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Keeping Harris County

Keeping Harris County. Moving. Background. Transit needs study in 1999-2000 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

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Keeping Harris County

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  1. KeepingHarris County Moving .

  2. Background • Transit needs study in • 1999-2000 • 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

  3. 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

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

  5. Transit Coordination Rides coordinates with MetroLift • 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

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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Rider Characteristics • Primary destinations - medical and shopping • 65% of riders are persons age 60+ • 58% 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

  10. Program Statistics • 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

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

  12. Highlights • 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 2007 • 2005 “Outstanding Innovation” award in Community Improvement category from Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation

  13. 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

  14. Next Steps • 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

  15. Contact Information RIDES 8410 Lantern Point Drive Houston, TX 77054 713 368-RIDE (368-7433) www.harriscountyrides.com Vernon Chambers – Program Mgr 713 578-2204

  16. KeepingHarris County Moving .

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