Federal transportation law requires that the DCHC MPO develop a locally coordinated public transportation-human service transportation plan (CPT-HSTP). The purpose of a CPT-HSTP is to improve transportation services for persons with disabilities, older adults, and low-income individuals through a better coordinated transportation system. CPT-HSTPs coordinate public transit, paratransit, and transit services provided by local agencies and non-profits.

Federal law also requires that the plan be developed locally “through a process that includes representatives of public, private, and non-profit transportation and human services providers and participation by the public.” Plan updates are mandatory every five years to identify needs of the transportation disadvantaged. Additionally, the CPT-HSTP will help guide decision making and the selection of transit projects supported by FTA funds.

The FTA proposes that the following key elements be included in each locally coordinated plan:

• Assessment of transportation needs for individuals with disabilities, older adults, & persons with limited incomes
• Inventory of available services that identifies redundant service or gaps in service
• Strategies to address the identified gaps in service
• Identification of coordination actions to eliminate or reduce duplication of services and strategies for more efficient utilization of resources
• Prioritization of implementation strategies

In January 2014, the MPO Board approved the 2013 CPT-HSTP Update. Please click here to access the entire plan.

Five major priorities were identified in the 2013 CPT-HSTP:

1. Better education and outreach to existing and potential riders about available service in the region.
2. Better and safer access to fixed-route services to improve infrastructure to existing bus service.
3. Better coordination and cooperation among transit providers.
4. Find alternative funding sources to expand services.
5. Better rural service and urban-rural connections.

Transit agencies, human services providers, and area non-profits should develop activities and programs to best address the priorities listed above.