SOUTHWEST OHIO TRANSPORTATION WORKGROUP

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2 SOUTHWEST OHIO TRANSPORTATION WORKGROUP Started in June 2014 by UC UCEDD University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Cincinnati Children s Hospital Medical Center Broad group of participants- advocates, consumers, transportation providers, parents, VA, etc.

3 PRIORITIES Mobility Management Sustainable Database Provider Training Assess unmet needs Define position Fund Find a location Access for individuals, agencies & MM Fund/create/ maintain What do they need to do better? Who can instruct? Who needs instruction?

4 MOBILITY MANAGEMENT Unmet needs survey

5 SERVICE AREA

6 SERVICE PURPOSE but not

7 NO LIFT/ RAMP VEHICLES but not

8 AGE

9 INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION

10 INSUFFICIENT NOTICE

11 OPERATOR LACKS CAPACITY

12 COST

13 SUSTAINABLE DATABASE OF OPTIONS Given: Online Usable/maintainable by Mobility Manager Accessible to public Questions: Ability to book rides online? App type solution? Funding?

14 PROVIDER TRAINING Five Metro Community Listening Sessions How to better connect older adults and people with disabilities to jobs, education and healthcare

15 OHIO ACCESSIBLE TAXI PROJECT

16 PROJECT OVERVIEW 1. Improve transportation for people with disabilities by focusing on promoting accessible taxis to the public, lawmakers, and taxi companies 2. Develop strategies and discover best practices working with the UC UCEDD SW Ohio Transportation Group 3. Develop and disseminate an advocacy curriculum that is consistent with the Independent Living philosophy, for consumers.

17 WHY? Equal access to America s private transportation fleets is a matter of fundamental fairness whose time has been long overdue. Studies show that inadequate transportation service continues to have a negative effect on over six million Americans with disabilities.

18 WHY? Significant growth in the number of wheelchairaccessible taxi vehicles in the years ahead may make it easier for workers with disabilities to enter the labor force, or to return to work. For example: Employment First shift work off route

19 WHY? The time is right for Ohio to become a leading light for accessibility, a feasible destination for travelers with disabilities, and a place where our ever increasing population of seniors, people with disabilities, and wounded warriors can live their lives, and be included in our communities.

20 ORC 4766 ISSUES Under this Code: An accessible taxi is technically an ambulette and subject to the rules for ambulette certification, maintenance and licensure. The term ambulette implies the availability of limited medical service during transportation.

21 SUSTAINABILITY REQUIRES PROFITABILITY Eliminating the requirements of accessible taxis to be governed as ambulettes under OCR 4766 will reduce the costs of operation. Reducing the cost of operation increases the opportunity for profit for taxi drivers Increases feasibility for use as a paratransit alternative to small buses which are costly to operated and often require several hours to make even a short trip Allows for some flexibility and spontaneity for people utilizing wheelchairs

22 OHIO ACCESSIBLE TAXI PROJECT Began under the Local Housing and Services Grant Discovered the issue Continued under the LHSC Expansion Grant Further explored the issue Developed materials Presented the issue: Cinci, Columbus, Cleveland

23 LEGISLATION INTRODUCED HB 365 Transport of wheelchair usersmodify law governing Rep. Kuhns, Rep. Romanchuk

24 INCENTIVES FOR ACCESSIBLE TAXICABS Accessible taxicabs cost more to purchase and operate. Vehicle insurance cost is also a factor. Drivers may be reluctant

25 FEDERAL INCENTIVES MAP-21 Section 5310/Enhanced Mobility grant program Financing resources State Infrastructure Banks Revenue Bonds Debt Service Reserve Financing Capital Leasing.

26 STATE AND LOCAL INCENTIVES Levy a per ride surcharge on all taxis to subsidize accessible taxis Mandate that a percent of the taxi fleet be accessible. Provide additional or discounted medallions for accessible taxis. Reduce licensing fees and provide tax credits for accessible taxis. Extend the limit on vehicle life for accessible taxis. Add a fee for non-accessible taxi owners.

27 OTHER INCENTIVES Partnerships between transit providers and taxi providers for the provision of paratransit service Per trip subsidies Voucher programs

28 UBER/LYFT DEVELOPMENTS Competition from Uber and Lyft may be an incentive to taxi companies to capture a market Lyft and Uber seem unwilling to address Lyft provides North Texas travelers a new first- and lastmile option. These collaborations make it easier for travelers to use a train or bus for the longest portion of their trip.

29 STREETCARS

30 SELF-DRIVING CAR!