CAN YOU GET THERE FROM HERE

As urbanization ceased in the decade of the 1970s, the spread of population to rural areas presents new challenges and opportunities for mass transportation. Rural transportation can often offer--due to government and community support--convenience previously possible only in metropolitan areas. The article discussed development of the mix of fixed-route and paratransit services which can be tailored to serve areas of low population density. UMTA Section 18 funding (transferred from FHWA) allows states to fund transit in rural and small urban areas. Section 18 money comes from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, supplemented from UMTA Section 9A. Both capital and operating assistance are possible. APTA has made rural transportation a specific area for its activities. Other organizations with this same goal are National Association of Transportation Alternatives, and Rural America. Community Transit Services operates small systems for counties or cities on a service contract basis. Changing government emphasis on efficiency could present new opportunities for private operators. The experience of the Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Transit Authority is described.