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TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR
GENESEE AND SHIAWASSEE COUNTY PARTICIPANTS IN
MICHIGAN'S WORK FIRST PROGRAM
FLINT, MICHIGANDescription
The Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) of Flint, Michigan was awarded an FTA Job Access Challenge Grant to determine how the transit agency can better meet the needs of welfare-to-work clients and employers. The process has helped MTA to create a lasting partnership with the Michigan Work First Program (Michigan's Welfare-to Work Program) and The Family Independent Agency.
Participants of Michigan Work First Program and potential employers were surveyed to collect information on transportation barriers to employment and suggested public transportation options to overcome them. Generally favorable perceptions of public transportation services were reported by employers and participants alike, which provided a good basis for promoting public transportation services as an alternative to private transportation traveling to and from work. However, employers were not favorable to cost-sharing alternatives to improve or expand public transportation service for Work First Program participants. Participants found favorable cost-sharing among other alternatives.
The result of this study brought greater awareness from both employers and Work First Program participants to the barriers and solutions to welfare-to-work transportation. This greater awareness has generated partnership efforts to address transportation issues to employment.
The final report is available upon request:
Jerry G. Ragsdale
Mass Transit Authority of Flint
1401 S. Dort Highway
Flint, Michigan 48503
Phone: (810) 767-6950, Ext. 106
E-mail: mtaflint-admin@tir.com
Website: http://www.MTAFlint.org
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