Regional Coordination CouncilAugust 14, 2013

MAP-21MAP-21Changes in Funding for Changes in Funding for

Specialized TransportationSpecialized Transportation

In the PastIn the Past

• ODOT administered the statewide program• MVRPC scored and ranked applications• Grantees ordered vehicles from state contract• Long delay between application and delivery• Agencies reported directly to ODOT on usage• Inspections every three years (MVRPC)• Most vehicles were used for one set of clients• Many agencies had no back up in case of

mechanical problems• Vehicles were sometimes underutilized

New Under MAP-21New Under MAP-21

• Section 5310 becomes Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

• Merges former New Freedom functions and funds into 5310

• Makes 5310 a formula program with 60% of funds going to large urbanized areas

• Our Region’s share in 2013: $737,685

• ODOT will no longer manage our program

Other ChangesOther Changes

• Seniors w/o disabilities are now eligible for “alternatives to public transit” projects

• Projects no longer have to be “new”

• Access-to-fixed-route projects eligible

• Projects must be “included in” Coordinated Plan

• Competitive selection is not required

• Performance measures must be established

Eligible 5310 ProjectsEligible 5310 Projects

• Minimum of 55% must goto “traditional”5310 projects

• Typically carried out by non-profits

• Remainder cango “beyond ADA” orimprove access to fixed route

• Can now include operating and capital

Eligible RecipientsEligible Recipients

• FTA Designated Recipient (10% Admin.)• FTA Direct recipients (transit agencies)• Non-profit agencies• Public bodies approved to coordinate

services for the elderly and people with disabilities

• Public bodies that certify that no non-profits are readily available to provide services in their area

New OpportunitiesNew Opportunities

• More money and more local control• Can fund operating expenses (50%)• Could provide incentives for coordinating

and expanding services• Seniors now eligible for “alternatives to

public transportation”• Can make awards to address identified

priorities – competitive selection not required

New Reporting RequirementsNew Reporting Requirements

Report to the National Transit Data Base*•Asset inventory and condition•Revenue and expense information•Vehicle revenue miles•Ridership•“Performance measures” – to be defined•Geographic coverage, service times

*Recipients would be responsible for reporting for sub-recipients.

New QuestionsNew Questions• How do we choose projects?

• How do we procure vehicles?

• How do we provide the most/best service?

• How do we fund the local match for that that service?

• How do we do required reporting?

• How do we maintain “continuing control?”

• How do we track and maintain vehicles?

• How do we link to the Coordinated Plan?

New TechnologyNew Technology

New technology (GPS, MDT, AVM) could –make drivers/vehicles more efficient–improve customer service (automatic reminder calls, arrival notifications, etc.)–allow for “real time dispatching”–greatly simplify reporting–enable agencies to accept payment/fares from multiple sources–track maintenance, ridership, usage–automate much of the reporting process.

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Can Fund Alternatives to Public Can Fund Alternatives to Public TransportationTransportation

• Public transportation alternatives:– Accessible taxis, ridesharing, vanpools– Vouchers – Volunteer driver and aide programs– Mobility management and coordination

programs– Other?

Coordinated Planning and Coordinated Planning and Project SelectionProject Selection

• Must be included in or derived from the local Coordinated Plan (this requirement may be revised)

• Projects do not have to be competitively selected (but can be)

• Funds will be available in the year of allocation plus two years (must be obligated in an FTA grant in that time)