1 Transportation Voucher Programs Kendra Bullard Senior Manager - Mobility Management & Planning November 13,

2 Agenda Purpose of Programs Programs at a Glance Collin County Rides DART Rides Newest DART Rides Programs & Background How the programs work Eligibility & Enrollment Account Information Fares Program Data Future of DART Rides 1

3 Purpose of Programs Identified challenges with increasing percentage of senior citizens Lack of transportation for seniors unable to drive Not eligible for the ADA paratransit service Fixed route bus service and on demand services address these challenges in most of the DART service area DART identified areas within the service area with higher than average number of seniors and limited fixed route transit available For areas with minimal or no fixed route, these programs provide Flexible and cost effective transportation 2

4 Programs At A Glance Affordable transportation for both the customer and DART Customer Pays 25% of trip DART Pays 75% of trip Irving Holdings is the current service provider. Service for seniors and persons with disabilities Direct trips, not a shared ride service Trips must either begin or finish in resident city Trips may be taken for any purpose Accessible vehicles are available upon request at time of scheduling All the convenience of a regular taxi at a fraction of the price. 3

5 Collin County Rides Program Allen, Fairview, and Wylie Residents Began October 2016 Funded by the participating cities Minimum 1 day advanced scheduling Operates 7 days/week 5:00am 8:00pm Customer contribution $5 -$100 Personal fund feature $5-$200 unmatched funds 4

6 DART Rides Program On Demand Service Call to schedule 1 hour before desired pick up time Drivers may arrive within 30 minutes of scheduling Operating hours are 5am 11pm daily Customer contribution $5 -$25 Personal fund feature $5-$200 unmatched funds 5

7 DART Rides Programs Plano (Residents) Began as a program administered by the City of Plano through The Wellness Center 2017 City of Plano signed ILA with DART to administer the program Carrollton & Rowlett (Residents) Program started August 2018 FTA 5310 Grant awarded FY18 6

8 DART s Newest Programs Dallas (75217 & 75228) Addison (75001) Farmers Branch (75006) Irving (75060, 75061, 75062, 75038, & 75039) NCTCOG funding reallocated to DART Programs started 10/29/18 7

9 Dallas - Background Addressing City of Dallas, DART fixed route gaps City of Dallas Senior Affairs Commission, Transportation Committee Formation of East Dallas Seniors Coalition October 2017 NCTCOG shared information about funding opportunities Develop Procedures for expansion of Voucher Program September 2018 Community meeting in East Dallas October 2018 Information campaign and participant begins Oct. 29 th start of voucher programs 8

10 Who is eligible for the Programs? Residents of identified zones AND Seniors age 65+ and over OR Persons with a qualifying disability 9

11 Enrollment Link from DART.org online submission DART MMS Certification Phone submission Mailed applications and/or proof of eligibility Eligibility documents must be submitted to be approved/denied for service 7-10 days to receive program debit card in mail 10

12 Account Information Program Debit card is used to pay fares All funds rollover if not used Program monies are used before personal funds Funds can be added to your account online or by mailing a check to DART Rides Card balances can be checked anytime by phone or by logging into your online account. 11

13 Fares and Trips Trip costs are based on mileage & regulated taxi rates $2.00 charge for each additional passenger, including Personal Care Attendants may be paid with cash or personal credit/debit card DART Rides card may not be used for tips or guest fees. Funds are verified at start of trip, payment is processed at the end of trip 12

14 Program Data FY18 DART Rides (Plano) Average Participants 257/month, Active Riders 54 2,417 Trips Average fare $13.87 for a 4.7 mile trip This is an average of $3.47 cost to the customer FY18 Collin County Rides Average Participants 191/month, Active Riders 59 7,450 Trips Average fare $13.38 for a 5.3 mile trip This is an average of $3.34 cost to the customer 13

15 Average trip distance 14

16 The Future of DART Rides Approved grant funding for a 2 year pilot After 2 year pilot: Evaluation of service usage and effectiveness will be conducted If service is proven to be valuable DART operational budgets will continue to fund program New MMS contract will include voucher programs Multiple providers More scheduling options for customers 15

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