BUSINESS PROPOSAL
POSSIBLE MODEL: UNITED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF NORTHERN WESTCHESTER
BACKGROUND When one thinks of Northern Westchester, thoughts of affluence, comfort, wealth, suburbia, and security are sparked. Need is far from the list of thoughts. However, there is great need facing the elderly population whose independence, social involvement and wellbeing is being threatened by its limited access to transportation and/or knowledge of the options available.
GOALS Inspired by the UnitedWeRide initiative to increase transportation to those in need through a family of transportation services, United Transportation Services of Northern Westchester aims to older individuals access to transportation through the coordination of paratransit, municipal, private and volunteer services in Northern Westchester. With increased access to transportation, older individuals will not only be able to maintain their independence. They will also age in place in a comfortable environment in which they are familiar, allowing them to maintain valuable connections with others and positive well being.
MODEL Callers would be directed to a central calling station where they would be asked of their specific needs and directed to the proper transportation service. The answering service would be live, not an automated service (a more personalized design that will better suite the needs of the callers). Answering service personal will call the transportation service directly and arrange the ride for the caller. Personal will choose the appropriate service based on the level of assistance needed and the callers financial capability. A list, such as the one created by aloft (http://www.goaloft.org/transportation_directory_9_2010.pdf), will be used as a reference.
MODEL Intelligent Transportation Services would be used to track vehicles from certain services that are fully occupied, directing personal call to similar services that are available. Transportation Management System allows transportation providers to track, organize, and coordinate rides for senior citizens. e.g. AlternetRides s AssistedRides Database Advanced Traffic Management System Outline the most efficient traffic routes, Detect areas of congestion, increases mobility, reduces transportation expenses and redundancies in coverage. e.g. IRIS or Trapeze Transport Software Callers will have the option to provide information, such as their annual finances (i.e. annual social security payments, income, etc.), local address, etc., in order to expedite the process of finding a service that is not only appropriate for their wants, but also their budget. Because this option is not mandatory, everyone will have access to the service, not just members in the database.
MODEL Answering service would operate from 7:00 am 10 p.m., Monday-Sunday (federal holidays will be included in these hours of operation).
OLDER ADULTS & TECHNOLOGY According to USA Today, 79 million adults, age 65+, experience complications from diseases and disabilities With the increase of older adults in the US, assistive technologies can be beneficial for Retention of Mental Cognition Studies have show that computer brain games can prevent older adults from Alzheimer s and memory loss Increase quality of life Allowing older adults to stay connected with family and friends
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES For computers, assistive technologies can include physical and software modifications Examples of hardware modifications Oversized mice and keyboards Screen magnifiers Braille terminal Eye gazers Examples of software AT Virtual magnifiers Voice recognition Narrators Gesture controller
ELIGIBILITY Users of this service must meet 2 criteria: Must be age 55 and older Must be residents of Westchester County
ELIGIBILITY Transportation Providers who wish to be linked with United Transportation Services of Northern Westchester must be: ADA Paratransit Services, Fixed Route Services, Municipal Transportation Programs, Private Programs, Volunteer Ride Programs and Taxi Services that service Northern Westchester.
MARKETING TO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS Slogan: The cost free solution to aid elders who serve as the foundation of our community. With one ride, that foundation can be strengthened, not only bettering the life of an older resident, but improving the quality of life of Westchester county residents as a whole. It must be stressed to providers that joining this service will be of no cost to them. It will merely improve access to appropriate services to older residents who are in need. Not only will this service aid older individuals, but will leave providers feeling fulfilled with the awareness that they have aided in tackling some of the transportation issues existing in the area in which they service.
MARKETING TO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS Marketing Sources Providing information about United Transportation Services of Northern Westchester: Flyers, tv commercials, brochures, phone calls, emails. Local Town Hall Meeting that Providers are invited to attend where information about the service is given, including information regarding joining the service.
MARKETING TO OLDER RESIDENTS Slogan: A one stop call center that can meet your every transportation need. It must be stressed to older residents that this service will solve their transportation issues efficiently and effectively. Instead of searching for transportation options themselves and/or doing without the services available to them, they merely have to call an answering service that will do all the work for them, matching them with a transportation service that best fits their needs.
MARKETING TO OLDER RESIDENTS Marketing Sources Information to older residents: Flyers, tv commercials, mailed brochures, phone calls, emails Informational Sessions and/or pamphlets at senior citizen centers, community centers, long term care living centers, nursing homes, doctors offices, and shopping centers across Northern Westchester. Specific town hall meetings designated to provide information about United Transportation Services of Northern Westchester.
SOURCES OF FUNDING Section 5310 Assistance Program Provides capital only funding for transportation needs of the elderly individuals and the disabled. Funds, available every fiscal year, are used to purchase accessible buses for not-forprofit organizations throughout New York. Title III B of the Older American Act provides funds can be used for local government match needed. Online service that connects local programs with businesses and corporations that want to serve as sponsors. http://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/sponsorships
SOURCES OF FUNDING Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers Funds provided under Title III-B under the Older Americans Act that are used for supportive purposes of older Americans.
FUNDING USAGE Salary for answering service personnel Upkeep and maintenance of the service center for United Transportation Services of Northern Westchester. Funding for possible ventures for Transportation Services in the partnership (i.e.. possibly expanding its coverage area, increasing its staff, etc.).
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Partnering with local universities and colleges in Westchester to provide volunteer opportunities and internships for college students: Students will have the opportunities to volunteer as drivers for local transportation services in need of extra staff and/or answering personnel. In return, students will receive community service credit for various student organizations that they are members. Internships will be available annually for students who wish to get hands on experience while contributing new ideas/suggestions for bettering the service. Students would receive course credit for this internship.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Open to any one 18 years old or older, whether or not he/she is a resident of Westchester County Volunteering not only benefits the community, but also provides the volunteer with purpose, knowing that they were able to make a difference in another s life. Volunteer opportunities would be open to any one of age who is willing to help the community in a positive way.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Donations http://www.itnamerica.org/content/waystogive.php - ITNAmerica Additional Databases http://ridesharechoices.scripts.mit.edu/home/database/ - MIT Real-Time Rideshare Research Mobility Management Solutions http://www.greenride.com/
REFERENCES http://www.unitedweride.gov/1_715_eng_html.htm http://www.unitedweride.gov/ http://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/sponsorships http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articledetails.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6223205 &contenttype=conference+publications&querytext%3dkowtko