May 2007 Workshop 1 Regional Service Planning Common Statewide Research Issues Update May 2007 John Overman, TTI

May 2007 Workshop 2 White Papers & Barriers and Constraints What a difference a year makes! Thanks to Regions! Thank you Providers! Thanks to TxDOT and PTN ! Thanks TTI team members!

May 2007 Workshop 3 Research Topics Affecting Coordination Alternative Fuels Vehicles Driver Training / Certification Information Technology Insurance

May 2007 Workshop 4

5 General Observations Papers respond to Barriers and Constraints Topics are moving targets Overcoming Barriers and Constraints –Often case-by-case and site specific No silver bullets –Be diligent and persevere! Shine a light on the problem – it helps everyone see it better

May 2007 Workshop 6 Alternative Fuels LEV for Attainment Areas ULEV for Non-attainment Areas –Tier 2, Bins 1-5 TxLED/ULSD is AF for TxDOT Industry-Engine Mfg. Changing

May 2007 Workshop 7

8 Vehicles ADA Requirements –Demand response= Equivalency of service –Medicaid = contract requirement = lift when needed One Size Does NOT fit all Mini-vans not always the answer Type II–Cutaways not always the answer Choose Appropriate vehicle for service and conditions

May 2007 Workshop 9 Vehicles National Rural Fleet Mix

May 2007 Workshop 10 Vehicle Procurement TxDOT provides procurement documents, forms, vehicle specifications and examples. Three basic options: –Individual Purchase – a grantee prepares specifications and goes out for bid individually –Group Purchase Agreement – two or more grantees combine to procure vehicles. AKA piggy-back procurement. –Cooperative Purchase – grantees purchase through another agency such as the Texas Building Procurement Agency, or the Houston-Galveston Area Council

May 2007 Workshop 11 Driver Hiring & Training Standards Significant flexibility in most hiring and training administrative standards Set your standard and cooperate Shared / common training improves ability of provider to carry various clients

May 2007 Workshop 12 Technology in Transit Coordination Transit information services Coordinated scheduling and reservations Coordinated fare collection/billing Vehicle location and communication Maintenance tracking

May 2007 Workshop 13 Technology in Transit Coordination Lessons learned –Focus on outcomes - benefits –Custom software may become obsolete –Select scalable systems (expandable) –Introduce gradually –Regional ITS Architecture –Group Purchase

May 2007 Workshop 14 Insurance & Risk Pools Cost is most commonly cited Risk management is key to controlling cost Other Concerns –Funding specific requirements –Conflict in Requirements between programs –Vehicle sharing –Volunteer drivers

May 2007 Workshop 15

May 2007 Workshop 16 Insurance & Risk Pools TML Risk Pool Vehicle sharing is… –Program misconceptions –It’s about cost sharing Mixing riders is OK in most cases Volunteer drivers…

May 2007 Workshop 17 Feedback Provide comments and examples It’s a continuing process Shine light on constraints