CT Link: Community Transportation Link. October 13, 2016 Irena Pozgaj-Jones, Program Supervisor, County of Simcoe

Transcription

1 CT Link: Community Transportation Link October 13, 2016 Irena Pozgaj-Jones, Program Supervisor, County of Simcoe

2 Presentation Overview Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program Project Partners What is Community Transportation? Community Transportation Link (CT Link) Next Steps 2

3 Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program: Project Opportunity One-time project funding from the Ministry of Transportation to support local community transportation initiatives The MTO s Grant Program recognizes that: Community transportation extends beyond public transit services Many (rural) communities are dependent on community organizations, such as health service or social service agencies, or volunteer organizations, for transportation $2M provincially; $100,000 maximum funding per project 2-year project: April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017 After March 31, 2017, the funded community transportation services will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of coordinated community transportation as a service delivery model. 3

4 Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program: 3 Objectives Improve mobility options For individuals without their own transportation including seniors, people with disabilities, students, etc. Build capacity To better meet local transportation demand, especially in areas without conventional or specialized transit service due to population size or density Create networks Coordinating community transportation service, leveraging existing services, and pooling resources. 4

5 22 Successful MTO Grant Applicants 54 applicants County of Simcoe received full funding request 5

6 CT Link Project Team Helping Hands (Orillia) Canadian Red Cross (Simcoe/Muskoka) Community Reach (Midland) Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, BANAC (Simcoe/York) 211 Community Connection (Simcoe Muskoka) County of Simcoe NSM LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) New potential partner agencies 6

7 What is Community Transportation? Community-based service providers Fee-for-service or operational funding Large geographic area Heavy reliance on volunteers 7

8 The CT Link Project: Community Transportation Link Web-based access point for community transportation services providers to share fleet capacity Each agency retains client Identifies transportation sharing opportunities Overcapacity Last-minute booking needs Client s transportation needs (i.e. stretcher, bariatric) Downtime, or deadhead run 8

9 Coordinated Transportation Models * Advantages: Transportation providers become more knowledgeable with each other Opportunities to share experience are identified Familiarity and trust develops Sets the stage for greater coordination of services (if warranted) This model was successfully implemented in Wellington County *Source: Towards Coordinated Rural Community Transportation: A Resource Document. (2014). Rural Ontario Institute. 9

10 Voluntary Cooperation Model Community Connection 211 will provide a point of entry for transportation services for individuals who are not currently associated to a community agency (i.e. new clients ), information, and referrals New clients Existing clients Call 211 Call host agency Screening & Referral Referral to transportation agency Check portal 10

11 Benefits and Outcomes Maximizing existing resources Agencies retain autonomy Partnerships and collaboration Communication Service consistency System-wide metrics 11

12 CT Link Utilization As of Sept 30, 2016 Vehicle availability & client ride pickups shared in portal: 99 Available vehicle events shared in portal = 85 Client In Need of Rides shared = 14 Current Vehicles Available = 23 Rides Completed = 7* *All due to available vehicle sharing 12

13 Portal Sharing Events 13

14 Project Highlights Portal development: Caredove Value-stream mapping session Marketing & Promotional materials Stakeholder information and training Standardized protocols Service Agreement Surveys with service providers and clients/passengers Change management with service provider agencies 14

15 Next steps Sustainability Scaling Networks 15

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17 Background 2007: World Health Organization & International partners developed the Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide that outlines the framework for creating agefriendly communities 2013: Ontario Seniors Secretariat launches guide: Finding the Right Fit: Age-Friendly Community Planning 2014: Ontario Seniors Secretariat announces AFC Planning Grant Application 2015: County applies for and is successful recipient of AFC Planning Grant 2016: County forms the AFC Project Steering Committee & engages community 1

18 Eight Dimensions of AFC The WHO identified Eight dimensions to assess a municipality's environment, services and policies that reflect the determinants of active aging.

19 Community Engagement Goals Engage older adults to identify common themes & priorities Involve diverse communities of older adults, including those who may be hard to reach Build on local knowledge & wisdom to guide planning

20 Community Engagement Methods Survey Key Informant Interviews - conducted with 16 community leaders Focus Groups 15 focus groups (approx. 125 people) 16 local municipalities Francophone, newcomer, caregiver and indigenous communities Public Consultations Alliston, Orillia, Collingwood & Penetanguishene 100+ participants

21 Highlights of Project Findings The County is considered a positive and supportive place for older adults There are opportunities for improvement Transportation and Communication are often factors that affect other dimensions and should be high priorities

22 Project Timeline March April/May June/July September October 2016 March 2017 March 2017 Survey Key Informant Interviews Focus Groups Public Consultations Framework Development Framework Endorsement by County Council