TPB Access for All (AFA) Advisory Committee Presentation of the 2003 Report to the TPB Kathy Porter, AFA Chair April 21, 2004

2 AFA Overview Established in 2001 to advise the TPB on transportation issues, programs and services important to communities not typically part of the planning process: –Low-Income Communities; –Minority Communities; and –Persons with Disabilities Committee members consist of TPB- appointed community leaders and ex officio membership from regional implementing agencies

3 The 2003 Report Many issues build upon and expand those presented in March 2002 The AFA committee hopes that the TPB and implementing agencies consider the recommendations presented today Recent AFA reports and briefings to the TPB: –June 18, 2003 –October 15, 2003 –December 17, 2003 –January 21, 2004 The report outlines four recommendations and five future focus areas

Recommendations

5 Recommendation 1: Develop More Effective Communication of Regional Transit Information Clear and concise transit information –The use of symbols, rather than words, to communicate rail and bus information was highly recommended Improve transit information for limited English speakers –WMATA has implemented several AFA recommendations, including a video for LEP groups on how to use the bus and rail system, and plans to add a Spanish greeting and option on the general information line

6 Recommendation 2: Prioritize Regional and Local Transportation Services for Low-Income Populations In light of current budget concerns and planned rail projects, the AFA stresses that bus service levels should be maintained for current transit- dependent customers Reverse commute services need to be expanded to allow improved access to jobs Pedestrian and bicycle safety programs should continue to pay close attention to low-income populations

7 Recommendation 3: Improve Transit Services for People with Disabilities Coordinate efforts to encourage more people with disabilities to use bus and rail with local transit systems throughout the region Improve the reliability of the bus and rail systems to attract and retain the riders with disabilities Conduct a comprehensive study of MetroAccess for the best and most cost-effective ways to serve the greatest number of people

8 Recommendation 4: Promote More Development around Transit Stations, But Take Care of the Community that’s Already There The AFA committee would like to see more development around transit stations, especially on the eastern side of the region –State and local policies should make provisions to mitigate potentially negative impacts from such development, such as the increased housing costs and displacement

9 Future Focus Areas Follow-up on today’s AFA recommendations Raise awareness on pedestrian and bicycle access and safety issues for transportation disadvantaged groups Explore implications of the “Region Undivided” scenario in the Regional Mobility and Accessibility Study Provide input on access to jobs and reverse-commute services Review impacts of the long-range transportation plan on low-income and minority communities