Mobility Management in

Ingrid KochWisconsin Department of

TransportationNew Freedom Program Manager

CalACT‘ Fall ConferenceSeptember 27, 2010Santa Barbara, CA

Evolution of mobility Formation of Wisconsin’s Interagency Council on

Transportation Coordination (ICTC) in October, 2005 One of the eleven priorities in the 2006 Coordinated

Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plans

ICTC Conference held in April, 2007 Two NTI sessions of “Coordinated Mobility” in June,

2007 WI New Freedom program development first grant cycle in fall, 2007 for project

implementation in calendar year 2008

In Wisconsin, mobility management began when Governor Doyle charged heads of state agencies to work toward eliminating administrative barriers that prohibit transportation coordination. In October, 2005, the Interagency Council on Transportation Coordination (ICTC) was formed with part of its mission being to develop a state model of coordination.Mobility management was one of the eleven priorities identified in the 2006 Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plans. In April, 2007, the ICTC sponsored a conference with statewide stakeholder attendance. The conference was intended to raise awareness of the ICTC and its’ mission and was aimed at improving access to and coordination of transportation for disadvantaged people in Wisconsin.In June 2007, WisDOT sponsored two sessions of the NTI course, “Coordinated Mobility”. This class introduces the concept of mobility management and its application to transportation operations at the community level. In 2007, WisDOT continued to develop its New Freedom program. The Fall, 2007 project solicitation included a DVR rural transportation funding pilot which added $425,000 to leverage 2008 New Freedom funds for mobility management projects in rural areas.Mobility management has been, and continues to be, enthusiastically promoted by WisDOT staff. Starting in early 2008, it has been put into practice by mobility managers in the field.

Significant challenges Per the 2000 census, Wisconsin’s population density

is high when compared to the rest of the nation, but roughly on par with the U.S. if low-density Alaska is removed from the calculation.

Population density varies dramatically across the state. Rural areas average 32 persons per square mile, some

with less than 10 persons per square mile. In contrast, the City of Milwaukee has 6,214 persons

per square mile. Public transportation service, as it is traditionally

known, is virtually non-existent in many of the

In Wisconsin, rural areas with low population density (average of 32 persons per square mile) contrast with urban areas generally (average 2,240 persons per square mile) and with large, densely settled areas such as the Milwaukee County (6,214 persons per square mile) to form an extremely uneven landscape.

Traditional public transportation service is virtually non-existent in most rural areas of the state. Additionally, transportation for the disabled is limited or non-existent.

Population density

As evidenced in this depiction of the state’s population density, you can see that the northern counties (shown in the darkest green) are much less densely populated than those to the south, particularly when compared to the southeast area of the state (areas in red). Additionally, in the northern part of the state, metropolitan areas are widespread making travel to medical care, shopping, and other life-sustaining necessities as well as participation in social or recreational activities more time-consuming and difficult to access with ease. In the rural areas, the barriers to viable transportation options are dramatically different than that of the more densely populated areas.

The variances in density and transportation services suggest and support the notion that a national or statewide “one-size-fits-all” model for mobility management is less than practical or workable.

Mobility managers - 2008 29 mobility managers

throughout the state 16 hired - first New

Freedom application cycle

9 funded by JARC / WETAP (Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program)

4 funded by STRAP (Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program)

In 2008, there were 29 mobility managers throughout the state. 16 were hired following the first New Freedom application cycle for projects implemented in 2008, 9 were funded by JARC / WETAP (Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program), 4 were funded by STRAP (Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program).

Of those that were funded, 4 (14%) were in the 2 large urbanized areas of the state, 12 (41%) in small urbanized areas, and 13 (45%) in rural areas.

WETAP combines JARC funds with state dollars administered through WisDOT and the Department of Workforce Development, and is jointly managed by the two agencies. STRAP is a $2 million dollar, 4-year earmark demonstration program authorized under SAFETEA-LU for planning or operating funds in rural areas at an 80% funding level.

Mobility managers – 2009 47 mobility managers

throughout the state 20 - New Freedom 18 - JARC / WETAP 4 - STRAP 5 - other federal, state

and/or local funding sources

In 2009, there are 47 mobility managers throughout the state. 20 are funded by New Freedom, 18 are funded by JARC / WETAP (Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program), 4 are funded by STRAP (Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program) and 5 are funded by other federal and/or state sources.

Of those that were funded, 8 (17%) were in the 2 large urbanized areas of the state, 15 (32%) in small urbanized areas, and 24 (41%) in rural areas.

