partnering with each other would enable them to afford a new vehicle or additional driver that might be too expensive for either town acting alone. may also worry about policy or regulatory barriers to coordinating, but exiting coordination efforts have been able to overcome any such challenges. With technical assistance from MassDOT and support through the Baker-Polito Administration’s Community Compact program, CrossTown Connect was able to sign an MOU with two RTAs to allow vehicle sharing across service areas. If the coordination plan calls for local vans to travel outside of town for the first time, towns should ensure they have a plan for what to do in case of an accident happening outside of town lines. CONCLUSION: MOVING FORWARD WITH COORDINATION COA Directors and Town Administrators must weigh the benefits and challenges of coordination carefully, and ultimately make the best decision for their town and their seniors. While this brief has focused on coordination among COAs, COAs can also partner with other types of agencies locally or regionally to address shared transportation challenges. Keep in mind that there are many different ways that organizations can coordinate together. Work with partners to try to find an approach that meets all agencies’ needs. If a town decides to change its transportation program structure either a shift into a – coordinated partnership, or away from one making the change gradually can help seniors – adjust and fully understand the new system. In addition to public meetings and private conversations with seniors, COAs should also communicate clearly with COA staff, drivers, and any other stakeholders about the changes. CONTACT INFORMATION Please contact rachel.fichtenbaum@state.ma.us for additional information about transportation coordination in Massachusetts, or to request technical assistance. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following individuals contributed to this report: Bernstein, Carolyn Brennan, Pamela Campbell, Carl Damigella, Jennifer Goewey, Linda Marshall, Connie Mellis, Sharon Mercurio, Franny Osman, Steve Salwak, Dawn Valinaggi, and Scott Zadakis. Jon E. Burkhardt, Charles A. Nelson, Gail Murry, and David Koffman. (2004) Toolkit for Rural Community Coordinated Transportation Services. Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 101, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C. Online at TranSystems Corporation, Center for Urban Transportation Research, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, and Planners Collaborative. (2004) Strategies to Increase Coordination of Transportation Services for the Transportation Disadvantaged. Transit
partnering with each other would enable them to afford a new vehicle or additional driver that might be too expensive for either town acting alone. may also worry about policy or regulatory barriers to coordinating, but exiting coordination efforts have been able to overcome any such challenges. With technical assistance from MassDOT and support through the Baker-Polito Administration’s Community Compact program, CrossTown Connect was able to sign an MOU with two RTAs to allow vehicle sharing across service areas. If the coordination plan calls for local vans to travel outside of town for the first time, towns should ensure they have a plan for what to do in case of an accident happening outside of town lines. CONCLUSION: MOVING FORWARD WITH COORDINATION COA Directors and Town Administrators must weigh the benefits and challenges of coordination carefully, and ultimately make the best decision for their town and their seniors. While this brief has focused on coordination among COAs, COAs can also partner with other types of agencies locally or regionally to address shared transportation challenges. Keep in mind that there are many different ways that organizations can coordinate together. Work with partners to try to find an approach that meets all agencies’ needs. If a town decides to change its transportation program structure – either a shift into a coordinated partnership, or away from one – making the change gradually can help seniors adjust and fully understand the new system. In addition to public meetings and private conversations with seniors, COAs should also communicate clearly with COA staff, drivers, and any other stakeholders about the changes. CONTACT INFORMATION Please contact rachel.fichtenbaum@state.ma.us for additional information about transportation coordination in Massachusetts, or to request technical assistance. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following individuals contributed to this report: Bernstein, Carolyn Brennan, Pamela Campbell, Carl Damigella, Jennifer Goewey, Linda Marshall, Connie Mellis, Sharon Mercurio, Franny Osman, Steve Salwak, Dawn Valinaggi, and Scott Zadakis. Jon E. Burkhardt, Charles A. Nelson, Gail Murry, and David Koffman. (2004) Toolkit for Rural Community Coordinated Transportation Services. Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 101, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C. Online at TranSystems Corporation, Center for Urban Transportation Research, Institute for Transportation Research and Education, and Planners Collaborative. (2004) Strategies to Increase Coordination of Transportation Services for the Transportation Disadvantaged. Transit
Coordinating%20Senior%20Transportation%20among%20Multiple%20COAs%204.17%20Accessible.docx