COORDINATION AND INTEGRATION OF SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED (ABRIDGMENT)

The study conducted in the Lansing, Michigan, area demonstrated that the level of transportation service provided for the transportation disadvantaged (i.e. the elderly, poor, and physically and mentally handicapped) is quite low in comparison with the service offered to the general public through the existing transit system. It further showed that the provision of special transportation service by independently operated agencies resulted in duplication of management requirements and service vehicles, the overlapping of service areas, and service inefficiencies. The development and analysis of alternative means for providing service indicated that a simple coordination of the operations of these independent agencies would significantly reduce service costs and increase both vehicle utilization and the level of demand satisfaction. The tri-county region is currently in the process of implementing the plan for a minimal level of coordinated service in the Lansing urban area and the rural areas of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. It is anticipated that the results of this planning study will be applicable to many communities throughtout the state of Michigan that are faced with similar service requirements and limited financial resources for implementing special transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged.