Paratransit Plan Proposed Updates

Transcription

1 Paratransit Plan Proposed Updates

2 Welcome & Call to Order Daniele Coll-Gonzalez Chief Operating Officer Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

3 Explanation of Public Hearing Procedure Crystal Benjamin Director of Service Planning Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

4 Presentation of Proposed Updates Joy Pacheco Vice President of Paratransit Services Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

5 What is Paratransit Service? Paratransit service is a public transportation option for ADA customers who are unable to use fixed-route bus services.

6 What is a Paratransit Plan? A Paratransit plan details how services are delivered to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service criteria and is filed with the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA). Anytime we wish to update the plan, we must: 1. Make proposed changes available for public review 2. Conduct a Public Hearing 3. Have RGRTA Commissioners and staff review all comments received 4. Submit the Final Proposed Paratransit Plan, as approved by the Board of Commissioners, to the FTA

7 Overview of Proposed Paratransit Plan Updates Update the service area Revise the application/certification process Streamline subscription service requirements Change to published fare structure Provide new scheduling and new interactive voice response (IVR) phone options

8 About the Paratransit Service Area The FTA defines the: Paratransit Service Area as 3/4 miles beyond Fixed Route Service Supplemental Area as 1-1/2 miles from the Paratransit Service Area Paratransit Service Area + Supplemental Area = 2-1/4 miles

9 About the Paratransit Service Area (cont d) Today, Lift Line s service area extends to 2-3/4 miles or, in some cases, more Lift Line is providing supplemental service 2 miles beyond the FTA required 3/4 mile service area To comply with the FTA, Lift Line is modifying its total service area to 2-1/4 miles

10 Current Paratransit Service Area New Map No dots, No total numbers NOTE: I m not sure what s on the map the current service area or the proposed new one, so I put it here if it s a proposed map, please move it to after the appropriate slide. CKG.

11 Proposed Revisions for Application/Certification Process The application will be revised so that we have more complete information about each applicants specific needs. Customers who have permanent, chronic or developmental disabilities may no longer have to be re-certified every three years. Conditional eligibility will now extend from October 1 through April 30.

12 Proposed Revisions for Application/Certification Process (cont d) Customers who do not qualify for re-certification will be provided with 3-month temporary eligibility if they have used Lift Line service in the prior 6 months. Please note: Customers who are re-certifying cannot be denied service without a functional assessment.

13 Proposed Subscription Service Pool Create a subscription pool for customers who travel to and from the same destinations on the same days and times on a weekly basis. Benefits for the customers in the subscription pool include: No need to make an advance reservation customers regular trips are already scheduled Customers only calls Lift Line when they need to cancel a a subscription trip or schedule a different trip Faster, more efficient service for all customers

14 Proposed Subscription Service Pool (Cont d) To enter the pool, the customer must: - Travel to and from the same destination on same days at the same time at least once a week, every week. - Be an active Lift Line customer for at least three months. - Have had no more than four late cancellation/no show violations during the past 60 or 90 days. While in the pool, customers can have no more than three late cancellations/no show violations within a three-month period.

15 Proposed Scheduling and IVR Options We re offering new options to schedule and confirm Rides. Key benefits for customers include: Schedule rides one to seven days ahead of their trip Call into an interactive voice response (IVR) phone system for easy and automated next-day trip information Receive a phone call from the IVR system the night before a scheduled ride to confirm or cancel an appointment Receive No-Show notifications Receive eligibility renewal notifications

16 Proposed Scheduling and IVR Options (cont d) Agencies would be able to call into the IVR phone system to confirm or cancel client-scheduled trips. New scheduling service hours Monday & Tuesday 8:00 AM 8:00 PM Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 7:00 AM 12:00 PM No holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year s Day)

17 Proposed Fare Structure Certified Paratransit Customers Travel Within Service Area Current Proposed 0 to 1 mile $1.50 Remains the same 1 to 3 miles $1.75 Remains the same 3 to 20 miles Over 20 miles Supplemental service or Same-day ride is distance-based fare, plus $6.00 Certified customers who use RTS (Fixed Route Service) New applicants who are not eligible for paratransit service $2.00 Remains the same $4.00 Remains the same + $6.00 Remains the same $0.00 Remains the same $0.50 Applicants who are not eligible for paratransit service pay the standard $1.00 RTS fare

18 Public Hearing Public Comment Period For Registered Speakers A sign language interpreter is present

19 What Happens After the Public Hearing? This presentation will be posted online at rgrta.com by 5 p.m. EST on July 21. Written comments can also be submitted online at or mailed to RGRTA (Attn: Chief Legal Counsel) at 1372 East Main Street, Rochester, NY All comments must be received by 5:00 pm EST on July 24, This presentation will be posted online at rgrta.com by 5 p.m. EST on July 21. Written comments can also be submitted online at or mailed to RGRTA (Attn: Chief Legal Counsel) at 1372 East Main Street, Rochester, NY All comments must be received by 5:00 pm EST on July 24, 2014.

20 Thank You for Attending