Supporting the Development of Cost-Effective Paratransit Options: The U.S.’ Section 5310 Program Transed 2012 Delhi, India September 17-21, 2012

Importance of Paratransit About 20% of Persons with Disabilities in Areas with Access to Public Transport Cannot Use Even If Accessible About 20% of Persons with Disabilities in Areas with Access to Public Transport Cannot Use Even If Accessible In U.S., Paratransit Service Provided for Individuals Who Cannot Use Accessible Bus and Rail Systems In U.S., Paratransit Service Provided for Individuals Who Cannot Use Accessible Bus and Rail Systems ADA Paratransit Cost Ranges from $20 to $40 Per Trip ADA Paratransit Cost Ranges from $20 to $40 Per Trip About 70 Million ADA Trips per Year About 70 Million ADA Trips per Year

Importance of Paratransit 40% of Counties in the U.S. Have No Public Transport Services 40% of Counties in the U.S. Have No Public Transport Services Only Transportation Service Available is Service Provided by Disability Organizations and Human Service Agencies Only Transportation Service Available is Service Provided by Disability Organizations and Human Service Agencies U.S. Section 5310 Program Supports These Services U.S. Section 5310 Program Supports These Services Also Supplements ADA Paratransit in Urban Areas Also Supplements ADA Paratransit in Urban Areas

Section 5310 Program Started in 1974 – Pre-Dates ADA by 16 Years Started in 1974 – Pre-Dates ADA by 16 Years “…provide formula funding to States for the purpose of assisting private non-profit groups in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities when the transportation system provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs…”

Section 5310 Program 80% Federal Funding for Capital Equipment (Vehicles, Radio Systems, Computer Systems) 80% Federal Funding for Capital Equipment (Vehicles, Radio Systems, Computer Systems) Funding Allocated by Formula to States; Program Administered By State Agencies (DOTs) Funding Allocated by Formula to States; Program Administered By State Agencies (DOTs) State or Recipient Agency Provides 20% Local Match State or Recipient Agency Provides 20% Local Match

Section 5310 Program Equipment Owned by Recipient Agencies Equipment Owned by Recipient Agencies States Maintain Lien for Defined Useful Life States Maintain Lien for Defined Useful Life Lien Released After Useful Life Lien Released After Useful Life Many States Conduct Coordinated Statewide Procurements Many States Conduct Coordinated Statewide Procurements

Section 5310 Program: Recent Changes States Can Award Funding to Public Transport Systems Who Coordinate Services in Their Areas States Can Award Funding to Public Transport Systems Who Coordinate Services in Their Areas Eligible Expenses Expanded to Include Extended Warranties, Prevent. Maint. & Repair, Vehicle Lease Costs Eligible Expenses Expanded to Include Extended Warranties, Prevent. Maint. & Repair, Vehicle Lease Costs

75% of Vehicles are Lift or Ramp Equipped

Increased Accessibility of Recipient Fleets from 33% to 47% In Rural Areas Accessibility Increased from 19% to 39%

Impacts and Cost-Effectiveness $2.82 Federal Subsidy per Trip $2.82 Federal Subsidy per Trip “Multiplier Effect”: Generates Local Operating Funding from Communities and Recipient Agencies “Multiplier Effect”: Generates Local Operating Funding from Communities and Recipient Agencies

Impacts and Cost-Effectiveness 100% County Coverage in 12 States 100% County Coverage in 12 States 70-99% County Coverage in 17 States 70-99% County Coverage in 17 States Programs Often the Start of Local Public Transit Systems Programs Often the Start of Local Public Transit Systems

Section 5310 Program Model for Starting National Network of Accessible Paratransit Services? Model for Starting National Network of Accessible Paratransit Services? Can Build on Existing NGOs Can Build on Existing NGOs Model for International Aid Organizations Seeking to Support Development of Accessible Transportation Services? Model for International Aid Organizations Seeking to Support Development of Accessible Transportation Services?