Enhancing Transportation Coordination in Frontier Rural Areas: A Comprehensive Approach
This presentation by Pam Couch, Executive Director of Modoc County Transportation Commission, explores key strategies for improving transportation coordination and stakeholder involvement in remote rural regions. Highlighting challenges such as sparse populations, long travel distances, and limited resources, the session outlines integrated projects aimed at enhancing transportation options through collaboration. Key recommendations include a "transit-first" model, centralizing coordination efforts, and developing innovative tools to streamline transportation resources. Join us to discover effective solutions for rural mobility.
Enhancing Transportation Coordination in Frontier Rural Areas: A Comprehensive Approach
E N D
Presentation Transcript
A Tool for Coordination & Stakeholder Involvement Pam Couch, Executive Director Modoc Co. Transportation Commission 18th National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation Omaha, NE - October 21, 2008 (PDR4)
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 • Notaxis, rental cars or passenger carriers • Limited (struggling) health care facilities • Lifeline access and mobility needs
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
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 enhancecoordination of transportation resources
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
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
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.
Survey Form – 6 Sections • Identification • Clients – by age groups and eligibility • Funding– available for transportation • Agency-provided transportation • Parameters • Eligible purposes • Resources • Client & Agency transport needs / “wishes” • Anything else?
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
Pam Couch, Executive Director Modoc Co. Transportation Commission 111 W. North Street Alturas, CA 96101-3936 (530) 233-6422 ph – 233-3744 fax pamcouch @ frontiernet.net
