Brazos Valley Coordinated Transportation Plan Update

2017 Brazos Valley Coordinated Transportation Plan Update

Approved by Independent Stakeholder Committee, February 15, 2017 BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Thank you This update of the 2017 Coordinated Transportation Plan was made possible by numerous stakeholders throughout the region. We would like to thank our staff and numerous stakeholders and active citizens for their participation in this plan.

BVCOG Staff Navasota Cab & Courier Leon County Health Resource Michael Parks Rance Parham Center Travis Halm Donna Danford Clay Barnett Texas Veterans Commission Gloria McCarty Jeffrey English Troy Robie Monica Rainey Madison County Health Vietnam Veterans Association Resource Center Brazos Transit District Thomas Powell Towanda Webber Wendy Weedon Sarah Santoy Workforce Solutions – Jobs Calvert Senior Center Center & Childcare Bea Cephas Brazos Valley Center for Gaylen Lange Independent Living Robert Gonzales Washington County Healthy Jackie Pacha Living Association Andrew Morse Area Agency on Aging Toy Kurtz Troy Howell Ronnie Gipson Cyndy Belt Stephen Galvin City of Bryan Tracy Glass Lindsay Hackett Department of Assistive and Brazos Valley Area Agency on Rehabilitative Services Regional Citizens Aging Virginia Herrera Ann Boehm Ronnie Gipson Steven Galvin Texas A&M Health Science Center Bryan-College Station MPO Karla Blaine Daniel Rudge Debbie Muesse Brad McCaleb Elizabeth Gonzalez-Silva Bart Benthul Angela Alaniz

Heart of Texas Regional Burleson County Health Advisory Council Resource Commission Gary Clouse Albert Ramirez Sherii Alexander Housing Voucher Program Karla Flanagan Grimes County Health Resource Center Workforce Solutions Brazos Betty Feldman Valley Lara Meece Patricia Buck Nancy Franek Shawna Rendon

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Contents Thank you ...... 1 Executive Summary ...... 4 Introduction ...... 13 Mission and Vision Statements ...... 14 Planning Stakeholders ...... 19 Integrated Planning Process ...... 20 Existing Transportation Resources in the Brazos Valley Region ...... 21 Comprehensive Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis ...... 37 Demographic Analysis ...... 39 Prioritization Survey ...... 40 Comprehensive Needs and Gap Analysis ...... 41 Goals and Objectives ...... 51 Sustain Planning & Plan Implementation ...... 79 Performance Measures – Evaluation of Effectiveness ...... 80 Conclusion ...... 84

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Executive Summary Introduction

The following document is the culmination of an 18-month planning process which began September 1, 2015 and concludes February 28, 2017. The following document was developed and written by a group of stakeholders throughout the Brazos Valley region, led by the Regional Transportation Department of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. This transportation plan is an update to previous transportation plans written in 2007 and 2011. Process

The planning process for this document consisted of three reports with various deliverables and timeframes to maintain and progress this planning project. The three steps and reports for this project, as laid out by the Texas Department of Transportation, include:

 Transportation Inventory Report (September 2015 to February 2016) o Report tabulating existing services, programs and vehicles  Comprehensive Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis (March 2016 to August 2016) o Identifies gaps in services, whether geographic, timing or scope of service offered. o Identifies needs of the region which are currently not met.  Transportation Plan Update (September 2016 to February 2017) o Develops and updates the vision and mission for health & human service transportation in the Brazos Valley Region. o Identifies specific solutions to fixing gaps and needs o Provides guidance to TxDOT and regional stakeholders of priorities which should be funded. Mission and Vision

The following mission and vision statements were identified by the Transportation Workgroup for the Transportation Plan update period of 2017-2021:

Mission Statement: “As regional stakeholders, to identify, plan and execute improvements, additions and promotion of health and human service transportation in the Brazos Valley region.”

Vision Statement: “A region-wide system of transportation partners providing transportation service which enhances essential health availability and overall quality of life.”

Regional Stakeholders

Brazos Transit District Navasota Cab & Courier GLI/SERCO Bryan-College Station MPO Area Agency on Aging Vietnam Vets Associat. Workforce Solutions Texas Veterans Commission HOTRAC – Gary Clouse Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL)

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Transportation Inventory Texas A&M Transit Fixed Route Bus Service Brazos Transit District

On-Demand Transit Service Brazos Transit District

Taxi service in 5 of 7 counties. (Excluding Robertson, Leon) Taxi Service *See Inventory Report for individual providers Health/Senior Centers Health Resource and Senior Centers in all seven counties Providing Transportation *See Inventory Report Non-Profit Transportation 20+ Non-profit organizations provide transportation to various services Providers Airport-based shuttle Ground Shuttle service Brenham Mobility Greyhound National Bus Lines Kerrville Bus Co. Transportation and Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) Mobility Training

Hospital/ Clinic Shuttles Veterans Affair Shuttle (to Temple from Bryan, Hearne & Centerville)

