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">Transportation

A partnership between the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Uber or United Taxi gives a $5 discount to riders who are travelling to or from one of 24 "Direct Connect" locations in the region. Direct Connect locations are specific transit stops identified as places where first-mile and last-mile connections to transit are needed. Aside from the partnership with Uber and United Taxi, riders can also receive a $25 discount on Wheelchair Transport to or from any Direct Connect location. The program began in February 2016 with a limited number of Direct Connect locations, but expanded to include 24 Direct Connect locations today. Subsidies are paid for by the PSTA.

Companies and employees across Brevard County partner with Enterprise to create opportunities to enhance commutes in the region. Employers, or individual groups of employees, pay a monthly fee for a commuter van that includes maintenance, insurance, lease payment, and roadside assistance. Employees generally meet at a Park & Ride and commute together to their employer, saving on gas and the need for additional parking spaces. Additionally, Space Coast Area Transit and Commute With Enterprise developed the Agency Vanpool Program to benefit disadvantaged residents of Brevard and strengthen the community at large. Before Commute With Enterprise, the cost of insuring and operating a van was not feasible for many human services agencies, due to their limited budgets. With this partnership, transporting mobility-limited residents is streamlined and more affordable for organizations.

In operation since 2010, Second Chances Garage is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Frederick, Maryland that provides affordable, reliable vehicles to individuals and families with financial need. Second Chances receives used vehicles through donations then completes necessary repairs before being sold to those in need for a nominal fee. Other donated vehicles that do not meet program criteria are repaired to the extent they can be fixed, then sold to the general public to help fund operations. In addition to affordable car sales, Second Chances Garage also provides low-cost car repairs for qualifying families and individuals. Qualification for services are based on whether applicants receive assistance through other social services, or through income requirements. For car purchases, Second Chances Garage works with partner agencies that refer individuals in the community who are gainfully employed. Second Chances Garage is funded and operated through donations, grants, and volunteers.

This service supplements the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority's (RTA's) transit system with free or discounted door-to-door service in parts of the region where fixed-route service is non-existent or limited. Rides can be booked in advance through the agency's customer service, or on-demand through the Lyft app. Throughout the Miami Valley, zones are designated for use of this service. Within those zones, users can book a free trip that either starts or ends at a RTA-fixed route service transfer point. For door-to-door trips not starting or ending at a transfer point, but still within a zone, rides are $2 (standard fare for RTA rides). These services are available during early morning, weekend, and late night times as well, providing affordable transportation options for riders needing transportation in areas, or at times, where transit service is limited or non-existent.

The Lift Garage is a non-profit organization providing low-income residents in Minneapolis, MN with low-cost car repair, free pre-purchase car inspections, and free car-care classes. The organization was founded in 2013 by Cathy Heying, a social worker who saw how expensive car repairs could lead to dangerous situations, lost jobs, and even homelessness. After going back to school for auto technology, she opened the shop one day a week. Today, the shop has expanded its hours and services, and has helped over 1,045 customers, completed 2,200 repairs, and saved those in need over $825,000. Case workers or other referral sources may complete an income eligibility form and send it to The Lift Garage with documentation of client income before an appointment is made. To be eligible, clients must be under 150% of the Federal poverty line for their size household.

After a community health assessment revealed high rates of chronic disease in Granville County, North Carolina, the county government, municipalities, and school districts partnered together to expand recreational trails to encourage walking and healthy lifestyles. Granville is a rural county without public transportation, so most residents rely on automobiles. With funding from Eat Smart, Move More NC, a statewide partnership of organizations working to promote public health, the local governments of Granville developed a Greenway Master Plan in 2005. As a result, numerous greenways were developed out of abandoned trails and rail lines using a variety of funding sources, including federal, state, and local transportation dollars. Greenways were constructed to connect residents to schools, workplaces, retail, and community assets. By 2016, Granville Greenways installed over 12 miles of greenways in the county, with plans for more. The effort has enhanced local residents’ opportunities for walking and biking. Today, the share of Granville County residents with access to amenities for physical activity is nearly on par with the national benchmark.

To promote healthy lifestyles among students, the Olean School District developed a “Walking School Bus” program in 2009. The Walking School Bus is like a typical school bus, but instead of sitting during their trip, the children walk to school with one or more adults while making stops to pick up other children along the way. Along with promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing childhood obesity, the program is also aimed at improving attendance and safety. The program features Walking School Bus days where students and parents meet the school principal at a local park and walk to school together. The program was funded with a portion of a $385,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program. The funds were also used to upgrade sidewalks and traffic lights near Olean’s schools, and to institute a bicycle/walking safety patrol program.

All Points Transit (APT) is a non-profit that helps fill transportation gaps in a rural region of western Colorado by catering to the individual needs of its riders, with a focus on older adults and people with disabilities. APT provides low-cost, fixed-route transportation within and between several communities, with additional discounts for seniors, students, veterans, and people with disabilities. The organization offers a flex service to reach riders just beyond its fixed-route system. APT also runs a "Dial-a-Ride" service that riders can call to schedule a trip. This service helps seniors and people with disabilities get to and from key services, like doctor's offices or grocery stores. APT also works with a local health network to provide free transportation to medical appointments. APT is supported by a coalition of local governments, hospitals, foundations, and other community partners.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast and efficient service that may include dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms and enhanced stations. BRT systems operate in big cities like Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, and is growing in popularity among mid-sized metropolitan areas like Eugene, Oregon, and Cleveland. The BRT network in Curitiba, Brazil is a model example of the potential of BRT systems. Created in the 1970s as a cheaper transit alternative to subways, the system now has 357 stations designed to enable fast boarding, and efficient offboard payment systems. Around 70 percent of commuters in Curitiba use the BRT system to get to work, which reduces the need for auto infrastructure, and reduces both pollution and traffic.

Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) operates two passenger vans, each able to accommodate two wheelchairs and have built-in lifts. Users within the service area can request a pickup anywhere in the service area, then choose one of several, limited destinations. This type of curb-to-curb service could be a reliable way to get residents to large employment centers, transportation hubs, or important services. Users can call for Flex rides using the TransLoc App. Rides are available weekdays 6:00 am until 9:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

A partnership between the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Uber or United Taxi gives a $5 discount to riders who are travelling to or from one of 24 "Direct Connect" locations in the region. Direct Connect locations are specific transit stops identified as places where first-mile and last-mile connections to transit are needed. Aside from the partnership with Uber and United Taxi, riders can also receive a $25 discount on Wheelchair Transport to or from any Direct Connect location. The program began in February 2016 with a limited number of Direct Connect locations, but expanded to include 24 Direct Connect locations today. Subsidies are paid for by the PSTA.