1. Qualified Human Service Organization (QHSO) Registration Process

2. What is a QHSO? According to 49 C.F.R. Section 604.3(q): ‘‘Qualified human service organization’’ [QHSO] means an organization that serves persons who qualify for human service or transportation-related programs or services due to disability, income, or advanced age. This term is used consistent with the President’s Executive Order on Human Service Transportation Coordination (February 24, 2004).

3. What Are the Rules for QHSO’s? Can an FTA funding recipient provide charter service to a QHSO? Yes. According to 49 C.F.R. Section 604.7(a), a recipient may provide charter service to a QHSO for the purpose of serving persons: (1) With mobility limitations related to advanced age; (2) With disabilities; or (3) With low income. When is a QHSO eligible to receive charter services from a recipient? A QHSO is eligible to receive charter services from a recipient if it: (1) Provides service to individuals with low income, advanced age, or with disabilities; (2) Registers on the FTA Charter Registration Website at least 60 days before the date of the requested charter service (if applicable); and (3) Verifies FTA’s receipt of its registration by viewing its information on the Charter Registration Website. 49 C.F.R. Section 604.15(b).FTA Charter Registration Website Charter Registration Website Do all QHSO’s have to register? No. QHSOs that do not receive funds from one of the 65 Federal programs included in Appendix A of the Charter Rule must register on the Charter Registration Website. However, QHSOs that receive funding, directly or indirectly, from the programs listed in Appendix A, are not required to register on the Charter Registration Website. 49 C.F.R. Section 604.7(b).Appendix ACharter Registration WebsiteAppendix ACharter Registration Website

4. QHSO Registration Process 49 C.F.R. Section 604.15 details the QHSO registration process as follows: QHSOs that seek free or reduced rate services from recipients, serve individuals with low income, advanced age, or with disabilities, and do not receive funds from Federal programs listed in Appendix A, shall register on the FTA Charter Registration Website by submitting the following information: Appendix AFTA Charter Registration Website (1) Name of organization, address, phone number, e-mail address, and fax number; (2) The geographic service area of the recipient in which the QHSO resides; (3) Basic financial information regarding the QHSO and whether the QHSO is exempt from taxation under sections 501(c) (1), (3), (4), or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code, and whether it is a unit of Federal, State or local government; (4) Whether the QHSO receives funds directly or indirectly from a State or local program, and if so, which program(s); and (5) A narrative statement describing the types of charter service trips the QHSO may request from a recipient and how that service is consistent with the mission of the organization. **The information provided shall be updated at least once every two years.

5. Questions? For more information on the QHSO registration process, please see the Charter Service Regulations at 49 C.F.R. Section 604.15: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title49- vol7/pdf/CFR-2010-title49-vol7-part604.pdf. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title49- vol7/pdf/CFR-2010-title49-vol7-part604.pdf If you have additional questions regarding QHSO registration, please contact the FTA Charter Service Ombudsman at ombudsman.charterservice@dot.gov. ombudsman.charterservice@dot.gov