BACKGROUND

Finding travel information can be daunting for specialized transportation customers. In response, a number of states, regions, and counties have implemented services and systems that help these customers and others identify – and in some cases access – transportation services and programs that match a specific trip they wish to take or their general travel needs. For the purposes of this report, these services and systems will be referred to more simply as linkages.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to research and identify optimal linkages, with examples, and to prepare a companion Toolkit, available under separate cover, that is designed to help State DOTs – and other entities from the planning, transit and human service agency communities – with the process of designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating these linkages.

State DOTs Connecting Specialized Transportation Users and Rides Volume 1: Research Report provides resources for agencies and organizations with practices for connecting specialized transportation users with the rides they need to access daily services. Within this report are the findings from a literature review, interviews with employees overseeing existing linkage programs, as well as research into the coordination, marketing, and evaluation of current programs. The report also contains an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities presented by each type of linkage program.

Accompanying Volume 1 is State DOTs Connecting Specialized Transportation Users and Rides Volume 2: Toolkit for State DOTs and Others, which assists agencies and organizations with the process of designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating linkages that connect customers of specialized transportation services and programs with rides. The stand-alone toolkit directs lead agencies and partners through the decision process for their state, region, or county, and factors in budget limitations. Design decisions and evaluation criteria tailored to each functionality level are also provided.

STATUS

Research is completed.

REPORT

Unpublished, contractor's final report and toolkit.