Region 08 Transit Coordination Plan Addendum, FY 2013 Projects, Work Plans Page 1

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1 Region 08 - Local Human Service Transit Coordination Plan 2012 Addendum to the 2011 Coordination Plan Proposed 2013 Projects for Funding Work Program The Region 08 Local Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan Steering Committee met on May 7, 2012, and was an initial start to organize a Regional Ride Coordination Council (RRCC). The work initiated on May 7 th to address the deliverables identified by MnDOT was completed via electronic communication following the meeting. MNDOT provided $800 in funds to the SRDC to facilitate the Steering Committee with the work to be completed by June 30, The deliverable outcomes are as follows: Identification of potential local projects for 2013 under the following funding sources: o Department of Transportation: JARC, New Freedom, Section 5310, o Department of Human Services: Community Service / Service Delivery o Other sources A 1 to 3 Year Work Plan with 3 to 5 projects the Regional group would like to advance. The work plan will to identify: specific interim steps necessary for reaching the goals; the champion for each step; and how veterans will benefit. Update the 2011 Local Human Service Transit Coordination Plan to specifically address Veterans. The Regional Development Commission is to adopt the 2012 revision to the 2011 Plan, and approve the list of potential 2013 projects and the work plan. The SRDC Transportation Committee met on June 21, 2012 and reviewed the amendments to the 2011 Human Service Transit Coordination Plan, the proposed projects for funding and the three year work plan. On July 12, 2012 the SRDC Full Commission met and adopted the 2012 Plan Amendment; and approved the proposed projects for 2012 and a three year Work Program. Page 1

2 Table of Contents Page Acronyms and Definitions Addendum to the 2011 Coordination Plan FY 2013 Proposed Projects for funding in Region 08 (SW Minnesota)... 4 Project: Regional Ride Coordination Council (RRCC)... 5 Regional Ride Coordination Council Work Plan... 6 Project: Mobility Assistance... 8 Mobility Assistance Work Plan... 9 Project: Across the Board Contract Rates Across the Board Contract Rates Work Plan Project: Technology and Database: Rideshare Communication Program Technology and Database: Rideshare Communication Program Work Plan Project: Campaign to Educate: Transportation Brochure Campaign to Educate: Transportation Brochure Work Plan Project: To Work and Home Transportation, including Daycare and after Hour Medical To Work and Home Transportation Work Plan Project: Regional Transportation Collaborative Regional Transportation Collaborative Work Plan Issues identified at May 7, 2012 meeting Page 2

3 Acronyms and Definitions CSSD Community Service Services Development grant through DHS DEED Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development DHS Department of Human Services DTH Day Training and Habilitation ED pros Economic Development Professionals FTA Federal Transit Administration HIPAA United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of HS Human Services ITV Interactive television Job Access Reverse Commute. The FTA JARC program was established to address the unique transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking to obtain and maintain employment. Often new entry-level jobs are located JARC where low-income individuals have difficulty accessing these jobs from their neighboring community or rural area; entry level-jobs may require working late at night or on weekends when conventional transit services are either reduced or non-existent; and often employment related-trips involve multiple destinations including reaching childcare facilities or other services. MnDOT Minnesota Department of Transportation MnRAAA Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging New Freedom. The FTA NF program was established to encourage services and facility NF improvements to address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities that go beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. PT Public Transit RRCC Regional Ride Coordination Council RSVP Retired Senior Volunteer Program RTC Regional Transit Collaborative Section 5310 FTA funds used to purchase vehicles that support transportation to meet the special needs of older adults and persons with disabilities. FTA funding source for operation of rural Public Transit systems. The goal of the program Section is to provide service to areas with a population less than 50,000, including enhancing the 5311 access of people in rural areas to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation; and encouraging the most efficient use of all transportation funds used to provide transit in rural areas through coordination of programs and services. SRDC Southwest Regional Development Commission STS Special Transportation Service SWCIL Southwestern Center for Independent living tbd to be determined Older Americans Act Title III supports services designed to assist older persons at risk of Title III losing their independence and active older persons. Funding assists with coordination and development of community-level systems of services meeting the unique needs of older persons and their caregivers. VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol VSO Veteran Service Officer (CVSO = County VSO) VTCLI Veterans Transportation Community Living Initiative Page 3

