Keeping

Harris County

Moving.

BackgroundTransit 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 projectBased 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 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

• 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 2007

• 2005 “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

RIDES8410 Lantern Point DriveHouston, TX 77054713 368-RIDE (368-7433) www.harriscountyrides.com

Vernon Chambers – Program Mgr 713 578-2204

Contact Information

Keeping

Harris County

Moving.