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Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium |
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Our mission is to promote the coordination and consolidation of paratransit services for persons of low-income, elderly, physically and mentally disabled individuals in Southeastern Connecticut. |
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ECTC |
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Eastern CT Mobility Project (funding provided through New Freedom)
Due to the identified lack of transportation coordination, and understanding of transportation services, here in Eastern CT. The ECTC Inc, has partnered with the Northeast CT Council of Governments, Southeastern CT Council of Governments, Windham Region Council of Governments and Windham Region Transit District to create a Mobility Ombusdman located at ECTC.
The major areas of responsibility of the Mobility Ombudsman would include, but are not limited to:
1. Mobility Handbook - Overseeing the preparation of an updated handbook for riders with disabilities containing public and private transportation and commute options with emphasis on the accessibility features of each service. The product would be similar to the "Getting on Board" and "Disabled Commuter's Handbook" prepared by CDOT Commuter Services. The document could contain special information relevant to a number of market segments (high school students transitioning to work, job developers, veterans, seniors, commuters, those traveling across the state etc.) 2. Outreach and Training - Coordinating the distribution of the newly developed handbook for riders with disabilities. Once prepared, the handbook will require wide distribution. This task will focus on the establishment of a network of distribution points identified by agencies that support and advocate for riders with disabilities. Once the network is established, an ongoing process will be developed to maintain fulfillment. The Ombudsman will also coordinate group training sessions throughout the regions (similar to PT 101) for various constituencies. The Ombudsman will also facilitate resource sharing (i.e. driver training, mechanic/vendor service coordination, procurement, traveltraining). The creation of a website will also be a major component of the proposal. 3. New Services and Programs - Exploring the need for new services amongst the 3 regions for persons with disabilities. The Ombudsman must become knowledgeable in all areas of mobility through the regions and identify areas of demand not met by current services. Areas lacking geographic coverage or accessible modes will be identified along with service span and operating day limitations. The Ombudsman will focus on inter-town, inter-regional and special purpose mobility not currently served by transportation services. In addition, the Ombudsman will review industry best practices related to assistance programs (reduced fares, travel companions, voucher programs). This information, through the guidance of the oversight committee, will lead to a detailed, multi-regional priority list of services and programs for which the Committee will pursue funding. The Ombudsman will also look for opportunities for coordinating services. 4. Tracking Barriers - The Ombudsman will act as a central depository of information pertaining to barriers to accessible transportation. Beyond service and program limitations identified above, the Ombudsman will develop a process for identifying and addressing deficiencies or other barriers to mobility for riders with disabilities (defective equipment, unaffordable fares, limited accessible taxi service, and physical barriers at transportation facilities). This task will also focus on enhancements that could be made to existing mobility systems to improve accessibility (see ITS below). The Ombudsman will also identify features to accommodate and facilitate travel by persons with all types of disabilities, including sight and hearing impairments. 5. Equipment - Creating a complete, prioritized list of vehicle needs throughout the regions. While current (FTA) resources for the procurement of buses to be used for the transportation of riders with disabilities and seniors is limited (5310 funding), a complete listing of demonstrated vehicle needs will be compiled in the event that additional funding becomes available. Through this work, opportunities for coordination may also be identified. The overarching goal of this is to ensure the continued operation of as many services throughout the regions as possible. 6. Transportation for Veterans - Evaluation of regional demand for transportation to the VA Healthcare System in the regions, with the goal of ensuring that all demand for these services is met and that transportation services are not duplicated. 7. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) - Consider existing and possible ITS systems that could lead to improved coordination of existing services and the application of ITS systems to aid in mobility for riders with disabilities (trip planning, real-time tracking, annunciators, GIS mapping and computer aided dispatch).
View Map of Transit Services (click here)
Transit Survey Summary (conducted October 2010) - Adobe Reader required
Transit Services by Town (Microsoft Excel is required to view this file)
Getting Around Eastern Connecticut 2011 Guide- Adobe Reader required
Getting on Board (The Eastern Connecticut Accessible Transportation Guide-Adobe Reader required |