1. Keeping Harris County Moving.

2. Background Transit needs study in 1999-2000 Commissioned by H-GAC and Harris County Transportation Coordinated Council Assessed needs and resources in Harris County Recommended a user-side subsidy voucher model using curb-to-curb demand response service Identified Service needs outside of METROLift area and fill in gaps within Metro where service was unavailable or inaccessible  2003 Model implemented as pilot project  Based on Coordination

3. Program Overview Administered by Harris County Community Services Department - Transit Division Target market – seniors, low-income, and persons with disabilities Service area – incorporated and unincorporated areas of Harris County and fill gaps within METRO Lift service area Subsidized trips for non-emergency transportation Demand response service Mobility Management – Beyond ADA - Ambassador Service

4. Harris County METROLift Local Agencies Local transportation providers Local Municipalities in unincorporated areas of Harris County Other Harris County & City of Houston Agencies Program Coordination

5. Rides coordinates with MetroLift Transit Coordination Through Public Information and Referral Process (websites linked) Harris County Transit Services has a joint venture with METRO to provide Commuter Park and Ride Services from locations outside of METRO’s service areas Harris County Transit Services coordinates with local municipalities to close gaps in service by implementing community “fixed routes” where METRO is unavailable

6. Agency Coordination Assist with: Customer enrollment/intake Customer education Ticket purchases (at discounted price) 16 Agencies: HHS Agencies Municipal Senior Programs Adult Day Centers Women Shelters Community Non-Profits

7. Agency Coordination Assist with customer in-take and education Purchase tickets to distribute to clients at no charge to the client or Purchase tickets and charge a discounted amount no more than $3.00 each Tickets are valued each at $6.00 in fares

8. Customer Services Nine contracts with transportation providers Two points of customer intake –Through RIDES –Through participating agencies Two choices of transportation modes Shared-ride van services – 5 Providers Taxi service- 4 Providers

9. Rider Characteristics Primary destinations - medical and shopping 65% of riders are persons age 60+ 58% have an income below $15,000 25% make all of their trips using RIDES If no RIDES: –39% would get a ride from other people 28% would not travel without RIDES

10. Over 4,000 clients registered in client database Delivered over 63,000 trips in 2008 Total Program Trips to date 245,000 Average cost per trip - $19.00 Average trip length - 13 miles Program Statistics

11. Federal Funding: - Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled - FTA 5307 Formula Funding - FTA 5317 New Freedom Voucher Sales Potential Funding – Private Sectors Blended Funding

12. Implementation of a web-based application for data entry for provider and agency use Identified as Best Practice in 13 County H-GAC Regional Coordination in 2007 2005 “Outstanding Innovation” award in Community Improvement category from Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation Highlights

13. Program Benefits Flexibility Utilizing decentralized scheduling to reduce overhead Customer chooses best transportation provider for them Taxi-cab option provides expanded service hour coverage Agreements with participating agencies are informal Not free… but subsidized Affordable way for participating agencies to provide transportation Aid small transportation providers with marketing and customer base growth

14. Implement Electronic Card technology to replace paper ticket fare structure Continue coordination with Agencies Coordinate with other Transit Agencies to develop connectivity beyond Harris County line Next Steps

15. RIDES 8410 Lantern Point Drive Houston, TX 77054 713 368-RIDE (368-7433) www.harriscountyrides.com Vernon Chambers – Program Mgr 713 578-2204 Contact Information

16. Keeping Harris County Moving.