Mobility managers – 201056 mobility managers

throughout the state 27 - New Freedom 20 - JARC / WETAP 9 - other federal,

state and/or local funding sources

Who employs them? Aging and Disability Resource Centers /

Departments and Commissions on Aging / Senior Services Agencies

Cities, Counties / Transit Commissions Transit Agencies United Way / Women’s Employment Center Independent Living Centers Community Action Coalitions / Programs /

Service Agencies / Community Development Agencies

Social / Human Service Agencies / Economic

Wisconsin’s mobility managers are employed by a variety of agencies including Aging and Disability Resource Centers, local governing bodies, employment and community action programs, transit systems, human service and social services agencies, etc.

Who decides what the Activities and projects were identified and

defined through the locally developed human services transportation coordination planning process

Local decisions drive project activities WisDOT does not proscribe mobility

management projects or activities Projects funded by New Freedom must be an

eligible activity as described in the NF Circular

In most cases, mobility management projects were identified and defined through the locally developed human services transportation coordination planning process in 2006, and the subsequent planning process in 2008. The direction mobility management projects take is purely a local decision and WisDOT does not mandate or limit these projects. For those projects funded by New Freedom, they must meet the requirements of eligible activities as described in the New Freedom Circular. Other than that, WisDOT’s mantra is “go forth and do good” within the requirements of the project’s funding source.

Mobility Management Training Program initiative

Needed an organized, efficient manner in which to share information, best practices and other resources

Annual program with continuation based on need

Fully sponsored by WisDOT RFQ for contracted services with a national

consultant Consultant subcontracts with a meeting planner

When new mobility managers were coming on board in early 2008, it quickly became apparent that an organized and efficient approach was necessary to provide them with training and resources to assist them with implementing their projects. WisDOT quickly developed a formal training program to address this need. Using New Freedom and other program administrative monies, all costs for the training program are covered by WisDOT at 100%. We have contracted with a nationally recognized and well-known consultant to provide formal training, expert guidance and best practices from a variety of sources. With his extensive background in transportation and vast knowledge of transportation issues and challenges at various levels, the national resources, opportunities and potential solutions he brings to the training program have proven to be a phenomenal asset to the successful outcomes we’ve experienced.

Objectives

Assist mobility managers in becoming effective and efficient very quickly

Provide training on topics relevant to mobility management

Build awareness of resources and best practices Develop a strong peer network with other

mobility managers in the state and across the nation

The training program is intended to assist mobility managers in being able to hit the ground running, so to speak. In addition to the formal training and awareness of resources and best practices, one of the most valuable subsets of the training program has been the development of a strong peer network, not only within the state, but nationally as well. Mobility managers are provided with knowledge of where to go to get answers to questions, to seek input and feedback on ideas they may have, or to find existing best practices. By this sharing of information and best practices, mobility managers are more effective and efficient in developing viable solutions to transportation barriers and challenges in their local areas.

Components Four 2-day workshops in 2008

Five in 2009 and planned for 2010

Monthly teleconferences facilitated by consultant

Two Google groups18 mobility managers were

fully sponsored to attend the 18th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation in Omaha in October, 2008

Considering the possibility of sponsoring some to attend the 19th National Conference in Burlington, Vermont in October, 2010

The training program is comprised of four or five 2-day workshops, teleconferences in months where a face-to-face workshop is not held, and two Google groups for communication and information sharing on a daily basis. In October, 2008, 18 mobility managers were sponsored to attend the 18th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation in Omaha. Travel via a charter bus provided extensive opportunity for further peer networking and sharing of ideas. At the workshop in November, those who had attended the conference shared what they learned with their peers who were not able to attend.

In 2009, we have had experts at the national level and from other states come to the training workshops to give seminars in topic areas where they can provide best practices and lessons learned.

What’s included in the • Mobility Management 101• History of Public Transportation

101• Funding Sources• Negotiation Skills• Partnership Development• Performance Measurement• Basics of ADA• Inventory development /

Coordinated plan• One-stop Call Centers• CTAA’s Transportation Solutions

Coordinator • Car Repair / Vehicle Loan

Programs

• Wisconsin’s Rideshare Program• Travel Training• Volunteer Driver Programs• Voucher Programs• IT / Software Needs• Financial Management• Grant Management• Requirements, Expectations and

Recommendations for Grant Proposal Submissions

• Best Practices and Resources• Peer Networking• Reporting

Although the curriculum is rather fluid and is frequently adapted to accommodate requests for topics of importance to the participants and what might be happening in the state or at the local levels, some of the basics that we strive to include in training workshops and teleconferences include those listed here. Some of the trainings are provided by our contracted consultant or other nationally known trainers or consultants, while others are best practices shared by peers with the state. These “local celebrities”, if you will, bring to the group detailed information about the programs they have implemented and that are working. Lessons learned are shared as are best practices and examples of products that can be used or put into practice.

As the training program has grown, we have had representatives from other states present on information about their successes with effective components of mobility management which they have implemented in their communities.

