DESTINATION EXCELLENCE Central New York Regional Transportation Authority ________________________ Coordinated Transportation Services Specialized Transportation Central NY Regional Transportation Authority has been a leader in coordinated transportation services since the late 1970’s. Paratransit Services were the first in the Nation, preceding the ADA requirement for complementary service. Fixed Route Accessibility is an operational standard. Strategic Partnerships have been a critical element of success. The use of, and continuous upgrade of ITS, has contributed to growth and maintaining high quality services.

Transportation Options ….the one stop approach Transit Bus Fixed Routes Flex Routes Feeder Services ADA Paratransit Service Demand Response Services And we refer customers to agencies with free transit passes, car repair services or even car procurement programs.

CNYRTA’s PROGRAM ELEMENTS Call Center – with 24 hour coverage. Travel Planning – individualized plans to use the bus if practical. Travel Training – help in overcoming the anxieties of using the bus. Demand-Response Rides – a ride if the bus does not meet the customer’s need. Guaranteed Ride Home – never being stranded. Enhanced/New Transit service – ongoing planning & enhancements based on ridership data. Consulting for Community Based Agencies – our mission to support our partners in planning and providing service when and where resources exist.

Our Passengers Call-A-Bus – the ADA Paratransit Service Rides for Work Service – employment related rides for low income passengers Medicaid Services – health related rides for low income passengers Department of Aging Services – general purpose rides for seniors Contracted Services – university students and staff, HMO patients, etc.

Fixed Route Services Encouraging passengers to use the transit bus whenever possible is a key element to coordinating transportation. Not only is it cost effective for the passenger, but it can expand the passenger’s environment and give them more control over time Travel Planning and Travel Training services are essential to the community. Knowing how to use the CNYRTA Fixed Route bus service and feeling comfortable in using it dramatically increases a person’s independence. When wheelchair lifts were new to the industry, CNYRTA conducted technical reviews which resulted in significant improvements. The “Syracuse Standard” was a widely accepted industry standard for decades.

Travel Training Practicing on using the bus beforehand raises the comfort level. CNYRTA is replacing fixed route fleet with low floor buses for even greater accessibility.

DEMAND RESPONSE SERVICES Within all populations we serve, there are individuals who cannot use the bus. Some have disabilities…..

Centralized Scheduling/Dispatch- The Call Center manages ride requests from passengers and agencies, schedules and dispatches all demand response services, interviews new customers and evaluates their needs, completes travel plans and is the dispatch center for CNYRTA and contracted drivers.

ITS In Use Batching Schedules: maximizing the use of vehicles. Billing: able to sort services by funding sources and invoice accordingly. Reports: efficiency and cost reports in real time. ADA Trip by Trip Eligibility Coding: enhancing passenger service. Geocoding all rides: maximizes efficiency and enhances planning.

In the past decade… Transportation Studies-revealed strengths & weaknesses, established databases for special population densities, employers, childcare services. Welfare Reform-put new emphasis on employment related transportation services. JARC/TANF Grants-offered new funding opportunities. Mobility Management Center-gave a name to what CNYRTA had been doing for some time. DSS Planning-encouraged social services to come to the planning table. Expanded Role of Contracted Providers-needed ride services 24/7, providers agreed to meet strict standards for employment, safety and liability. Expanded Operational Resources-multiple grant and funding sources are like diversifying your investment portfolio. Internal Integration of Services-merging programs under one management has led to further efficiencies.

Sound Planning for Coordinated Transportation Services requires Multiple Sources of Information Local MPO, Chamber of Commerce State Transportation, Labor, Public Welfare and Public Transit Associations and Departments Local Employment Services Office-Statistician CTAA-Best Practices Toolkits Easter Seals, Project Action, Toolkits Transit Cooperative Research Program Agency-Based Studies and research US Census Data, American Community Survey

Sound operational budgeting requires multiple funding streams State Grants Federal Grants Employer Subsidy Local Grants Fare Revenues STOA Agency Level Subsidy/Services

MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES The challenges of multiple funding streams must be managed well to avoid cutting or reducing services. Once cut, it is difficult to getthem back. Different Grant Applications Different Grant Time Frames Different Definitions of Service Different Priorities/Focus Different Budget Proposal Forms Mismatched Line Items Different/Conflicting Reporting Requirements

Unique Elements of CNYRTA Decades of Planning, Implementation, and Growth Fluid Nature of Involvement with Community Partners Environment that Encourages Experimentation (with planning)

CNYRTA’s FUTURE Continued Marketing and Planning Emphasis on Employer Subsidized Services Continued Promotion of Coordinated Transportation Opportunities in Our Community Explore the Opportunities for Multiple County Initiatives

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE IS ALSO THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE..... OUR FLEXIBILITY