4 2012 ADDENDUM TO THE 2011 LOCAL HUMAN SERVICE TRANSIT COORDINATION PLAN. Address how a project benefits Veterans in the Coordination Plan. The Veteran Service Officers present at the May 7 th, 2012 Transit Coordination meeting agreed that the impact to Veterans is no more or less than the other recipients of the program. By serving all citizens the benefit could be directly to a veteran, their dependents, and survivors; or indirectly by serving all it will create the volume/demand needed to help implement the project. Addendum was placed following the Executive Summary with a footnote that will reflect approval date. PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN FY 2013 REGION 08 (SW MINNESOTA) Project Funding Source(s) 1 Access Coordinator (work with hard to serve people to get to services) including compilation of resources. NF, CSSD, Title III, other funding sources 2 Preserve & maintain Sections 5310 and 5311 fleets, expand as warranted 5310, 5311, other funding sources 3a 3b Commuter route x2 Commuter route to Sioux Falls JARC NF 4 Volunteer driver pools (shared training) CSSD, NF, other sources tbd 5 Review and update MinnesotaHelp.Info data. Local & regional agencies 6 Veterans Transportation Community Living Initiative (VTCLI). Regional Ride Coordination Council (RRCC) to help facilitate the VTCLI and the Regional Transportation Collaborative(s) (subcommittees) 7 Mobility Assistance - Escort / rider companion to get from ride/curb thru door to appointment and back thru the door to curb / ride. CSSD match to the federal VTCLI dollars Title III and supplemental funds, NF, other funding sources tbd Title III, and other funding sources currently unknown 8 Transit related develop pools of funds for specific circumstances: Be the Companion (Mobility assistance) Rides needed due to special circumstances (to Home and Work) 9 Consultant for the needs assessment CSSD, other funding 10 Regional Ride Coordination Council MNDOT, NF, CSSD, other Comments: #5 Transit systems, VSO, and the SRDC Brochure are sources to help update MinnesotaHelp.Info data. #7 Regional Transportation Collaborative (RTC) has modified slightly in its definition. It is seen as a working committee(s) composed of individuals who have special knowledge about a specific project. Examples of RTC s may include: Public Transit Systems working on the 3C s; a mix of disciplines focused on rides home from medical appointment / facility discharge after transit system hours; grant writing; brochure development and distribution; development of a volunteer driver pool or bus driver pool. #8 and 9 The Title III funds have a June 18, 2012 deadline for a letter of interest; the application deadline is August 1, A Living facility in Worthington provides this type of service for their residents. #8 Be the Companion is in an initial concept stage. The companion may be a Rider Companion or for example be a Companion who waits with a mobility limited individual for a medical appointment or procedure. Page 4

5 PROJECT: REGIONAL RIDE COORDINATION COUNCIL Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Convene transportation providers and human service agencies to discuss ongoing coordination needs within region. This will be a large group that provides direction to the Regional Transportation Collaborative (who assists with implementation of projects). The initial make up of the Council will be drawn from individuals that participated in the Local Human Service Public Transit Coordination Plan public workshop held in Public, with focus on low income, disabled, elderly, and Veterans Regionwide Regional planning, aging, and service organizations, public transit, Veteran Organizations, state and regional transportation and human service organizations and agencies. Convene regional coordination body Southwest Regional Development Commission to coordinate and facilitate meetings. Initiate in 2012, Long term: on going Action Steps: 1. Convene Initial Group to determine makeup / structure and purpose / responsibilities of the Council. 2. Ask groups to caucus from their members a member and alternate 3. Meet as needed (at least once per year) to address Transportation access issues, needs, funding recommendations. Meetings via face to face, conference call, survey doodle poll, ITV 4. Annually identify projects for JARC, New Freedom, and Section 5310, CSSD funding, other sources of funding. 5. To identify transportation issues and methods to resolve them (or share how others have resolved them) 6. Assign subcommittee Tasks (Regional Transportation Collaborative) Resources Needed: How will this project benefit Veterans specifically funding for meeting facilitation mileage reimbursement for members with no other source to cover travel Bringing the players together to share issues and address how to resolve them will help all, including Veterans. Page 5

6 Regional Ride Coordination Council (RRCC) Work Plan Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Convene Initial Group to begin discussion on makeup / structure, the / purposes and responsibilities of the Council. Continue to identify group members and structure of the Regional Ride coordination Council. May 7, 2012 To July 2012 Funding for Meeting facilitation, preparation, and Plan update / Adoption ($1000); RRCC members - time and travel to the meeting Time for communication via Disabled Population Human Services low income Transit providers MNRAAA representing seniors CVSO s Elected Officials Work force / Jobs Medical community: clinics, discharge planners, ambulance service, Mental health Nursing Homes RSVP SRDC Access to goods and services is vital for the health and well-being (quality of life) of people in southwest Minnesota. RRCC members will help identify transportation related issues for target populations (seniors, low income, disabled, and veterans). Transportation is one of the vital services that enable people to live independently (at home). In addition, transit access once in a (short or long term) living facility is also important for the health and continued well-being of an individual. 2. Ask groups to caucus from their members a member and alternate to serve on the RRCC July 2012 To August 2012 Funding for communication with groups to determine membership See above SRDC To bring active interested members to the table to actively address rides and access to services Page 6

7 3. Meet as needed Meeting via face to face, conference call, survey doodle poll, ITV - TBD August 2012 Funding to facilitate Funds to reimburse travel for members RRCC SRDC Identify and address transportation issues and projects to address transit / access. 4. Annually identify projects for JARC, NF, and Section 5310, CSSD funding, other sources of funding. 5. Identify transportation issues Annually (May) Annually See above RRCC SRDC Focus on where projects will need funding assistance to address transportation needs and access to services See above RRCC SRDC Collective working to resolve issues, share how others have resolved them, and may need to direct an RTC to further address issues. 6. Assign subcommittee Tasks to Regional Transportation Collaborative(s) (RTC) As needed Unknown resources needed, to be identified as RTC s work with projects RRCC SRDC The RTCs will be working committees to move projects forward and to research issues as identified by the RRCC Page 7

8 PROJECT: MOBILITY ASSISTANCE Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Action Steps: Resources Needed: How will this project benefit Veterans specifically: Train volunteers to help riders who are unable to use transit services without individualized assistance. Current and potential transit riders who are unable to use transit services without individualize assistance. Regionwide The Regional Ride Coordination Council & MnDOT will oversee the project with the development and implementation from public transit systems with assistance from MnDOT, Southwestern Center for Independent Living and RSVP Establish / enhance assisted transportation programs Multiple for various action steps: Pilot Public Transit system, SRDC, MNRAAA 2012 to Rider Companion Training includes passenger assistance 2. Identify needs at Hospitals, Care facilities, dialysis units, clinics (on bus and/or at the door) 3. Discharge Planner Network(Purpose: Communication & Education) 4. Start a Rider Companion Pilot Program in transit system 5. Assess and modify assessment questions at transit systems so they are consistent and ask the questions needed to provide access / assistance needed 6. Describe Service on Marketing Venues ie (curb to curb, door to door) Connect definition to providers on brochure 7. Rider Companion Expansion Title III and supplemental funds to do initial work, implement project; assess; and expand pilot to other transit systems. It will reduce gaps to access services that are transportation related, Increase ridership because more people can access services at affordable rides Page 8

9 MOBILITY ASSISTANCE WORK PLAN Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Rider Companion Training includes passenger asst. Prior to Title III and supplemental 1/2013 in funds to develop and Pilot County implement project. Pilot Transit system, Vol. Rider Companion, Pilot Transit System Reduced gaps Increased ridership More affordable rides Medical community, Volunteer Service organizations to be determined 2. Identify needs at Hospitals, Care facilities, dialysis units, clinics (on bus and/or at the door) 12/31/12 (Pilot Co.) Survey via Mail/Survey Monkey Volunteers SRDC funding for 4-5 hours for survey development, distribution, tabulation SRDC ( draft survey & compile) Pilot Public Transit System (distribute survey) Access Coordinator SRDC and Pilot Transit System Reduced gaps Increased ridership More affordable rides 3. Discharge Planners (Purpose: Communication & Education) Annually (May July) At time of brochure update SRDC identified in brochure work plan 1 hour: Discharge Planners Network time to review and comment, incorporate in Discharge Planners Network MNRAAA who staffs / facilitates quarterly Discharge Planner Network meetings, SRDC Pilot Transit System MNRAAA to facilitate the interaction Information on transportation resources updated and distributed; Input on mobility assistance project assessment questions 1 hour: MNRAAA Page 9

10 4. Start a Rider Companion Pilot Program in one transit system / county 1/2013 Time and funding for set up of the pilot program identified in the Title III application Transit Volunteers Vol. Coordinators (Admin.) Pilot Transit System Drivers Riders Health Care System 5. Assess and modify transit assessment questions systems use so they are consistent and ask questions needed to provide access / assistance Prior to 1/2013 Communication via various sources, transit system meeting, discharge planners mtg, phone, . RTC - Transit Systems, SWCIL, medical facility, nursing home, discharge planners, MnRAAA Pilot Transit System Consistent assessment that can address key issues on mobility needs will provide better service for riders 6. Describe Service on Marketing Venues (i.e. curb to curb, door to door) Connect definition to providers on brochure 5/2012 SRDC 1 hour SRDC RRCC SRDC More accurate and concise information for distribution 7. Assessment of Pilot project 1/2014 to 10/2014 Funding for assessment of initial pilot program Pilot system and systems interested in replication Pilot system and systems interested in replication Identify flaws & what was done to correct so replication of program avoids flaw 8. Rider Companion Expansion 12/31/14 Time & funding to replicate program; increase pool of vol drivers / employees according to need. Transit Systems Volunteers Transit Systems Drivers Riders Health Care Systems Sharing transit resources Page 10

11 Outreach of Volunteers PROJECT: ACROSS THE BOARD CONTRACT RATES Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Same contract rates from county to county. Contract rates currently vary from county to county and program to program, mileage rates as well as administrative rates. This is envisioned to be driven by DHS initiatives. Target populations and general public Regionwide Family service agency directors with assistance from DHS and others, including the Regional Ride Council. Implement tool that supports data management Step 1 3: Access coordinator; Step 4: consultant; Step 5 to be determined 2012 thru 2014 Action Steps: 1. Assess current rates and collection process to determine a Regional Rate. 2. Identify what funds help to pay for rides & how much 3. Seek funding to bring expertise in to develop a uniform billing process 4. Develop Uniform Billing Process 5. Uniform Billing Process Implemented Resources Needed: How will this project benefit Veterans specifically: Funding to pay for time for data gathering, grant writing, technology and ride tracking Total cost of transportation for veterans gets covered & shared Page 11

12 ACROSS THE BOARD CONTRACT RATES WORK PLAN Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Determine a Regional Contract Rate: identify charges for transportation & the collection process Funding to pay for time to gather info. CVSO Public DTH STS Transit providers Access Coordinator Enable Ride Sharing (Ultimate Goal) (What if Access Coord. Does not get funded?) 2. Identify what funds help to pay for rides & how much Funding to pay for time to gather info. State/Counties DHS Managed Medicare Part D Access Coordinator Waiver Programs Schools Work Force Veterans Services Private Pay 3. Seek funding to bring expertise in the development of a uniform billing process 2013 Funding to cover grant writing CVSO Public DTH STS Transit providers Access Coordinator A uniform billing process will provide a seamless (to the rider) service. All costs will be identified and comparisons will be consistent. 4. Uniform Billing Process developed Technology & Ride Tracking State Agencies Transit Providers Consultant Cost of transportation is identified for veterans (and all) 5. Uniform Billing Process Implemented 2014 Technology & Ride Tracking State Agencies Transit Providers To be determined Total cost of transportation for veterans gets covered & shared Page 12

13 PROJECT: TECHNOLOGY AND DATABASE: RIDESHARE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Short-Term (yr 1) Medium-Term (yrs 2-3) Long-Term (yrs 4-5) Action Steps: Resources Needed: Create a technology link available to transit providers in the Region. This will allow the sharing of information regarding accessibility and service coverage. Target populations and general public Regionwide Overseen by Regional Ride Council, developed and implemented by Regional Transportation Collaborative with the assistance of MnDOT and DHS Centralize information. This action was also seen to have a direct relationship to coordinate dispatch strategy. MnDOT Office of Transit to initiate, Recipients for implementation Counties accept Revation Software / Hardware if evaluated able to receive. (Make sure it confirms for each county that VOIP & Language Line are supported - bandwidth ) 2. Installation and Training 3. Implementation - Commit to using Funding and time How will this project benefit Veterans specifically: Secure communication system to assist with connecting Veterans and others to rides, may reduce cost of rides, and serve more people with rides. Page 13

14 TECHNOLOGY AND DATABASE WORK PLAN Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Accept Revation Software / Hardware if evaluated able to receive. (Make sure it confirms for each county that VOIP & Language Line are supported - bandwidth ) Prior to grant money distribution (July 2012) VTCLI grant CSSD grant RTC: CVSO Sect 5311 Human Services SWCIL MnDOT Office of Transit If all county transit offices don t receive & use software will the system of communication work? 2. Installation and Training 2012 July Dec. VTCLI and CSSD funding for the installation and training Recipients of the hardware and software MnDOT Office of Transit Secure communication system to assist with connecting Veterans and others to rides, may reduce cost of rides, and serve more people with rides. 3. Implementation - Commit to using 2013 Time Recipients of the hardware and software CVSO Transit Human Services SWCIL The impact to Veterans is no more or less than the other recipients of the program. Page 14

15 PROJECT: CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE: TRANSPORTATION BROCHURE Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Short-Term (yr 1) Medium-Term (yrs 2-3) Long-Term (yrs 4-5) Action Steps: Resources Needed: How will this project benefit Veterans specifically: Defining terminology such as HIPAA, individual versus tax payer costs, wait times, website info address, and phone numbers for information. Envisioned to be based on or a modification of the existing Regional Transit Provider Brochure. Family Service Agencies staff and clients, DHS providers and clients, agencies and general public Regionwide SRDC and the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging with assistance in the development and distribution by the Regional Ride Coordination Council Educate regional professionals of transportation issues. This action also touched on the following strategies: Centralize information and educate the public on transportation options. Southwest Regional Development Commission Short term (April-July 2012) with on-going updates of the brochure 1. Update and Revise the existing brochure with current information as identified at the 2011 Coordination plan meetings. 2. Identify Partners for distribution of the brochure 3. Distribution Time and funding for brochure update 1-5 hours Time and funding for partner identification 5-10 hours Funding to cover printed brochure Use and distribution of transportation brochure for people to understand what resources are available and what services are provided, including Veterans Page 15

16 TRANSIT BROCHURE WORK PLAN Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Update Regional Transit Brochure Annually May - July Funding for time to update/revise Typically 5-10 hours will cover an annual update to address revisions and communication to verify information RRCC: Transit Systems CVSO s MNRAAA Transit Providers Human Services MnDOT SWCIL SRDC Use by: Transit Systems Nursing Homes Trans. Providers CVSO RRCC Work Force Center (PIC) Minority representation MinnesotaHelp.info 2. Identify partners to distribute the brochure or brochure information July 2012 annually Funding to cover time to identify partners See above list to assist in identification, SLL SRDC will facilitate identification 3. Distribution a. Printing b. Electronic ( ) c. Electronic (webposting) Ongoing a. Funds for print materials b. NA c. ½ hour to post See above SRDC will electronically distribute to partners for further distribution Use and distribution of transportation brochure for people to understand what resources are available and what services are provided, including Veterans Page 16

17 PROJECT: TO WORK & HOME TRANSPORTATION: INCLUDING DAYCARE AND FROM AFTER HOUR MEDICAL. Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Project Champion(s) Timing: Action Steps: Resources Needed: How will this project benefit Veterans specifically: Improve and/or expand service hours, understanding that a level of demand is required for public transit to provide the service, implementation will likely be a combination of private and public transportation options. This would address shift work, state lines, system boundaries, rideshare programs, and after hour availability from medical facilities, especially for persons requiring a vehicle with a lift. Workers and patients discharged from medical facilities after transit system hours, especially those with special transportation needs, such as lift accessible vehicles. Regionwide Regional Ride Council and Regional Transportation Collaborative lead by public transit systems and others such as hospitals and businesses. Improve service convenience Step 1: SRDC; Step 2: tbd; Step 3 consultants 2013 and on-going 1. Identify resources 2. Seek funding for consultants to identify needs 3. Identify needs Funding to cover time to do steps 1 and 2; grant funds to cover costs of the consultant No more or less than the other recipients of the program. By serving all citizens the benefit could be directly to a Veteran, their dependents, survivors; or indirectly by serving all it will create the volume/demand needed to help implement the project. Page 17

18 TO WORK & HOME TRANSPORTATION WORK PLAN Action Steps: Timing Resources needed Who needs to be involved? Who is responsible for Implementation of Action Step? What are the benefits? (Vet, PT, HS, Sr s, Disability, Low income) 1. Identify Resources available May 2013 Visits/Travel/Time/funding Public Transit Schedules Transit Brochures (SRDC) Websites Employers: Human Resources SRDC County Public/Private Agencies Employers Medical facilities CVSO s SRDC Increase Access to Services Increased Access to Employment Connection w/ Veterans Services Collaboration between Transit Systems 2. Seek funding for consultant to identify needs 2013 Time and funds to do grant writing tbd 3. Identify needs Ongoing Time / funding Access to Database/s Surveys & Needs Assessments Employer visits Community Input Employers Employees Workforce Center (PIC) Transit Systems CVSO s/armories Medical facilities County & City Engineers County Agencies Eco. Development ED Pros Consultants (Needs Assessments) Community Pride Self-worth/ contributing residents Transit available that meets needs Keep people living in their community Creates jobs Creates opportunities for Veterans Chamber DEED 4. Implement Ongoing Time / funding RRCC RRCC Same as Action Step 1 Page 18

19 PROJECT: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATIVE Overview Clients Served by Project Communities Served Type of Agency Responsible Strategy Addressed Reduce barriers to provide affordable transportation. Increase access to transportation available resources and funding opportunities. This is a subcommittee of the Regional Ride Coordination Council, tasked with implementation and make-up will change with projects to be addressed. Target populations, general public Regionwide, target communities may be identified through implementation for pilot projects Overseen by the Regional Ride Council and implementation lead by public transit systems and DHS providers serving Region 8. Convene regional coordination body. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATIVE RTC WORK PROGRAMS RTC Work Initiative Timing RTC Work Group members Work to be accomplished 1. Mobility Assistance Prior to Transit Systems SWCIL Medical Facilities Discharge Planners MNRAAA/SRDC Assess and modify assessment questions at transit systems so they are consistent and ask the questions needed to provide access / assistance needed Nursing Homes 2. Rideshare Communication Program July 2012 Recipients of hardware and software in the Veteran Transportation Community Living Initiative (VTCLI) Installation, training, implementation (commit to use) 3. To Work & Home Transportation 2012 See page 17 of Work Plan Identify resources, seek funding, implement 4. Volunteer Driver Pools (shared training) 5. Escort/Rider companion 2012 to to 2013 Volunteer Drivers and Public Transit systems Action steps to be determined Pilot Public Transit system, medical community, other tbd Consistent Volunteer Driver training so all drivers have same training and can be shared amongst the transit systems. Get people from the ride through door to appointment 6. Transit Related special circumstances 2013 ongoing tbd Fund raising for special transit related circumstances such as Be the Companion pool of funds. Page 19

20 ISSUES DISCUSSED AT MAY 7, 2012 TRANSIT STEERING COMMITTEE/ REGIONAL RIDE COUNCIL MTG: Insurance liability (hold harmless, minimal pay) Connecting communities (crossing political boundaries Needs for volunteer drivers Volunteer Driver numbers are dropping in some areas, as well as their abilities (aging volunteers) Mobile health / mobile dentist Client Education and Attitude of the client that there will be a cost. There is a sense of entitlement Weight of person and mobility device. Comment / Action Parking lot. Discussion involved what was considered pay and what was not. At one point one member of the group included volunteer drivers as paid. It was pointed out that MnDOT and Minnesota Board on Aging worked with the Department of Commerce who determined that volunteer driver expense reimbursement (mileage / meals / overnight if appropriate) is not pay. This can be done. None of the MnDOT regulations prohibit local transit systems from crossing county boundaries (in Minnesota); it is what is in the transit system work programs. One action that may be considered is JARC funds to establish connections between counties to get people to work. There is an increasing age of volunteer drivers; in some areas the numbers of volunteer drivers are reduced. Shared information about the mobile dentist service available in several locations in Region 8. SMOC has an electronic flier that can be shared. This is something that needs to be addressed, at a future RRCC meeting. During 2011, there were at least two inquiries to the SRDC / MnRAAA to help find rides for individuals with equipment that exceeded public and STS provider lifts. The lifts have an 800 lb maximum limit (the bus chassis also has limits). How does an individual who exceeds this weight get transported? According to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles, the design load for a lift shall be at least 600 pounds with a safety factor of working parts of at least six and nonworking parts of at least three. Redwood Falls have to use STS provider at $80/ trip to transport 2 blocks. Research options: Senior LinkAge Line staff researched the option of an ambulance service providing the transportation. Ambulance services can also refuse to transport patients if they exceed weight limits; public and private transportation providers may also refuse trips if the weight limit exceeds transportation equipment. Action research Community Service ( ie Section 8), churches, YMCA. Coordinate through the medical facility. Page 20