Innovative Fare Programs for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Scott Wisner Customer Service Manager

Background Rising paratransit expenses and limited funding sources were the impetus behind new programs Many elderly or disabled customers can use fixed route or alternative transportation options Alternatives are cheaper and in many cases better options Political support to implement new ideas using technology to drive interest Implemented in-person ADA assessment process which provided methodology to reduce costs

Platinum Pass Program Must be ADA certified Must reside in city that has agreed to participate – 12 out of 16 cities currently participate Free fixed route trips region wide – Local bus and Rail, Link, Express and Rapid Valley Metro subsidizes transportation expenses

Pass Conditions Photo ID and fare card Proximity card assigned to individual Cards are valid for 2 years Available to customer and PCA

Statistics

Electronic Fare Payment Program Valuable transportation alternative for seniors and persons with disabilities – Customers take private taxi rides to go to appointments, run errands, or to visit friends and family Less expensive alternative than Dial-a-Ride – $10 to $20 per trip Program participation has increased each of the past five years

Program Options Coupon for Cab Program – Customer pays a portion of the cab fare; participating cities subsidize the remainder 25%/75% split – Customers must use taxi companies that accept coupons or vouchers for payment Medical Voucher Program – Life sustaining medical treatment Dialysis Chemotherapy – Trips must originate from home to treatment center – Participating cities pay 100% of transportation costs

Current Administrative Process Contractor staff mails coupons and vouchers to customers on a monthly basis Coupons and vouchers are used to pay the actual cab fare for each trip (including gratuity) Redeemed coupons and vouchers are counted by hand and submitted for reimbursement by participating taxi providers Contractor provides usage reports and invoices to Valley Metro on a monthly basis Valley Metro reimburses Contractor for program administration and transportation costs on a monthly basis Valley Metro reconciles program costs with participating cities annually

Current Agreement with Contractor Expires June 30 November—Issued Request for Proposal to select new contractor to administer program Required proposing firms to provide electronic fare payment system to pay cab fares and track program usage Received one proposal—Creative Software Solutions Proposal met all criteria in RFP

Electronic Fare Payment System Replaces coupons and vouchers Customers provided with stored value card that can be reloaded quickly and securely: – Internet – Phone – Mail Customer swipes card in cab at beginning and end of trip Receipt provides fare paid and available card balance All trip and fare information available in real time

Cost and Budget Lower overall solution than current administrative expenses Contractor is required to establish agreements with private taxi providers Program funded by participating cities and grant funds

Questions? Scott Wisner