Results

Increased effectiveness and efficiency of mobility management projects

Increased education and awareness of resources Greater knowledge about funding sources Increased transportation coordination resulting

in more rides for more people

The results of the training program have been far greater than originally anticipated or expected. Mobility managers have provided rave reviews on the benefits of the training program and how it affords them the opportunity to implement their programs very quickly through the use of best practices and the lessons learned by others. With increased knowledge and access to resources, and an expanded knowledge of funding sources, they have been able to very quickly accomplish transportation coordination. Three mobility management projects that began in 2008 are resulting in new public transportation in 2009 where none was available before. These and other programs implemented as a result of effective mobility management have provided increased transportation coordination resulting in more rides for more people using existing resources efficiently and to the maximum extent possible.

We’ll get to some actual statistical data in just a moment.

2008 Only 6 of 72 counties were not yet involved in mobility management projects

In 2008, only 6 of 72 counties were not yet involved in mobility management projects. The areas in solid white on this map show the counties that were not involved in mobility management in 2008. In 2009, 3 of those 6 counties were included in mobility management projects.

2008 projects in place

Numerous regional mobility management projects

3 formally identified in 2008 New Freedom projects

2 separate regional projects cover 18 and 20 counties respectively

In 2008, several mobility managers launched regional projects that were not specified in their grant programs. Some got far enough in the process to spur their regional partners to apply for New Freedom funding for new mobility management projects in 2009. Regional mobility management projects continue to develop as a result of the respective mobility managers knowing their counterparts in adjoining counties through the networking opportunities provided at the training workshops. This serves to facilitate the establishment of close working relationships resulting in more effective and greater outcomes.

2008 programs 10 car loan programs

(WETAP) 7 projects for new

service 5 voucher programs 4 vehicle repair

programs 3 car pool programs 3 rideshare programs

3 shuttle programs 3 travel training

programs 3 volunteer driver

programs 2 volunteer escort

programs 1 “bus buddy” program

2009 mobility

69 of 72 counties were involved in mobility management activities, either on a county basis, regionally, or both

Only 3 more counties to go!

Subsequent projects/programs

Continuation of projects that began in 2008 Additional new mobility management projects New one-stop call centers New ‘Work-n-Wheels’ car loan programs New voucher program Additional travel training program New service projects Introduction of car fit programs New ITN project

In 2009, 9 new mobility management projects have been launched. Expansion of the number of voucher and travel training programs, service, and other programs will contribute to even greater mobility management and transportation coordination in the state.

Preliminary service data for CY2008, projections for

Preliminary mobility management data for CY2008, projections for

2009’s other notable Creation of the Wisconsin Mobility Managers’ logo Mobility Managers were folded into the Wisconsin Rural

and Paratransit Providers Association (WURTA) Provides credence and reinforcement of the value of

mobility management as a whole Ultimate vision is for them to establish their own

Association WAMM – Wisconsin Association of Mobility Managers

Implementation of the Wisconsin Mobility Management certification program Certification is by WisDOT

will pass to the Association after 2011 Requirements include completion of five steps:

core curriculum supplemental curriculum one-year practicum peer sharing

What’s in store for the future?

Proposals for continuation of all of the projects in 2011 from 2010 plus: new mobility management projects several transportation orientation programs two new service projects

Continuation of the training program Continued “buy-in” at local levels

Where do we expect to go from here? Based on word-of-mouth and inquiries received, we anticipate grant applications later this year for at least three new mobility management projects, one new vehicle repair program, the introduction of a number of versions of community car sharing programs, several transportation orientation programs, at least two new service projects and more that are yet unknown to us.

We expect to continue the training program, if not in its full capacity based on need for 4 or 5 workshops, with a minimum of 2 face-to-face workshops and monthly teleconferences.

Mobility management in Wisconsin has gained momentum and continues to surge forward with remarkable energy and vitality. It’s an exciting time with ever evolving changes and accomplishments – thanks in large part to the support and resources offered by a wide variety of folks at the local, state and national levels.

More information Google group Mobility Management

Forum open to the public

WisDOT New Freedom program information http://

www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/transit/newfreedom.htm

Transportation Coordination

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/coordination/ index.htm

Wisconsin’s Mobility Management information http://

www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/transit/newfreedom-mobility.htm

http://

Although there are two Google groups, only one of them is open to the public and has a broad range of membership from across the nation. Anyone with an interest in mobility management is welcome to join -- just be sure to mention this conference in your request to join as memberships are carefully screened to maintain the integrity of the blog.

The WisDOT website includes extensive information on Wisconsin’s New Freedom program as well as more information on transportation coordination, the ICTC, coordination resources, and Wisconsin’s “Model of Coordination”. I also hope to compile a comprehensive outline of the training program for those who are interested in implementing something similar.

My contact information is also listed here should you have questions or want further information about mobility management in Wisconsin.

Questions?

Thank you for your time and attention!