North Central Coordinated Public Transit Human Service Transportation Plan

Submitted to: North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

Submitted by: Delta Development Group, Inc.

August 2014 NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ...... 1 Background ...... 2 Federal Legislation and Requirements ...... 2 Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan ...... 3 Purpose ...... 3 Previous Planning Efforts ...... 3 The Planning Process ...... 4 Steering Committee ...... 4 Mapping Analysis ...... 9 Available Transit Services ...... 9 Population ...... 13 Low Income Population ...... 14 Minority Population ...... 15 Senior Population ...... 16 Persons with Disabilities...... 17 Major Points of Interest ...... 17 Destinations ...... 18 Medical Facilities ...... 19 Employment ...... 20 Public Outreach ...... 21 Survey Summary ...... 21 Human Service Transportation Gaps ...... 27 Recommendations ...... 29 Priorities for Implementation ...... 33 Short-Term Initiatives ...... 33 Medium-Term Initiatives ...... 36 Long-Term Initiatives ...... 38 Appendix ...... 39 A. Demographic Data ...... 39 B. Survey Outreach Summary ...... 42 Press Release ...... 44 NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

Twitter Postings...... 45 Newspaper Articles ...... 49 Public Outreach Survey ...... 51 Organization Outreach Survey ...... 52

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central), guides the transportation planning and programming processes in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties. As the region’s Rural Planning Organization (RPO), North Central is responsible for matching its planning efforts with Federal requirements like the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), legislation that established requirements for a locally developed, coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan). The latest Federal transportation legislation, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP-21, continues to encourage each region to develop a Coordinated Public Transit Human Service Transportation Plan. In an effort to comply with Federal regulation, North Central initiated a study to update its 2008 Coordinated Plan to determine whether the region is effectively coordinating transportation services, meeting residents’ transportation needs, and filling gaps that exist in services. The purpose of North Central’s 2014 Coordinated Plan Update, therefore, is to help community leaders, organizations and agencies involved in human service and public transportation to identify current transportation services, reach out to the public to determine needs particularly for individuals with disabilities, older adults, minorities, and people with low income, and develop prioritized recommendations to fill transportation gaps within the constraints of available financial resources. The Plan Update was also completed coincident with FTA’s Section 5310 Program so that any eligible initiatives that improve transportation for senior citizens and persons with disabilities can be advanced using these program funds. The methodology used to update the Coordinated Plan was based largely on collecting and analyzing data. First, an inventory of available transportation services, including the various providers of medical assistance transportation, was documented and mapped in order to establish current transportation conditions. Market research was conducted to identify densities related to population, employment and regional destinations, and then overlaid on the transportation map. An extensive public outreach effort ensued, which was conducted through the distribution of surveys to North Central organizations and residents, and focused particularly on people with low incomes, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Data from the transportation inventory, demographic research and survey results were then examined to identify gaps in the region’s transportation services. This work culminated in a prioritized action plan intended to address, where appropriate, the region’s unmet transportation needs and improve efficiencies in service delivery by coordinating efforts. The results of the Plan Update show that the North Central area is served adequately with human service transportation, despite a challenging geography, small and dispersed population, and limited transportation resources. However, public and organization survey responses showed that, in general, there is a lack of awareness about available transportation services, how to obtain information, and how to interpret that information despite marketing and information materials available from the main transit agencies serving the region. Therefore, the primary recommendation to better coordinate transportation services throughout North Central is to focus on organizing and distributing transportation information more comprehensively and effectively to the region’s organizations and residents.

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Human service transportation is an important part of a well-functioning public transportation system. Many people rely on these modes of transportation for their livelihood, health, childcare, and other activities of daily life. For some populations, especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people with low incomes, navigating the maze of services and maintaining a basic level of mobility can be a challenge. To ensure that these groups have adequate access to mobility services, it is important to periodically review and assess available services, resources, and coordination activities of the region.

BACKGROUND The North Central RPO guides the transportation planning and programming processes in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties. There are 225,878 residents in the primarily rural region. The RPO, operating via an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), approves the development and implementation of highways, transit, and other transportation facilities and services. North Central established the Rural Transportation Planning Committee to oversee the region’s transportation planning activities. The Committee consists of: county planners from the six-county region; representatives from PennDOT Districts 2-0, 10-0, and Central Office; public transit; aviation; rail; and local community groups that have an interest in transportation and economic development in the region. Overall, the Committee is charged with establishing policy and prioritizing major capital projects in accordance with guiding principles for planning and programming, as well as developing the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the region’s Long-Range Plan, and conducting proactive public participation and environmental justice activities to meet or surpass the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND REQUIREMENTS SAFETEA-LU established requirements for a locally developed Coordinated Plan; and MAP-21 continues to require each region to develop a Coordinated Plan. The regulations state that in order to be eligible for federal funding, human service transportation programs must be included in, not merely derived from, a locally developed, coordinated public transit/human-services transportation plan. In addition, PennDOT’s bureaus of Public Transportation and Planning and Program Management continue to expect each region to develop a Coordinated Plan to inform public transit decision making. Coordinated Plans are required to include the following elements:  An assessment of available services that identify current transportation providers (public, private, and non-profit);  An assessment of transportation needs for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes. This assessment can be based on the experiences and  perceptions of the planning partners or on data collection efforts, and gaps in service;  Strategies, activities, and/or projects to address the identified gaps between current services and needs, as well as opportunities to achieve efficiencies in service delivery; and  Priorities for implementation based on resources, time, and feasibility for implementing specific strategies and/or activities that have been identified

To further the objectives of the coordinated planning process, United We Ride was developed as an initiative of the Federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility. Their mission is to improve

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 2 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE the availability, quality, and efficient delivery of transportation services to people with disabilities, older adults and people with low incomes by providing best practices and coordinating funding sources. United We Ride gives additional context to the coordinated planning process undertaken in North Central. This Coordinated Plan Update was conducted in compliance with the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program, which requires “…programs be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan and that the plan be developed through a process that includes representatives of public, private, and non-profit transportation and human services providers and participation by members of the public.” As such, the recommendations (initiatives) identified in North Central’s Coordinated Plan Update that address transportation needs of persons with disabilities and senior citizens are eligible for 5310 funds. It is important for North Central and its stakeholders to derive initiatives from the Plan Update that improve transportation access for persons with disabilities and senior citizens and advance under the 5310 Program.

COORDINATED PUBLIC TRANSIT HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PLAN

PURPOSE The purpose of North Central’s 2014 Coordinated Public Transit Human Service Transportation Plan is to create a comprehensive strategy to help community leaders, organizations, and agencies involved in human service and public transportation to cooperate, coordinate programs, and develop action plans for the delivery of services. The plan serves as a framework to improve coordination among transportation service providers and human service agencies to enhance transportation service for disadvantaged populations. Moreover, the Plan serves as a robust addition to Area Transportation Authority’s (ATA) and DuBois, Falls Creek, Sandy Township Joint Transportation Authority’s (DuFAST) service development programs, and presents an important opportunity to better coordinate planning and operations across all regional transportation providers.

PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS This Coordinated Plan is an update of the 2008 Local Public Transit Human Service Coordinated Plan prepared by North Central. The 2008 Plan was used as the foundation for this Update, and members of that Plan’s Steering Committee were asked to participate in this effort as well. Another transportation planning project – called the ATA/DuFast Route Evaluation and System Coordination Study - was also completed in 2008 for North Central. This report, prepared by Gannett Fleming, looked at coordinating all public transit services in the region, not just human service transportation, and was considered relevant background information for the 2014 Coordinated Plan Update. The following sections of the ATA/DuFAST Route Evaluation and System Coordination Study were provided and reviewed:  DuFAST- Service Improvement Plan  ATA - Standards and Adequacy Report  Final Report- Existing Transit Services

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THE PLANNING PROCESS To accomplish the objectives of the Coordinated Plan, the following tasks were undertaken:  Assessment and mapping of available transportation services  Thorough public outreach on perceived gaps in service and geographical analysis of major destinations  Demographic assessment of transportation gaps for individuals with disabilities, older adults, minorities and people with low incomes  Development of strategies and/or activities to address the identified gaps and achieve efficiencies in service delivery  Identification of priorities for implementation based on resources, time, and feasibility of implementing specific strategies/activities

This process satisfies the required elements outlined in Federal regulations. An equally important goal was to provide an opportunity for a diverse range of stakeholders, with a common interest in human service and public transportation, to convene and collaborate on how best to provide transportation services for all populations but most notably minorities, low income, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. This was done through the creation of s Steering Committee. The Steering Committee was called upon to identify service gaps and barriers, strategize on solutions most appropriate to meet these needs based on local circumstances, and prioritize needs for inclusion in the Coordinated Plan.

