Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#18)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Improve scale, efficiency, and capacity of transportation networks by exploring the expansion of micro transit services to regions with a high percentage of older New Yorkers, ridesharing technologies such as GoGo Grandparent, expanding the supply of volunteer drivers, encouraging the coordination of rural transit providers into a regional entity that can coordinate services, and establishing local transportation and considerations into existing funding programs and expanded funding opportunities.
Justification
Many older adults and people with disabilities struggle to access affordable and reliable transportation, especially in rural areas. Improving transportation networks, including microtransit services and volunteer drivers, and coordinating rural transit providers can streamline services across NYS, providing more accessible, affordable, and reliable transportation options.
Full Proposal
Improve scale, efficiency, and capacity of transportation networks by making the following investments:
- Explore the expansion of microtransit services to regions with a high percentage of older New Yorkers living in suburban communities, village centers in rural areas, or other mid-density locations where services/destinations are nearby but inaccessible by walking or conventional public transit. Allow this service to be in addition to existing paratransit service for those individuals that have mobility limitations but are not considered disabled. Research existing micro-transit services in Capital Region, Rochester area, and Suffolk County to determine how they have accommodated older riders.
- Expand the supply of volunteer drivers through insurance regulatory clarifications to protect the insurability of volunteer drivers who otherwise maintain a consistent risk profile; prohibit insurance companies from denying or canceling insurance, imposing a surcharge, or increasing rates solely on the basis of serving as a volunteer driver; and make clear that personal auto insurance policies cover volunteer driving.
- Encourage the coordination of rural transit providers into a regional entity that can coordinate services to avoid duplication, has the size/capacity to develop and operate new/improved services, and is not limited by county/municipal boundaries but operates in a service area that meets a rural aging populations’ travel needs. If establishment of a regional entity is not possible, then ensure a regional partnership is established to align services between separate providers. Reinforce the need for comprehensive Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plans and develop mechanisms for their implementation. Such entities or partnerships would service both aging populations and the general public.
- Encourage the consolidation of rural transit providers – specifically those funded by 5311 or 5310 (as open door) – into existing or newly established regional entities that can coordinate services to avoid duplication, has the size/capacity to develop and operate new/improved services, and is not limited by county/municipal boundaries but operates in a service area that meets a rural aging populations’ travel needs.
- Ensure that all publicly supported county-level and regional transportation programs for older adults and people with disabilities incorporate on-demand, flexible, accessible and cost-effective options to the greatest extent possible within available budgets.
- Establish grant-supported local transportation pilots: grants for the development of local pilot projects that shuttle older adults to medical appointments and social activities, especially in rural and suburban areas.
- Update public transportation for ADA compliance; all bus seats should be ergonomic and padded and ADA compliant—consider how some people are unable to use non-compliant ADA mass transit in New York City.
- To the extent feasible within the 5310 application evaluation process, prioritize applicants who propose to use vehicles in an "open" service in order to align with the coordination emphasis of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and address the need for the broader use of vehicles not just for select groups of older adults under a closed model, but rather under an open model to have more capacity to serve older adults unaffiliated with programs.
- Support and fund Complete Streets land use and transportation funding and policies.
- Improve the scale, efficiency, and expand access to technologies such as GoGo Grandparent to enhance access to ridesharing opportunities.
MPA Council Commentary
Components 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are categorized as long-term. The expansion of the Innovative Mobility Initiative would require an assessment of costs and savings to the state. Following this assessment, the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) would need to determine next steps for program and grant implementation. Component 2 would require changes to insurance regulations, including a review of the market impact of the proposed changes. Components 3 and 4 are currently being implemented with assistance from DOT, rural, and nearby transportation providers. Component 10 is categorized as near-term but would require financial resources that would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources.