BACKGROUND
People in rural and low-density areas are more likely to have limited transportation options than people in populated and developed areas. In the United States, a confluence of demographic changes, centralization of services, and other factors have exacerbated the effects of limited transportation options. Volunteer Driver Programs (VDPs) have been shown to help address these unmet mobility needs. The current body of knowledge regarding VDPs is largely anecdotal, with little research-based exploration that provides actionable findings and recommendations for state departments of transportation (DOTs). There is potential for state DOTs to support VDP success, identify opportunities to remove state-level barriers, provide effective technical assistance, and elevate innovation to close transportation gaps with VDPs.
There are opportunities for VDPs to be implemented and improved on a more coordinated basis to provide low-cost transportation for unserved and underserved people. However, the history and growth of VDPs has largely been community-based, with inconsistent support from state DOTs. State DOTs are the audience for this research because they have important responsibilities for planning, funding, and overseeing transportation services in rural and low-density areas.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop a resource for state DOTs to provide assistance to mobility providers in rural and low-density areas of the United States to plan, implement, and sustain VDPs as an option for responding to transportation gaps.
TASKS
Task 1—Amplified Research Plan and Kickoff Meeting. The research team should prepare the Amplified Research Plan (ARP) for panel review and approval, and prepare for and participate in a web-based teleconference kickoff meeting with the NCHRP panel.
Task 2—Literature Review. The researchers should conduct a scan of existing research, published reports, and available resources on VDPs in rural and low-density areas, expanding on the team’s established understanding as described in the background section of this proposal.
Task 3—Stakeholder Engagement. The research team should execute in a series of key stakeholder engagement tasks to learn from state DOTs and organizations working on VDPs, solicit and gather additional data and policies from program administrators, and coordinate with other organizations engaged in developing guidance on VDPs. This task should include structured interviews and workshops and should leverage industry meetings and conferences.
Task 4—Interim Report and Panel Meeting. The project team should prepare an Interim Report that presents substantive results from the work to date. The interim report should present the research completed to date and present the outline for the VDP planning toolkit for administrators and funders.
Task 5. Toolkit Full Design. The research team should complete the design of the VDP Planning Toolkit for Administrators and Funders full design based on the panel feedback during Task 4, including any changes to toolkit sections, topical organization, and content. The toolkit should address: VDP Models and Attributes, Risk Management and Liability, Funding Approaches, Driver Recruitment and Retention, Regulatory and Compliance, Planning and Implementation, Available VDP Resources, Instructions for VDP Calculator, and Current VDPs in North America. The toolkit should be reviewed by appropriate stakeholders.
Task 6—VDP Calculator. The research team should develop and test a VDP Calculator resource (to be included within the VDP Planning Toolkit for Administrators and Funders). The VDP Calculator should provide high-level support for planning and decision-making efforts by various involved stakeholders.
Task 7. Toolkit Draft. The research team should produce a completed draft version of the VDP Planning Toolkit including all written sections of the toolkit and the draft Final Report for the project. The research team should deliver the draft VDP Planning Toolkit (including the VDP Calculator) and Final Report to the panel for review and feedback. The principal investigator along with other members of the research team should be available to meet with the project panel through a virtual web conference to discuss the draft deliverables if requested by NCHRP.
Task 8—Final Deliverables. In Task 8, the research team should revise all final project deliverables based on feedback received from the panel members and stakeholder review group (if applicable). The research team should develop the draft final deliverables include: (1) Final Report, (2) Implementation Technical Memorandum, (3) VDP Planning Toolkit for Administrators and Funders VDP Calculator, (4) VDP Planning Toolkit for Administrators and Funders Slide Deck
STATUS: The research is underway.