STEERING COMMITTEE The Coordinated Plan process was led by North Central and a Steering Committee comprised of 28 community partners and stakeholders. The makeup of the Committee was based on participation in the 2008 Coordinated Plan and expanded to include other agencies that represent relevant population groups (seniors, low income, and individuals with disabilities). In addition, all six counties and areas of the region were represented on the Committee. The Steering Committee met three times throughout the Plan Update. The first meeting was to confirm the region’s goals and objectives. The second meeting, conducted mid-way through the Update, was used as a working session to review transportation and demographic maps, and refine the public and organization surveys. After the second meeting, the Steering Committee help to distribute the public and organization surveys to the community. During the third and final meeting, the Committee reviewed the resultant gaps in service that emerged from the outreach effort, and discussed strategies to improve transportation services throughout the region. The Table 1 lists the organizations that agreed to participate on the Steering Committee and the counties that each organization serves.

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TABLE 1: STEERING COMMIT TEE REPRESENTATION

Counties Served Organization Cameron Clearfield Elk Jefferson McKean Potter Area Transportation Authority       Bradford Regional Medical Center       Cameron and Elk MH/MR       Central Pennsylvania Community Action       Charles Cole Hospital       Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging       Clearfield Hospital       Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission       Community Action (Jefferson County)       Community Action (McKean County)       Community Connections (Clearfield- Jefferson MH/MR)       Dickinson Center, Inc.       DuBois Regional Medical Center       DuFAST Transit       Elk Regional Health Center       Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging       Kane Community Hospital       Life and Independence for Today (LIFT)       McKean County Human Service       North Central       Northern Tier Community Action Corporation       Office of Human Services (Bradford, PA)       Office of Human Services (Ridgway, PA)       Office of Human Services (Smethport, PA)       Office of Vocational Rehabilitation       PennDOT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Potter County Housing and Redevelopment       Potter County Human Service       Regional Planning Organization      

Table 2 shows the level of participation by organizations on the Steering Committee, and identifies whether they were past participants, the meetings attended and the number of representatives attending from each organization. Many members were unable to participate in meetings in-person or by phone, however were kept up-to-date on Coordinated Plan activities by regular email correspondence and they helped distribute public and organization surveys.

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TABLE 2: STEERING COMMIT TEE MEETING PARTICIPATION 2008 Number of Meeting Participants Coordinated Organization Plan 10/24/2013 3/5/2014 5/14/2014 Participation Area Transportation Authority  4 6 5 Bradford Regional Medical Center 0 0 0 Cameron and Elk MH/MR  0 0 0 Central Pennsylvania Community Action  0 0 0 Charles Cole Hospital 0 0 0 Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging  0 0 0 Clearfield Hospital 0 0 0 Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission 1 0 0 Community Action (Jefferson County)  1 1 1 Community Action (McKean County) 1 0 0 Community Connections (Clearfield-Jefferson MH/MR)  0 0 0 Dickinson Center, Inc. 2 1 1 DuBois Regional Medical Center 1 0 0 DuFAST Transit  1 1 1 Elk Regional Health Center 0 0 0 Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging  0 0 0 Kane Community Hospital 0 0 0 Life and Independence for Today (LIFT)  0 1 0 McKean County Human Service  0 0 0 North Central  2 2 2 Northern Tier Community Action Corporation  0 0 0 Office of Human Services (Bradford, PA) 0 0 1 Office of Human Services (Ridgway, PA)  0 0 0 Office of Human Services (Smethport, PA) 0 0 0 Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 0 0 1 PennDOT 4 0 0 Potter County Housing and Redevelopment 0 0 0 Potter County Human Service 

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Participating Steering Committee members were charged with gathering relevant data on their transportation services and clients, developing and distributing public and organization outreach surveys, reviewing data and maps, identifying gaps in transportation services, and reviewing the final Coordinated Plan Update. They served as local area knowledge, and were consulted at each major milestone of the planning process. The locations of each Steering Committee member’s agency are presented on Map 1 on the next page.

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MAP 1: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ LOCATIONS

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MAPPING ANALYSIS A major part of updating the Coordinated Plan was developing a variety of maps of the North Central region, which depicted transportation services, major destinations and demographic data. Mapping data was provided specifically by ATA, DuFAST, North Central and the Steering Committee, and also derived from ESRI and U.S Census sources- data tables are included in the Appendix of this report. The Steering Committee reviewed and offered input on the final maps presented in this section.

AVAILABLE TRANSIT SERVICES Given that a major focus of the Coordinated Plan is the availability of public transportation services, the study began with an analysis of existing services in the region. ATA and DuFAST are the public transportation providers in the region with ATA covering the entire six-county region with fixed route and paratransit services (including medical assistance transportation), and DuFAST providing fixed route service in DuBois, Falls Creek, and Sandy Township. ATA was formed in 1976 and was the first rural regional transit authority in Pennsylvania . The authority developed out of recommendations from North Central and the Appalachian Regional Commission to address isolation and access issues of North Central Pennsylvania. ATA provides multiple types of public transit to North Central residents:  Fixed Route Service - Transit service using passenger vehicles operating on fixed routes with scheduled time points, regardless of whether a passenger actively requests a vehicle. Both ATA and DuFAST operate fixed route services.  Demand Response Service - Shared use transit service operating in response to calls from passengers or their agents to the transit operator, who schedules a vehicle to pick up the passengers to transport them to their destinations. Demand response service is a type of paratransit service. The ATA Call-a-Bus service is a demand response service.  Route with Deviation - A type of transit service provided by ATA that operates along a fixed path with scheduled time points at each terminal point and key intermediate locations but which deviates to pick up passengers within ¼ mile of the route. Following an off route deviation, the bus must return to the point on the route it left. Drivers do not schedule bus deviations; rather, deviations are pre-arranged through a scheduling/dispatching function and are considered a type of demand response service.  Paratransit - Types of passenger transportation which are more flexible than conventional fixed- route transit but more structured than the use of private automobiles. Paratransit includes demand response transportation services (such as Call-a-Bus, shared-ride taxis, car-pooling and vanpooling services. Most often this term is used to refer to demand response service provided with wheelchair accessible vehicles.

DuFAST was formed in January 1974 to serve the incorporated municipalities of DuBois, Falls Creek, and Sandy Township with fixed route service. DuFAST only provides fixed route service. The following map shows four types of transit services: DuFAST’s fixed route service in blue in the DuBois region; ATA’s fixed route service in brown; ATA’s Call-A-Bus paratransit service zones shown as

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 9 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE yellow shaded areas; and the counties without ATA’s county wide services are shaded with hatching. All services are available to the public. ATA provides paratransit services in multiple ways. The most cost effective is the shared ride demand response system called Call-A-Bus. The fares are based on travel within or between predetermined zones. The zones are based around population centers in all six counties. ATA’s county wide services are provided in four of the six counties and will riders anywhere within the same county. (Additional information about ATA’s services can be found at www.rideATA.com, and DuFAST’s services at www.dufast.com) In addition to ATA’s public transit, the agency also provides Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) services in 3 counties of the 6 county region. MATP provides transportation services for to medical appointments for Medical Assistance recipients who do not have transportation available to them. The program is coordinated county-by-county and provides the type of transportation that is the least expensive while still meeting client needs. The types of transportation offered through MATP include reimbursement for public transit service, mileage reimbursement for travel in a private vehicle, and paratransit trips. ATA is the MATP provider for Cameron, Elk, and McKean counties. Community Action is the provider for Jefferson County. Central Pennsylvania Community Action is the provider for Clearfield County. Potter County Department of Human Service is the provider for Potter County. It should be noted that MATP is a significant human service transportation source in the region with a budget almost as large as public transportation. Outside of public transit, many human services agencies also provide some form of transportation service to their clients. The level of service provided can vary significantly from agency to agency, depending on the clients’ needs and the agencies’ resources. Transportation services provided by human service agencies can generally be fitted into four categories, listed below:

1. Provide transportation by operating vehicles to transport their clients. 2. Contract for transportation for their clients through formal arrangements with other transportation providers such as ATA or DuFAST. 3. Subsidize transportation by providing clients with bus fare, mileage reimbursement, or cash. 4. Arrange for transportation by assisting clients with trip planning and information on transportation options.

Due to the individualized nature of these services, they are not presented on the following maps.

In addition to the transit services, the map shows the region’s core roadway transportation network and nodes developed as part of North Central’s Long Range Transportation Plan. The core transportation network is shown as colored lines on each map and is defined as follows: Priority Transportation System- Red Lines: Consist of the highest-order roadway facility that provides a direct connection among regional economic centers. Priority Recreation System- Green Lines: Connects the regional economic and community centers to major recreation areas. The definitions of the nodes are as follows:

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Primary Economic Centers: Includes the U.S. Census defined micropolitan statistical areas of Bradford, DuBois, and St. Marys. When combined with their respective adjacent second class townships, the three cities listed above are among the largest populated areas in the region, comprising 20% of the entire region’s population. Priority Economic/Community Development Centers: Various investment areas that include Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) sites, interchanges along I-80, and the region’s three largest boroughs: Brookville, Clearfield and Punxsutawney. It also includes the region’s two commercial service airports - Bradford Regional and DuBois Regional. Available public transportation services were then mapped (see Maps 2-9) to show how they impact and serve the overall population centers and the target populations of the North Central region.

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MAP 2: NORTH CENTRAL TRANSIT SERVICES

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POPULATION

MAP 3: POPULATION DENSITY

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LOW INCOME POPULATION

MAP 4: LOW INCOME POPULATION

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MINORITY POPULATION

MAP 5: MINORITY POPULATION

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SENIOR POPULATION

MAP 6: SENIOR POPULATION

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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Persons with disabilities rely on human service transportation and are an important consideration in a Coordinated Plan. The Table 3 below includes data from all six counties in the study area and a comparison to Pennsylvania.

TABLE 3: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA – PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES North Central Region Pennsylvania With a % With a With a % With a

Disability Disability Disability Disability Population* 34,854 16.1% 1,646,256 13.2% Under 5 155 1.3% 5,559 0.8% Ages 5 to 17 2,568 7.4% 129,877 6.3% Ages 18 to 64 17,227 13.1% 836,918 10.7% Ages 65+ 14,904 38.4% 673,902 35.6% Labor Force Participation -- Ages 16-64** Employed 6,300 6.5% 344,780 35.1% In Labor Force 7,490 7.1% 400,850 40.8% Unemployment Rate** 16.0% 13.9% % of Poverty Level -- Ages 5+** Below 100% 9,050 34.2% 365,680 20.3% 100%-149% 6,470 30.7% 249,360 13.8% 150%-199% 6,680 24.5% 219,620 12.2%

*SOURCE: AME RICAN C OMMUNITY SU RVEY 2008-2012 **S OURCE : AME RICAN C OMMUNITY SURVEY PU BLIC USE MIC RODATA SAMPLE 2005-2007 NOTE: AME RICAN C OMMU NI TY SURVEY 2005-2007 DATA IS USED BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST RECENT DATA THAT INCLUDES ALL SI X COUNTIES IN THE ST UDY AREA . The percent of population with a disability in North Central is slightly higher than the rest of Pennsylvania. A much larger percent of individuals with disabilities in North Central are not a part of the labor force. Also, poverty levels of individuals with disabilities are relatively higher than in Pennsylvania overall. This coincides with a likely higher reliance on public transportation, and highlights the need for affordable transportation services for this group.

MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST Travel destinations for special needs populations include large employers, commercial areas, medical facilities and clinics, human service agencies, and shopping centers. This information was collected for the region and delineated in three maps: major regional destinations, medical facilities including hospitals, and employment.

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DESTINATIONS

MAP 7: MAJOR REGIONAL DESTINATIONS

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MEDICAL FACILITIES

MAP 8: HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

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EMPLOYMENT

MAP 9: EMPLOYMENT CONCENTRATION

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PUBLIC OUTREACH To supplement census and geographic data, North Central and the Steering Committee directed a significant public outreach strategy aimed specifically at the target populations of minorities, low income, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. It was determined that the best way to reach the desired audiences and gather data meaningful to the Plan Update was through a survey.

SURVEY SUMMARY Two specific surveys were developed – one for individuals and one for organizations, and disseminated through a variety of networks. The purpose of the surveys was to learn from the public and organizations their perception of transportation services in the North Central region and the needs that they believe are not being met, especially those related to transportation access issues. Surveys were made available to respondents in two mediums— paper and on-line. North Central disseminated the surveys and survey links through press releases to local newspapers, radio stations, and social media and e-mails to businesses, organizations, and agencies throughout the six counties. The process included initial distributions as well as follow-up reminders over the month-long period that the survey was available for completion. A complete summary of the outreach efforts and survey results can be found in the Appendix. The public survey consisted of eight questions including a request for comments and suggestions. The organization survey contained 17 questions concentrating on transportation needs of the clients they serve. The surveys were conducted from March 12, 2014 to April 21, 2014. There were 412 public and 108 organization surveys completed. Map 10 on the next page depicts the locations of the survey respondents.

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MAP 10: OUTREACH SURVEY RESPONDENTS

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The following is a high-level summary of results of the outreach efforts.  78% of the public and 49% of the organization surveys completed on paper indicating the need to conduct public outreach using multiple mediums.  Public and organization surveys were received from all counties in North Central’s service area. The highest percentages of surveys (public and organization) were received from Clearfield County which also has the largest population.  The variances in the percentages of public and organization surveys completed by county population were minimal and, as such, information obtained by the outreach was not skewed to a specific county.  The responses refer to both public transportation services and MATP services with the difference sometimes not being clear. It should be noted that not all comments are being made directly about the public transportation agencies.

PUBLIC SURVEYS  15% of the respondents provided an e-mail address for future contact which suggests the need for multiple transportation communication mediums.  Public surveys were handed out on DuFAST vehicles and, as such, the largest number of public surveys came from respondents who lived in DuBois.  Each County had at least one city with 10 or more public survey respondents.  The majority (59%) of the public survey respondents make their local trips driving alone or riding in family or friend’s vehicle. 15% indicated that they use public transit and another 15% indicated that they used multiple methods for local trips.  47% of the public survey respondents indicated that during the last six months a household member did not have transportation to a desired destination. The largest missed destination was medical appointments (15%) followed by shopping (7%).  Medical appointment was selected the most (21%) by the respondents for the reason they use or would use public transportation.  The top two responses provided by respondents of why they never used or no longer use public transportation was prefer to drive (22%) and service is not offered to needed sites (16%).  Respondents indicated that the best way to inform them about public transportation was direct mailings to home (22%), newspaper (19%), radio (14%), and television (13%). Websites received 9% and social media 8%. Several people suggested postings/brochures at key sites such as the Post Office, senior centers or on busses.  47% of the comments were general and 30% were service related. o Overall, respondents indicated that there was a need for affordable public transportation and that service is essential for underserved populations (seniors, disabled, low income). A few comments indicated that fares are too high. o Some people were not aware of the available service and, as such, increasing education and marketing services may help to boost ridership. A few respondents recommended that transportation information needs to be sent to targeted audiences (apartment complexes, senior citizen facilities, and low-income housing complexes).

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o Several respondents indicated that there is a need for expanded service including service area, weekends, and evenings. Service is needed for more than medical appointments. o Respondents commented that there is a need for public transportation for people who are not on medical assistance. o Respondents indicated that current service is restrictive and makes the system hard to use. Examples of restrictions include: limited days, limited times, advanced reservation requirement, and no-show policies.

ORGANIZATION SURVEYS  Summarizing the surveys by organization location revealed that the most responses came from Clearfield County and the least from Cameron County. This is consistent with county population data.  Some respondents were from the same organization and provided information for their specific department as compared to the organization.  50% of the responding organizations are private, non-profit and 41% are public.  46% of the respondents indicated that the primary contact with their client was human/social services followed by healthcare services (22%).  Many of the organizations indicated that they provide services in multiple counties. Summarizing the responses by counties-served showed the following percentages: Elk (19%), Jefferson (17%), Cameron (16%), Clearfield (16%), McKean (16%), and Potter (10%). Please note that some surveys were submitted from outside the study area accounting for the remaining percentages.  The organizations indicated that the number of clients they served ranged from two to 200,000. 58% of the respondents indicated that the number of clients annually served was 500 or less.  Organizations were asked to identify the types of transportation assistance that they provide their clients. The largest category of responses was “referred clients to public transportation” followed by “assist clients in scheduling trips”. The smallest category was “provides transportation vouchers to clients”.  The organizations indicated that the type of limitations experienced by their clients covered multiple areas. Remote/rural location (20%) and low-income (18%) were selected more often than funding eligibility (13%), physical disability (13%), aging related (12%), mental disability (12%), and no funding source (11%).  The organizations indicated that cost and lack of service for non-traditional work hours were slightly more significant transportation issues as it relates to access for jobs. Length of commute and lack of skills were somewhat less significant.  Cost of same day trip scheduling for persons with disabilities was identified as a slightly more significant transportation issue for the organizations as it relates to access for people with disabilities. Safe pedestrian access, reliable on-time performance, and uniformed trip decision- makers were slightly less significant.

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 Difficulty finding service information and insufficient budgets, staff, and time were identified as slightly more significant transportation issues as it relates to access to information about transportation options. A little less significant were inaccurate and inconsistent information and no centralized information center.  A slight majority 53% (55 responses) indicated that their clients had access to the internet. Some clients, however, may not have the skills to use the internet independently.  Organizations were asked to respond to two questions about their clients’ transportation needs and gaps. The following summarizes those comments: o 83% of the respondents indicated that their clients routinely have transportation needs that they cannot serve. o Transportation is needed for clients in many areas including work (multiple shifts), shopping, school, medical, and errands. o Transportation home from emergency departments at all hours is needed. o Persons with disabilities need public transportation for work opportunities. o Many consumers need transportation for unexpected medical appointments or social outings. Same day trip scheduling would be beneficial. o Transportation options are extremely limited. o Rural areas need better transportation options. o Transportation fares are too high for local, rural, and long distance. o Expand service area, service days, and service hours. The current service makes it difficult for people to work. Clients need service all days of the week for medical appointments. Service is needed for medical appointments outside the six-county service area including service to Veterans Centers. o Need funding streams. Medical Assistance needs to pay for transportation for covered medical services. o Need a transportation hub location for the senior population. o Need for affordable transportation services for non-medical and for people who do not qualify for medical assistance. o Trip decision-makers need to be more informed regarding the needs of people with disabilities. o Need better public transportation service information. o Improve access to bus routes. o Wheelchair accessible vans are needed. o Clients have difficulty using Health Ride for their medical appointments because of the advanced scheduling requirement and they do not permit them to bring their children. o The Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) rules need revised regarding transporting adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. Rules related to early, late, no-shows, and behavioral infractions are too restrictive. Drivers need sensitivity training.

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o Improve MATP rules for transporting clients who need a companion to attend medical appointments. o MATP fares should not be the lowest. Allow organizations to charge clients for transportation services based on their ability to pay. o Change the MATP rule that requires a rider to choose paratransit or public as their mode of transportation. This regulation prohibits the rider's ability to switch between mileage reimbursement and bus tickets. o The diagnosis rules need changed. o Coordinate transportation between counties and with other transportation providers. o All modes of transportation need to be affordable and available including car rentals, taxi service, and biking. o Pedestrian access needs to be a priority. o There is a need to coordinate local and regional services so people know who they can call.  Two questions asked organizations to identify the areas to and from which their clients travel. The majority of the responses were both general and specific locations throughout all six counties.  The majority (65%) of the respondents indicated that they provided some level of transportation coordination services. The responses included providing information and a listing of transportation providers. Providers included ATA, DuFAST, East End Energy, Health Ride, DuSan, Bradford Area Transport, Fullington, Med Van, Helpmates, taxies, car rental agencies, school districts, trail recreation organizations, health providers, and public and private social organizations.

More detailed survey results are provided in a supplemental report titled North Central Coordinated Plan Summary of Public Outreach and Organization Surveys.

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HUMAN SERVICE TRANSPORTATION GAPS Common themes emerged from the analyses of current services, maps, data, and survey results, which were reviewed and discussed by the Steering Committee. The following conclusions were drawn.  The maps and survey results show that public transportation coverage is good despite a hard to reach rural population. There are only a few areas that stand out as possible areas for future fixed route service, but more often than not those areas are covered by paratransit services.  One such area is the Port Allegany region in McKean County. It has less fixed route service than other areas the same size and is an important connection between Bradford and Coudersport. However, the population density in Port Allegany does not meet current ATA service standards for fixed route service and is served by ATA Call-A-Bus paratransit service. That being said, it was identified by the Steering Committee as a possible gap.  The maps show that while public transportation is available in all six counties, there are a few areas that lack public transportation services. There are no routes or services connecting residents of eastern McKean and Potter Counties to Coudersport, the closest community with a major hospital and vital services. Residents living in remote areas of Cameron and Potter counties do not have county-wide services as exist in the other four counties. Finally, while Brockway, a community in Jefferson County, has connecting service to DuBois, the closest major city, it is the only community of like-size that does not have a Call-A-Bus service for a local public transportation option.  The surveyed public population is not well informed about available public transportation options. Many of the survey comments show a lack of understanding about public transit services rather than actual gaps in service.  In addition to the public at large, the majority of organizations surveyed are not well informed about available public transportation options and/or how those services operate. This is an important gap in the context of this plan as often the target populations rely on human service organizations for information regarding available transportation options.  Survey respondents expressed difficulty transferring between DuFAST and ATA service. This is consistent with findings from the 2008 ATA/DuFAST Coordination Study— DuFAST Service Improvement Plan.  The region’s MATP services are coordinated by 4 different organizations, leading to varying levels of service and utilization of existing public transportation.  In both the public and organization surveys and in discussions with the Steering Committee, there was an expressed need for same day paratransit trips. These trips would most often be originating at hospitals as patients are discharged and have no options to get home.  Limited to no taxi service is available in most areas, which compounds the issue of same day paratransit trips.  The Steering Committee expressed concern about the location of Fullington Bus Company, a private regional bus service. The current location is not easily accessible to pedestrians and makes transit connections difficult.  There is currently no fixed route service to either of the two airports in the study area − DuBois Regional Airport and Bradford Regional Airport.

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 Survey results indicate that there is a need for evening and third-shift transportation service. A review of public transportation schedules confirms that there is less service available at those times.  Survey outreach efforts and results indicate the internet is not a reliable way to reach the target populations in the North Central region.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

FILLING TRANSPORTATION GAPS Potential solutions were developed which focus on reducing gaps in human service and public transportation in the North Central region as identified by demographic data and survey results. The following represent the most appropriate and realistic recommendations for the region:  ATA can review the areas identified for potential gaps and evaluate whether additional fixed route or paratransit services meet their service standards.  To help educate the public and human service organizations about available services, ATA and DuFAST could tailor materials and target specific markets to increase awareness about transportation options. ATA and DuFAST both have comprehensive marketing plans that include many forms of outreach. Also, ATA recently overhauled its website to make it more user- friendly. That being said, feedback from the surveys and Steering Committee indicated that information on available services is hard to find and not geared specifically to some users. These findings could be used to update the both agency’s marketing plans.  Echoing the recommendations of the 2008 ATA/DuFAST Coordination Study— DuFAST Service Improvement Plan, service can be better coordinated between DuFAST and ATA in the DuBois area. There were four previous recommendations for better coordination in DuBois that are still relevant in some way, according to DuFAST officials: o A single central location in DuBois should be used by both agencies as a main connection point. Possibilities include the DuBois Giant Eagle and the DuBois Mall. Another approach is to create a multimodal facility in DuBois to be used by both public and private transportation providers. o Schedule times of the service should be coordinated at this central location for easy transfer from one system to another. o The two agencies should explore coordinating fares to further facilitate traveling between the systems. o Timetables and other schedule information for each system should list connecting services to the other system.  Increased marketing about all services to target populations can increase awareness of available transit services and boost ridership. As feasible, this could be approached in traditional ways via radio and newspaper, but also by selling fare instruments at local businesses, and distributing maps and schedules at grocery stores, libraries, community centers, post offices, and other public locations.  Public and organization information gaps can be filled with more coordination between transit agencies and human service organizations. o The transit agencies should use human service agencies as outlets for service and schedule information. o New human service agency employees that work directly with clients should be trained on available public transit resources. o ATA could develop a pilot project to coordinate the paratransit trips of multiple human service agencies for greater efficiencies. It would require greater flexibility

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on the part of human service agencies and clients, but could result in time and cost savings. o This could also extend to greater coordination of MATP services. As has been stated, much of the human service transportation in the region is provided through MATP and one of the directives of the program is use utilize existing public transportation whenever feasible. Currently, ATA is the MATP provider in 3 counties and human service organizations coordinate the program in the other 3 counties. There could be room for greater coordination among the 4 organizations.  To ensure that human service agencies have accurate information, North Central should develop and maintain a web-based directory of available human service transportation resources. The directory should include at a minimum the name of the transportation provider, type of service offered, eligibility requirements as applicable, contact name, phone number, and website.  Both ATA and DuFAST could develop preferably jointly, educational materials on services available and how to use those services. These materials would be in addition to the current maps and schedules, targeting specific markets and providing tailored information with details about how to ride the bus, what shared ride services are available, how a rider can qualify for a free or reduced trip, etc. These materials should be directly distributed.  One step further would be for North Central, DuFAST, and ATA to partner on a “How to Travel Using Public Transit” training resource for organizations and the public. This could be a presentation and/or workshop that would explain available services and answer common questions, as well as include a way for individuals or agencies to get information specific to their transportation issues. It could be developed into a DVD or online training tool that could be shared widely, and also presented in person by North Central, DuFAST or ATA staff. An example is the Transportation 101 workshops developed by the Pittsburgh-area Transportation Management Associations.  To solve the gap and issue of same-day paratransit scheduling costs, the regional partners could conduct a brainstorming session to identify creative ways to solve this problem. State and federal funding sources prohibit same day scheduling in enabling legislation, so it is necessary to look outside of traditional programs. o ATA could expand their current partnerships with a human service agencies and/or hospitals to provide greater access to agency-sponsored same day trips. o In areas where the riders are traveling shorter distances, identify ways to make taxi service more widely available. o Reach out to other rural regions to learn from similar issues and possible solutions. o Collaborate with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) on legislative solutions.  Explore the viability of fixed route services to the regional airports o If fixed route service is not appropriate, other solutions could include vanpools, car sharing services such as Zip Car, hotel or business sponsored shuttles, and increased marketing of paratransit options to airport customers.

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o A first step could be including public transportation options on the websites of Bradford Regional and DuBois Regional airports.  Statewide resources 511PA, for roadway updates, and PA 2-1-1, for health and human service information by region, have proven very useful in many regions. Currently PA 2-1-1 does not serve the North Central region. Establishing a PA 2-1-1 call center for the North Central region would help connect residents to available human service transportation.  To solve some of the access issues, explore making proximity to transit services and accessibility for transportation vehicles part of regional planning and permitting processes such as the Highway Occupancy Permit process, Land Development Permits, building permits in the population center communities, and county planning. This would force businesses to consider multiple transportation modes when planning and updating their facilities.  Maintain the Coordinated Plan Steering Committee as an advisory group on human service transportation issues. This group could be the means by which information and resources are shared, solutions to issues are developed, and the Coordinated Plan’s recommendations are implemented and tracked. o It should be noted that ATA has plans to reactivate their Regional Rural Public Transportation Advisory Committee (RRTAC) in FY 2015 to address similar issues. The RRTAC is an entity mentioned in the Authority’s bylaws as a recognized advisory body to the Authority’s Board. ATA plans to employ various mechanisms to engage human service agencies in how public transportation can serve the needs of their constituents, better share information, etc.  As the regional planning organization, North Central could promote land development plans and design standards that facilitate more concentrated development and transit- oriented development (TOD). This type of development could make fixed-route transit more feasible in the future, focus growth around transit stations, encourage affordable housing near transit services, revitalize downtown centers and neighborhoods, and encourage local economic development.

STEERING COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION The lack of consistent participation in the Steering Committee meetings prompted development of some suggestions for increasing member participation as well as enhancing the Steering Committee’s diversity.  The Committee would benefit from implementing the following: o Representatives from employment, education, senior citizen centers, other transportation providers, and/or other advocacy groups. The following are a few examples from organizations that completed the outreach survey that could be included on the Committee: Citizens Against Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse (CAPSEA), Emporium Senior Center, Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania, Health Ride Plus, Futures Rehabilitation Center, Inc., North Central Workforce and Skills of Central PA, Inc.

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o Underserved and underprivileged such as, low income, senior, minority, disabled, and limited English proficient o Mixture of public and private organizations o Each county should have representation of organizations that provide services to its residents o Balance the organizations by type, populations served, and county  Organizations that participate on the Steering Committee should: o Send at least one representative to each meeting or participate by conference call or video conference o Actively participate in discussions o Have an interest, and be willing to participate in open and honest feedback o Recognize that organizations from time-to-time will send multiple representatives based on the agenda topics – in general, representatives should be limited to enable all attendees to participate without biases  Members should develop goals and objectives of the Committee by consensus  The six-county service area is large, therefore it would be helpful if Committee members distributed information and obtained feedback from other interested parties on an ongoing basis  One Committee member could be assigned a specific task to document potential issues or negative impacts on underserved and underprivileged populations

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PRIORITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Because financial and human resources are limited, it is important to prioritize the most feasible recommendations for coordinated transportation services in the North Central Pennsylvania region, a hierarchy that is presented below. It is important for North Central and its stakeholders to derive initiatives from the Plan Update that improve transportation access for persons with disabilities and senior citizens and advance them under the 5310 Program.

SHORT-TERM INITIATIVES These solutions address critical issues that can be implemented in the near future.

ATA AND DUFAST TO REVIEW SERVICE COORDINATION IN DUBOIS

Objective: Improving connections between public transportation services.

Strategy: Transit agencies collaborate to identify a single central location in DuBois that can be used by both agencies as a main connection point. Possibilities include the DuBois Giant Eagle and the DuBois Mall. A longer term approach is to create a multimodal facility in DuBois to be used by both public and private transportation providers. In addition, the two agencies should explore coordinating fares and marketing materials to further facilitate traveling between the systems.

Benefits:  Potential increase in public transit ridership between services  Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.

Implementation Timeframe: FY 2015

Metric: Number of transfers between ATA and DuFAST; Increase in trips in DuBois area

WEB BASED DIRECTORY OF AVAILABLE HUMAN SERVICE TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

Objective: Increasing awareness of existing public and human service transportation services and providers throughout the region.

Strategy: The database can be modeled after PA 2-1-1 in other regions. Development and use of this database may be a first step in establishing the need for a North Central PA 2-1-1 call center. Initial development can be led by North Central based on knowledge of the Steering Committee. The directory should include at a minimum the name of the transportation provider, type of service offered, eligibility requirements as applicable, contact name, phone number, and website.

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Benefits:  Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.  Enhances mobility options for transit-dependent populations and the general public by increasing awareness of all available public and private transit services and human service agency transportation.

Implementation Timeframe: FY 2015 to FY 2016

Metric: Number of hits on the online database

MAINTAIN THE COORDINATED PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE AS AN ADVISORY GROUP

Objective: Better information sharing between human service stakeholders.

Strategy: North Central can coordinate future meetings based on Coordinated Plan Steering Committee membership and the Steering Committee Recommendations above. For a successful example, look to the T.I.R.E.S Committee in Southwestern Pennsylvania. That group convenes twice a year to discuss human service transportation related issues and solutions. Also, look to ATA’s newly reactivated RRTAC as a partner and resource.

Benefits:

 Creates a forum where emergent transportation issues can be discussed and resolved.  Facilitates ongoing cooperation and coordination.  Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.  Enhances mobility options for transit-dependent populations and the general public by increasing awareness of all available public and private transit services and human service agency transportation.

Implementation Timeframe: First Meeting in winter 2014

Metric: Number of meetings held; Number of new projects developed

DEVELOP CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO SAME DAY PARATRANSIT SCHEDULING COSTS

Objective: Gap is service eligibility and/or prohibitive cost of same day service as it is not eligible for subsidy programs.

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Strategy: As the first task of the new advisory group, the regional partners could conduct a brainstorming session to identify creative ways to solve this problem. A pilot program should be developed that at a minimum could explore:  Expanded ATA partnerships with human service agencies or hospitals to provide greater access to agency-sponsored same day trips.  In areas where the riders are traveling shorter distances, identify ways to make taxi service more widely available.  Reach out to other rural regions to learn from similar issues and possible solutions.  Collaborate with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) on legislative solutions.

Benefits:

 Solves a critical need as identified through public outreach and stakeholder discussions.  Better serves a transit dependent population with coordinated human service transportation.

Implementation Timeframe: Discussed at first meeting of Advisory Group in Winter 2014

Metric: Number of same day paratransit trips; Number of partner organizations willing to sponsor trips

INCREASED MARKETING TO TARGET POPULATIONS ABOUT AVAILABLE SERVICES

Objective: Increasing awareness of existing public and human service transportation services and providers throughout the region.

Strategy: Both ATA and DuFAST should develop, preferably joint, educational materials on services available and how to use those services. These materials would be in addition to the current maps and schedules, and answer common questions such as how to ride the bus, what shared ride services are available, how a rider can qualify for a free or reduced trip, etc. These materials should be available at all the same locations as the maps and schedules.

Also, increased marketing about all services to target populations can increase awareness of available transit services and boost ridership. As feasible, this should be approached in traditional ways via radio and newspaper, but also by selling fare instruments at local businesses, and distributing maps and schedules at grocery stores, libraries, community centers, post offices, and other public locations.

Benefits:

 Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.  Enhances mobility options for transit-dependent populations and the general public by increasing awareness of all available public and private transit services and human service agency transportation.

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Implementation Timeframe: FY 2015 to FY 2016

Metric: Increased passenger trips; Increased passenger miles

OBTAIN FUNDING FOR TARGETED MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

Objective: Identify potential ways to fund projects that increase awareness and provide transportation information.

Strategy: Research can be conducted through Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and other industry sources to identify grant programs that have the mission of increasing transportation options for protected groups and rural area residents. Benefits:  Obtain one-time funding for special marketing and awareness campaigns that won’t negatively impact the budgets of North Central, ATA and DuFAST.  Close the perceived gap that some of the public and organizations have that transportation services are not available to them or their clients.

Implementation Timeframe: FY 2015

Metric: Dollars raised for targeted marketing

MEDIUM-TERM INITIATIVES While still addressing important gaps, these activities may require more resources, time for planning, and/or major policy changes.

MORE COORDINATION BETWEEN TRANSIT AGENCIES AND HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Objective: Increasing awareness of existing public and human service transportation services and providers throughout the region. Strategy: Through the new Advisory Group, transit agencies can work with human service agencies to identify gaps in distribution points of transit service information. Also, human service agencies should identify new employees that could benefit from training on available public transit resources and coordinate that training through the group. As many comments were made about time and cost savings, ATA could work with willing human service agencies develop a pilot project to coordinate the paratransit trips of multiple human service agencies

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for greater efficiencies. It would require greater flexibility on the part of human service agencies and clients, but could result in time and cost savings.

This could also encompass greater coordination of MATP services. As has been stated, much of the human service transportation in the region is provided through MATP and one of the directives of the program is use utilize existing public transportation whenever feasible. Currently, ATA is the MATP provider in 3 counties and human service organizations coordinate the program in the other 3 counties. There could be room for greater coordination among the 4 organizations.

Benefits:  Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.  Enhances mobility options for transit-dependent populations and the general public by increasing awareness of all available public and private transit services and human service agency transportation.

Implementation Timeframe: FY 2016 to FY 2017

Metric: Number of training sessions; Number of trips coordinated; Cost savings of coordinated trips

"HOW TO TRAVEL USING PUBLIC TRANSIT" RESOURCE GUIDE FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PUBLIC Objective: Increasing awareness of existing public and human service transportation services and providers throughout the region. Strategy: North Central, ATA and DuFAST partner to develop an online educational resource guide. “How to Travel Using Public Transit” would be a presentation and/or workshop that would explain available services and answer common questions. It could be developed into a DVD or online training tool that could be shared widely. An example is the Transportation 101 workshops developed by the Pittsburgh-area Transportation Management Associations. Benefits:  Improves access to both local and regional services through increased awareness and understanding.  Enhances mobility options for transit-dependent populations and the general public by increasing awareness of all available public and private transit services and human service agency transportation.

Implementation Timeframe: FY 2016 to FY 2017

Metric: Number of travel training tools developed; Number of training events held; Number of hits to the online resource

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LONG-TERM INITIATIVES These solutions require significant additional planning and/or major policy changes.

EXPLORE VIABILITY OF SERVICES TO THE REGIONAL AIRPORTS  If fixed route service is not appropriate other solutions could include vanpools, car sharing services such as Zip Car, hotel or business sponsored shuttles, and better marketing of paratransit options to airport customers.  A first step could be including public transportation options on the websites of Bradford Regional and DuBois Regional airports.

Possible Timeframe: 3 years Possible Metrics: Number of trips to and from airports; Number of new projects related to airports

INCLUDE TRANSIT IN THE REGIONAL PLANNING AND PERMITTING PROCESSES  To solve access issues from the beginning, explore making proximity to transit services and accessibility for transportation vehicles part of regional planning and permitting processes. Some examples that could be explored are the Highway Occupancy Permit process, Land Development Permits, building permits in the population center communities, and county planning reviews. This type of consideration would force businesses to consider multiple transportation modes when planning and updating their facilities.

Possible Timeframe: 5 years Possible Metrics: Number of permits given that include transit considerations; Number of community plans that consider transit

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APPENDIX

A. DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

POPULATION DENSITY

TABLE 4: SIX COU NTY POPU LATION DEMOGRAPHICS C URRENT AND P ROJECTED 2010 2012 2017 Population 224,780 225,878 223,476 Households 91,225 90,981 91,073 Families 60,580 60,165 59,777 Average Household Size 2.33 2.35 2.32 Owner Occupied Housing Units 69,322 67,506 67,908 Renter Occupied Housing Units 21,903 23,475 23,165 Median Age 44.23 44.72 45.70 SOURCE: ESRI Map 3 shows that the region is largely rural with the population centers along the I-80 corridor. Public transit services are available in all the population centers. Table 4 shows the region is expected to experience a slight population decrease by 2017.

TABLE 5: REGIONAL, STATE, AND NATIONA L TRENDS BETWEEN 2012 AND 2017 Trends: 2012 - 2017 Annual North Pennsylvania National Rate Central Population -0.27% 0.30% 0.68% Households 0.04% 0.38% 0.74% Families -0.11% 0.22% 0.72% Owner Households 0.14% 0.56% 0.91% Median Household Income 2.66% 3.07% 2.55% SOURCE: ESRI

LOW INCOME POPULATION

TABLE 6: SIX COU NTY INC OME DEMOGRAPHICS CURRENT AND PROJECTED Households by Income 2012 2017 <$15,000 15,188 16.69% 14,796 16.25% $15,000 - $24,999 14,018 15.41% 10,903 11.97% $25,000 - $34,999 12,848 14.12% 11,229 12.33% $35,000 - $49,999 15,471 17.00% 14,998 16.47% $50,000 - $74,999 17,648 19.40% 20,739 22.77% $75,000 - $99,999 8,013 8.81% 9,757 10.71% $100,000 - $149,999 5,193 5.71% 5,758 6.32% $150,000 - $199,999 1,430 1.57% 1,673 1.84% $200,000+ 1,172 1.29% 1,220 1.34% Median Household Income $38,568 $43,476 Average Household Income $49,130 $53,325 Per Capita Income $20,745 $22,797 SOURCE: ESRI

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Map 4 shows that the low income population roughly correlates with population density and all areas with concentrations of low income residents are served by public transit. According to Table 6, Incomes in the region are expected to rise, but by less than the state and national average (Table 5).

MINORITY POPULATION

TABLE 7: SIX COU NTY RACE DEMOGRAPHICS CURRENT AND PROJECTED Race and Ethnicity 2010 2012 2017 White 217,616 97.78% 218,203 97.61% 214,352 97.08% Nonwhite 4,942 2.22% 5,337 2.39% 6,452 2.92% SOURCE: ESRI Table 7 shows that the North Central region has a small minority population. Map 5 shows that the minority population is concentrated in two areas. The high concentration in McKean County is due to Federal Correction Institution McKean. The high concentration in Clearfield County is due to the State Correction Institution Houtzdale.

SENIOR POPULATION

TABLE 8: SIX COU NTY A GE DEMOGRAPHICS CURRENT AND PROJECTED Population by Age 2010 2012 2017 0 - 4 11,758 5.23% 11,722 5.19% 11,492 5.14% 5 - 9 12,455 5.54% 12,378 5.48% 12,079 5.41% 10 - 14 13,524 6.02% 13,306 5.89% 13,137 5.88% 15 - 19 14,635 6.51% 13,974 6.19% 13,096 5.86% 20 - 24 11,927 5.31% 12,150 5.38% 11,093 4.96% 25 - 34 24,075 10.71% 24,564 10.87% 24,307 10.88% 35 - 44 29,469 13.11% 28,828 12.76% 27,610 12.35% 45 - 54 35,971 16.00% 35,016 15.50% 31,820 14.24% 55 - 64 30,517 13.58% 31,889 14.12% 32,602 14.59% 65 - 74 20,548 9.14% 21,917 9.70% 25,653 11.48% 75 - 84 13,780 6.13% 13,718 6.07% 14,002 6.27% 85+ 6,121 2.72% 6,416 2.84% 6,585 2.95% SOURCE: ESRI The statistics in Table 8 show an aging population in the six county region. Map 6 also shows high concentrations of seniors around population centers. That being said, ATA county-wide shared ride services are available in the four counties with the highest concentrations of seniors.

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LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP)

TABLE 9: SIX COU NTY LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY Population LEP Percent of Population Population Cameron County 4,900 - 0.00% Clearfield County 77,800 700 0.90% Elk County 30,700 100 0.33% Jefferson County 42,600 200 0.47% McKean County 41,300 300 0.73% Potter County 16,500 200 1.21% 6 County Total 213,800 1,500 0.60%

Pennsylvania 11,982,300 459,800 3.84% SOURCE: US CENSUS 2007-2011 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY Table 9 shows a small percentage of the population has limited English proficiency. All counties are below the state average of 3.84%.

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 41 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

B. SURVEY OUTREACH SUMMARY Amy Kessler of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission was the leader of the successful outreach efforts for the public and organization surveys. The timeline is as follows:  March 13, 2014: o Press release faxed to newspapers and radio stations o Links posted on Twitter and Engage North Central PA o First set of e-mails sent to County Commissioners, Human Service agencies, transportation stakeholders, Chambers of Commerce and CareerLinks  March 20, 2014: e-mails to school districts  March 20, 2014: e-mails sent to Women, Infants, and Children Offices and the Workforce Investment Board members throughout the six-county service area  March 21, 2014: e-mails to housing authorities and nursing homes throughout the six-county service area  March 27, 2014: Press release faxed again to newspapers and radio stations  March 28, 2014: Meeting with Elk County Family Resource Network 20+ Agencies  April 21, 2014: Survey closed

The following bulleted list summarizes the outreach:  Press release briefly describing the purpose of the surveys and on-line survey links and copies of the surveys were faxed to newspapers and radio stations o Newspapers: Bradford Era, Clearfield Progress, Potter Leader Enterprise, DuBois-Courier Express, Punxsutawney Spirit, Kane Republican, Ridgway Record, St. Marys Daily Press, Jefferson Democrat, The Echo-Emporium and Johnsonburg. o Radio Stations: WBRR/WESB − Bradford, WMKK − Brookville, WQYX/WCPA − Clearfield, WFRM − Coudersport, WDNS DuBois, WOWQ/WCED − DuBois, WLEM/WQKY − Emporium, WHKS − Port Allegany, WPXZ/WWCUZ – Punxsutawney and WDDH – Ridgway.  Survey links were posted on the social media and websites. o Twitter: @northcentralrpo o Engage North Central Pa: http://www.engagenorthcentralpa.com o North Central website: http://www.ncentral.com/trans/?page_id=383  E-mails were sent to over 200 businesses and agencies throughout the six-county service area. The e-mails described the purpose of the survey, requested assistance in completing and/or disseminating the survey(s), provided the survey links and copies of the surveys. The following list provides an overview of the recipients: o Public survey link to all state senators and representatives offices in six counties o County Commissioners offices in six counties o County Planning Offices six counties o Career Link in six counties o Veteran Affairs office in six counties

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 42 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

o 10 chambers of commerce in the service area o 16 libraries in service area o 63 surveys distributed on DuFAST busses o Members of the Elk County Family Resource Network o Transportation Regional Planning Organization Committee o Human Services Coordination Committee o Public Transit Agencies (ATA and DuFAST) o Transportation Provider (Health Ride) o PennDOT Bureau of Public Transportation o Health and Human Service Agencies and Organizations including PA Department of Health, City and County Women, Infant, and Children’s (WIC) offices, Workforce Investment Board (WIB) for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties, Departments of Human Services throughout the service area, Area on Aging Agencies, and Children and Youth Agencies. o Government agencies including cities, counties, Housing Authorities, Planning Organizations o Health Care Organizations, agencies, and providers o Businesses and manufactures o Center for Independent Living (LIFT) o Presentation to six human service organizations and collection of five organizational surveys o The Link (worked through Hope W @ Lift): L.I.F.T o School districts, schools, colleges, and universities

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 43 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

PRESS RELEASE Following is a copy of the Press Release issued by North Central.

FIGU RE 1 – N ORTH CE NTRAL PU BLIC INPUT P RESS RELEASE

SOURCE : NORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 44 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

TWITTER POSTINGS The following eight figures are copies of North Central’s Twitter Postings:

FIGU RE 2 – TWITTER – MA RCH 13, 2014

SOURCE : NORTH CENTRAL

FIGU RE 3 – TWITTER − MA RCH 21, 2013

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 45 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

FIGU RE 4 – TWITTER − MA RCH 31, 2014 − 11:28 A. M.

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

FIGU RE 5 – TWITTER − MA RCH 31, 2014 – 2:30 P.M.

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 46 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

FIGU RE 6 – TWITTER − AP RI L 2, 2014

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

FIGU RE 7 – TWITTER – AP RI L 3, 2014

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 47 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

FIGU RE 8 – TWITTER – AP RI L 14, 2014 – 8:03 A. M.

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

FIGU RE 9 – TWITTER – AP RI L 14, 2014 – 9:05 A. M.

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 48 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES The following two figures are copies of newspaper articles about the survey that appeared in the Cameron County Echo and St. Marys Daily Press.

FIGU RE 10 – CAMERON C OU NTY ECHO – MARCH 19, 2014

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 49 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

FIGU RE 11 - ST MA RYS DAIL Y PRESS – APRIL 11, 2014

SOURCE : N ORTH CENTRAL

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 50 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

PUBLIC OUTREACH SURVEY

See the following pages.

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 51 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… North Central Public Outreach

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission is conducting this survey for the purpose of identifying critical gaps in the region’s transportation system, especially those related to transportation access issues for underserved populations.

In order to efficiently gather public transportation needs, potential target strategies, implementation objectives, and coordination opportunities, this Transportation Needs Survey is extremely important to us. If you could take a few minutes out of your day to complete and submit your survey responses, it would be greatly appreciated.

We respect your time and cooperation, and look forward to reviewing your input, which will be used as we develop our Coordinated Human Service and Transportation Plan.

The deadline for completing the survey is Monday, April 21, 2014.

If you have questions, need assistance, or have additional information to share with us as a part of this survey, please feel free to contact:

Amy Kessler or Tom Buck 814.773.3162

Thank you for your participation!

Page 1 North Central Public Outreach

*1. Please provide your town and zip code. Town

Zip code

2. For the majority of your local trips, how do you travel? Please check one.

nmlkj Drive Alone

nmlkj Ride in family / friend's vehicle

nmlkj Ride with volunteers / carpool

nmlkj Use public transportation (ATA, DuFAST, Call A Bus)

nmlkj Take a taxi

nmlkj Walk / bike

nmlkj Use a human service agency

nmlkj Other, please list:

5

6

3. In the last six months, have any household members missed any of the following due to a lack of transportation? Please check all that apply.

gfedc Work

gfedc Medical appointments

gfedc Shopping

gfedc Family / friend visits

gfedc Entertainment

gfedc Social service

gfedc Education

gfedc Religious

gfedc Not Applicable

gfedc Other, please list:

5

6

Page 2 North Central Public Outreach 4. If you already use or were going to use public transportation, what is you main reason for traveling? Please check one.

nmlkj Work

nmlkj Medical appointments

nmlkj Shopping

nmlkj Family / friend visits

nmlkj Entertainment

nmlkj Social service

nmlkj Education

nmlkj Religious

nmlkj Not Applicable

nmlkj Other, please list:

5

6

5. Please indicate your reasons if you have never used or no longer use public transportation. Check all that apply.

gfedc Service not frequent enough

gfedc Travel takes too long

gfedc Service not offered to needed sites

gfedc Service is not reliable

gfedc Fares are expensive

gfedc Too far to walk to a bus stop

gfedc I prefer to drive

gfedc Not aware of services available

gfedc Not applicable

gfedc Other, please list:

5

6

Page 3 North Central Public Outreach 6. Which of the following would be the best way to inform you about public transportation services in your community? Check all that apply.

gfedc Direct mailings to your home

gfedc Newspaper

gfedc Radio

gfedc Television

gfedc Websites

gfedc Social media

gfedc Inserts with your municipal bills

gfedc Not interested

gfedc Other, please list:

5

6

7. Please provide comments and suggestions. 5

6

8. Can we add you to our mailing list? Please provide your e­mail address. 5

6

Page 4 NORTH CENTRAL COORDINATED PLAN UPDATE

ORGANIZATION OUTREACH SURVEY

See the following pages.

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 52 RESULTS WITH INTEGRITY… North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey -

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission is conducting this survey for the purpose of identifying critical gaps in the region’s transportation system, especially those related to transportation access issues for underserved populations.

In order to efficiently gather public transportation needs, potential target strategies, implementation objectives, and coordination opportunities, this Transportation Needs Survey is extremely important to us. If you could take a few minutes out of your day to complete and submit your survey responses, it would be greatly appreciated.

We respect your time and cooperation, and look forward to reviewing your input, which will be used as we develop our Coordinated Human Service and Transportation Plan.

The deadline for completing the survey is Monday, April 21, 2014.

If you have questions, need assistance, or have additional information to share with us as a part of this survey, please feel free to contact:

Amy Kessler or Tom Buck 814.773.3162

Thank you for your participation!

Page 1 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey -

*1. Please tell us some information about you and your organization. Your Name

Your Title

Organization Name

Department Name (if applicable) Zip Code (5 Digits) of Organization

Email

Telephone Number

2. Please select your agency type.

nmlkj Public

nmlkj Private, nonprofit

nmlkj Private, for profit

nmlkj Other (please specify)

5

6

3. Of the clients you have contact with most often through your agency, what is the primary purpose of that contact? Check only one.

nmlkj Human/Social Services

nmlkj Transportation Services

nmlkj Healthcare Services

nmlkj Educational Services

nmlkj Employment Services

nmlkj Advocacy Services

nmlkj Other (please specify)

Page 2 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 4. In what County is your organization located? Check only one.

nmlkj McKean

nmlkj Potter

nmlkj Elk

nmlkj Cameron

nmlkj Jefferson

nmlkj Clearfield

nmlkj Other (please specify)

5. What Counties comprise your service area? Check all that apply.

gfedc McKean

gfedc Potter

gfedc Elk

gfedc Cameron

gfedc Jefferson

gfedc Clearfield

gfedc Other (please specify)

6. How many clients does your organization assist annually?

7. Please indicate the kind of transportation assistance your agency offers and estimate the number of clients served in each category.

Provide direct transportation to the public

Agency vehicles are used to transport clients/residents/members

Contract with third parties to provide transportation when needed

Provide transportation vouchers to clients

Deliver goods or services to clients

Assist clients in scheduling trips

Coordinate Medical Assistance

Refer clients to public transportation, such as ATA and DuFAST

Page 3 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 8. Do your clients routinely have transportation needs that you cannot serve ?

gfedc Yes

gfedc No

If yes, please describe: 5

6

9. Please identify the types of transportation limitations experienced by the people you serve. Check all that apply.

gfedc Aging related

gfedc Physical disability

gfedc Mental disability

gfedc Low income

gfedc Remote/rural location

gfedc Funding eligibility

gfedc No funding source

gfedc Other (please specify)

5

6

Page 4 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 10. Please rank the significance of the transportation issues listed below as they relate to access to jobs. 1 = the most significant 2 = 2nd most 3 = 3rd most significant 4 = 4th most significant Not Applicable issue significant issue issue issue Cost: Regardless of nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj transportation mode, many people cannot afford the cost of getting to and from the workplace.

Lack of Service for Non­ nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj traditional Work Hours: The routes and/or schedules of public transit and other types of transportation services do not meet the needs of those workers whose workweek does not coincide with the traditional Monday­Friday schedule. (i.e.: swing shift, rotations, flex shift, etc.)

Length of Commute: The nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj distance between home and the workplace, combined with the number of transfers or connections to other modes of transportation, discourages workers from staying in any one job for very long.

Lack of Skills: People often nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj lack the basic life skills needed to plan their work commute, manage the cost of getting to and from the workplace, and arrive at a job on time.

Page 5 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 11. Please rank the significance of the transportation issues listed below as they relate to access for people with disabilities. 1 = the most significant 2 = 2nd most 3 = 3rd most significant 4 = 4th most significant Not Applicable issue significant issue issue issue Safe Pedestrian Access: nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Weather conditions, long distances from transit stops/vehicles, deteriorating sidewalks, and busy intersections can create unsafe pedestrian pathways.

Cost of Same Day Trip nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Scheduling: The lack of on demand and nighttime and weekend paratransit services in most counties along with advance trip scheduling requirements make it difficult to secure a ride, especially during emergency situations.

Reliable On­Time nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Performance: Providers of paratransit services sometimes pick­up and drop­off passengers early or late resulting in inconveniences such as long commute times and wait times.

Uninformed Trip Decision nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Makers: Agencies responsible for approving paratransit trips do not understand that the transportation needs of people with disabilities are not ‘one size fits all.’

Page 6 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 12. Please rank the significance of the transportation issues listed below as they relate to access to Information about transportation options. 1 = the most significant 2 = 2nd most 3 = 3rd most significant 4 = 4th most significant Not Applicable issue significant issue issue issue Difficulty Finding Service nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Information: People are not aware of the transportation options available in their area, who provides it, and what is required to use it.

Insufficient Budgets, Staff, nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj and Time: Transportation and human service agencies lack sufficient funds, staff/volunteers, and time to further market and advertise service information.

Inaccurate and Inconsistent nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Information: Misinformation about transportation options and what is required to use them discourages people from pursuing future utilization.

No Centralized Information nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj Center: There is no readily accessible and usable ‘one­ stop shop’ for the collection and dissemination of the entire region’s transportation information.

13. Do the majority of your clients have reliable access to the internet?

nmlkj Yes

nmlkj No

Page 7 North Central Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey - 14. What other transportation issues or gaps, if any, are you aware of that were not covered in the previous questions? Please be specific in describing transportation needs in your service area that are not being adequately met, along with recommended solutions. 5

6

15. When you think about the people served by your organization, FROM what one general (or specific) area do the majority of your clients travel? Examples: town, county, neighborhood, etc. 5

6

16. When you think about the people served by your organization, TO what general (or specific) area do the majority of your clients travel? Examples: town, county, neighborhood, etc. 5

6

17. To what extent does your agency coordinate any transportation services with other agencies in your area (e.g., share riders, joint training, pool insurance, etc.)? Please list the coordinating agencies. 5

6

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