Relates to the economically sustainable transportation demonstration program

Title of bill

An act to amend the elder law, in relation to an economically sustainable transportation demonstration program

Purpose

To establish an economically sustainable transportation demonstration pilot program in up to five counties.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends subdivisions 2 and 6 of the elder law, instructing the director of the Office for the Aging to establish a pilot program for the economically sustainable transportation program, within the amounts appropriated therefor, in up to five counties, each with a population of less than 300,000 persons (as of the 2010 Census). Also requires that economically sustainable transportation providers which receive grants submit a report to the director including participation rates, impediments to implementation, and steps taken to ensure sustainability.

Section 2: Establishes the effective date.

Justification

This bill seeks to enable seniors to remain independent and mobile in their communities. Many seniors are dependent on adult children or caretakers to provide transportation to and from medical appointments and other errands such as grocery shopping. Unfortunately, not all seniors have adult children nearby on whom they can rely, or access to affordable transportation services. Through a combination of paid and volunteer drivers, communities can reengage their seniors within the community by providing them with an on demand transit service. This pilot program is intended to demonstrate that such a program could grow to become self-sustaining through consumer fares as well as voluntary community support. Success of such a pilot program would encourage communities throughout the state to adopt similar programs and help to bring seniors all across the state back into their communities.

Fiscal implications

Subject to appropriation.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.