FTA Administrator Announces Grant Program to Help States Coordinate Transportation Services for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Low-Income Families

During a visit to Pittsburgh, PA today, Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn, announced the launch of “United We Ride, a nationwide grant program designed to help states improve transportation services for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

Administrator Dorn showcased a local program, Project ACCESS, as an example for the rest of how transportation should be coordinated to serve the needs of those who cannot drive because of age or disability, and those who cannot afford a car.  Project Access, funded through the Pittsburgh Port Authority, provides door-to-door, advance reservation, shared-ride service throughout Allegheny County. Acting as a broker between transportation carriers and riders, it serves 2 million riders annually.

Administrator Dorn noted that Pennsylvania is the first of 45 states to receive a “United We Ride” grant from the Federal Transit Administration.  The $35,000 grant will help the commonwealth more efficiently utilize transportation resources that serve senior, disabled, and disadvantaged citizens.  The grant will be used by the commonwealth for the development of a plan to coordinate the resources of the many federal, state, and local agencies and programs that offer transportation services.

 “Transportation is the prerequisite to everything — getting and holding a good job, securing reliable childcare, and getting to medical treatments,” Administrator Dorn said. “In short, it is vital to achieving independence and taking advantage of opportunities. Under President Bush’s leadership, transportation options are now within reach for citizens who most need them, thanks to the growing numbers of programs like Project ACCESS.”

The “United We Ride” program is a five-part initiative that supports President Bush’s Executive Order on Human Transportation Coordination, issued in February of 2004.  In addition to grants, the program includes a self-assessment tool for state and local agencies, technical assistance, and other resources to help communities succeed.

Administrator Dorn announced the grant program during a visit to Asbury Heights, a residential and healthcare center for seniors, where she was joined by Paul Skoutelas, Port Authority of Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer, and Marc Churna, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

More information on President Bush’s Executive Order and “United We Ride” can be found at http://www.fta.dot.gov/.