Keeping Harris County Moving.

Background Transit needs study in Commissioned by H-GAC and Harris County Transportation Coordinated Council Assessed needs and resources in Harris County Recommended a user-side subsidy voucher model using curb-to-curb demand response service Identified Service needs outside of METROLift area and fill in gaps within Metro where service was unavailable or inaccessible  2003 Model implemented as pilot project  Based on Coordination

Program Overview Administered by Harris County Community Services Department - Transit Division Target market – seniors, low-income, and persons with disabilities Service area – incorporated and unincorporated areas of Harris County and fill gaps within METRO Lift service area Subsidized trips for non-emergency transportation Demand response service Mobility Management – Beyond ADA - Ambassador Service

Harris County METROLift Local Agencies Local transportation providers Local Municipalities in unincorporated areas of Harris County Other Harris County & City of Houston Agencies Program Coordination

Rides coordinates with MetroLift Transit Coordination Through Public Information and Referral Process (websites linked) Harris County Transit Services has a joint venture with METRO to provide Commuter Park and Ride Services from locations outside of METRO’s service areas Harris County Transit Services coordinates with local municipalities to close gaps in service by implementing community “fixed routes” where METRO is unavailable

Agency Coordination Assist with: Customer enrollment/intake Customer education Ticket purchases (at discounted price) 16 Agencies: HHS Agencies Municipal Senior Programs Adult Day Centers Women Shelters Community Non-Profits

Agency Coordination Assist with customer in-take and education Purchase tickets to distribute to clients at no charge to the client or Purchase tickets and charge a discounted amount no more than $3.00 each Tickets are valued each at $6.00 in fares

Customer Services Nine contracts with transportation providers Two points of customer intake –Through RIDES –Through participating agencies Two choices of transportation modes Shared-ride van services – 5 Providers Taxi service- 4 Providers

Rider Characteristics Primary destinations - medical and shopping 65% of riders are persons age % have an income below $15,000 25% make all of their trips using RIDES If no RIDES: –39% would get a ride from other people 28% would not travel without RIDES

Over 4,000 clients registered in client database Delivered over 63,000 trips in 2008 Total Program Trips to date 245,000 Average cost per trip - $19.00 Average trip length - 13 miles Program Statistics

Federal Funding: - Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled - FTA 5307 Formula Funding - FTA 5317 New Freedom Voucher Sales Potential Funding – Private Sectors Blended Funding

Implementation of a web-based application for data entry for provider and agency use Identified as Best Practice in 13 County H-GAC Regional Coordination in “Outstanding Innovation” award in Community Improvement category from Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation Highlights

Program Benefits Flexibility Utilizing decentralized scheduling to reduce overhead Customer chooses best transportation provider for them Taxi-cab option provides expanded service hour coverage Agreements with participating agencies are informal Not free… but subsidized Affordable way for participating agencies to provide transportation Aid small transportation providers with marketing and customer base growth

Implement Electronic Card technology to replace paper ticket fare structure Continue coordination with Agencies Coordinate with other Transit Agencies to develop connectivity beyond Harris County line Next Steps

RIDES 8410 Lantern Point Drive Houston, TX RIDE ( ) Vernon Chambers – Program Mgr Contact Information

Keeping Harris County Moving.