A Tool for Coordination & Stakeholder Involvement Pam Couch, Executive Director Modoc Co. Transportation Commission 18 th National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation Omaha, NE - October 21, 2008 (PDR4)

PDR4 (10/21/08)2 Regional Context  High desert – basin & range topography  Remote – extensive travel distances  Sparse, dispersed population (2.4/sq mi)  20% elderly and g - r - o - w - i - n - g  15 to 21.5% poverty rate  No taxis, rental cars or passenger carriers  Limited (struggling) health care facilities  Lifeline access and mobility needs

PDR4 (10/21/08)3 Planning and Design Issues  Coordination is required, but there are very few rural tools, plans or models, and little or no resources for frontier rural regions.  Scattered population clusters, isolated ranches, long travel distances, 2-lane mtn. roads and harsh weather challenge system planning, design, productivity & efficiency.  Transportation options – not “which” ( is best or preferred ) but “if” any at all

PDR4 (10/21/08)4 System Approach  Solve common problem(s)  Coordination at local, pragmatic level Consult, collaborate and cooperate to address Frontier rural challenges  Series of integrated purposeful projects  Identify or progressively develop ‘smart tools’ to enhance coordination of transportation resources

PDR4 (10/21/08)5 Regional (3 Counties) NEMT Study Recommendations  “Transit first” priority  Individual (county) coordination models  Develop tools and improve options – according to local resources & priorities  Centralize coordination in Modoc County through Rural MMC and web-based tools

PDR4 (10/21/08)6 Modoc Mobility Management Center  Project = $120,000 FTA Office of Mobility Innovation + $30,000 local funding  Establish virtual and physical “one-stop”  Develop ITS tools to “Unite Rides”  Provide On-line Transportation Options public transportation social/human service transport providers Tribal and NEMT transportation providers expandable for other travel options

PDR4 (10/21/08)7 Growing an Effective Tool  Progressive development and use  Data gathering / confirming  Share results and outcomes  Invite (criticism) suggestions  Consult about findings, future plans and proposed changes.

PDR4 (10/21/08)8 Survey Form – 6 Sections 1) Identification 2) Clients – by age groups and eligibility 3) Funding – available for transportation 4) Agency-provided transportation Parameters Eligible purposes Resources 5) Client & Agency transport needs / “wishes” 6) Anything else?

PDR4 (10/21/08)9 Coming Attractions  Regional transportation resource guide Annual (hard-copy) update Online (coming soon)  Relational database – in process Survey responses Data analysis  Offer to collaborate / coordinate Driver training Back-up or relief drivers

PDR4 (10/21/08)10 Any Questions, Comments or Suggestions?

PDR4 (10/21/08)11 Pam Couch, Executive Director Modoc Co. Transportation Commission 111 W. North Street Alturas, CA (530) ph – fax frontiernet.net