Demographic Analysis – Key Points Populations grew in five counties within the region, Burleson & Robertson lost pop. Population Large influx in student population in Brazos County (TAMU; Blinn) Rural areas seeing steady increase in senior population Gender Region slightly more male than female; no change between 2011-14 Average income fell in Robertson & Washington; rose in other 5 counties Income Median family income increased in all counties and family types. Largest increases in Grimes and Leon Counties Large transient population in Brazos County (college students) Correlation found between average household & family incomes and housing Housing tenure; higher income families more likely to own their place of residence. Average household size increased in all rural counties; decreased in Brazos due to an increase in college student population Vehicle availability remained similar 2011-2014: roughly 3,700 residents without at least one vehicle. Travel & 80% of all commuters travel via vehicle (10% carpool) Commuting Alternative transportation modes make up 10% of regional commuters Most commuters in the region commute between 10 and 24 minutes Disability Population of people with disabilities increased consistently with increases in statistics population of elderly population English The Brazos Valley has become more diverse between 2011-2014 and matches state proficiency and national trends

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis (Feb ’16-Aug ’16) Fixed stop locations on fixed transit routes

. System is antiquated and needs to remove “flagging” from service to improve efficiency and safety (Brazos Transit District Study being undergone to remove this system) . Texas A&M buses already have fixed stops on all routes Fixed-route bus service in rural counties

. No fixed-route buses exist in rural counties; only demand and response service . A fixed route with set times servicing rural communities would provide riders & patients with a set time to plan appointments without requiring large amounts of time flexibility Demand & response transportation limitations

. Current timing of demand & response service is often the only form of transportation to some medical services in Bryan-College Station from rural areas . Arrival time is often a 2 or 3 hour window; departure time is similar range. (Similar to national average; however, still considered a challenge by many transit users) . No weekend or after-hour service Workplace Provided Transportation

. Currently there are few major employers offering transportation services . Previous partnerships with Sanderson Farms and Brazos Transit were successful in getting people from Madisonville to Bryan production plant. Interconnectivity outside the Brazos Valley Region

. Many ride seekers struggle to find services outside of the region . Collaboration between neighboring regional councils and transit providers is lacking Rural Taxi Service limitations

. Leon and Robertson Counties currently have no taxi service located within their counties . Rates are often too expensive for low income or individuals who have disabilities . Demand simply does not exist without funding assistance

Dialysis Transportation (and other frequent visit treatment types)

. Dialysis limitations were identified in every county . Appointments often 3-4 hours long and three times per week. . Each appointment vital to survival . Medicare covers some circumstances . Health Resource Centers cannot provide dialysis service, along with other transportation needs

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Driver Availability

. Many volunteers are aging and unable to safely provide transportation regularly . Many health visits require skilled drivers . Funding does not exist for full time drivers in many counties . Regular volunteers difficult to find Veterans Transportation

. Current shuttle service does not provide assistance entering or exiting the vehicle . Service only in Brazos, Robertson and Leon Counties Local Funding Support

. Funding of region-wide transit services is limited for health resource centers. . Brazos Transit District (BTD) is not funded by municipalities in Brazos Valley region . BTD Funding formulas will change following 2020 census; funding may decrease as a result . Local health resource centers have limited budgets to provide transportation services Promotion and education of transit

. Many riders (or potential riders) do not know which services are available to them . Many services go underutilized or underserve because of lack of exposure in communities . Some services require training to use; some riders lack knowledge/experience of using service . Promote school bus safety to help children who cannot receive a ride from parent or guardian General Population Transit Use

. Only 10% of Brazos Valley residents commute via alternative methods; 90% with car. . Lack of general population use makes service less frequent for persons dependent upon service

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Plan Objectives Goal 1: Create a coordinated partnership of transportation providers.

Objective 1.1:

Continue with Transportation Workgroup meetings (monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly) so as to encourage the exchange of ideas and an ongoing examination of ways to coordinate and promote transportation services.

 Forge new partnerships  Ensure objectives are being met

Objective 1.2:

Continue to promote and pursue funding for travel training and disability awareness classes for transportation drivers and riders.

 Actively pursue 5310 Funds  Continue promoting and helping BVCIL in travel training efforts

Objective 1.3:

Identify and pursue funding mechanisms for paid skilled drivers for various services including health resource centers and veterans.

 Pursue (or continue receiving) funding from: o Area Agency on Aging o United Way and other charities o Outside funding sources

Objective 1.4:

Actively pursue Texas Department of Transportation planning pilot project grants.

 Stay updated on TXDOT’s pilot project grants  Plan and execute a successful project for the region

Goal 2: Promote & maximize utilization of available transportation resources. Objective 2.1:

Establish a single source that would allow any organization with a client needing transportation services to book the use of the services of any organization providing transportation services, in addition to continuing the transportation resource guide.

 Create a single source transportation booking website  Continuously update the Regional Transportation Resource Guide

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Objective 2.2:

Coordinate with other regional councils regarding their Coordinated Transportation Plans to identify services of priority outside of the Brazos Valley of significance to local residents.

 Develop multi-regional coordination efforts (meetings; partner with providers in both regions)

Goal 3: Eliminate gaps in transportation services.

Objective 3.1:

Developing new and sustainable workforce transportation programs and identify funding sources to continue these services past the initial start-up.

 Promote the benefits of transit  Pursue funds

Objective 3.2:

Work with Brazos Transit, other transportation providers and community leaders to encourage and develop the possible enhancements of services in the Brazos Valley Region.

 Continue to encourage local coordination between transportation providers

Objective 3.3:

Develop enhancement of service for users with frequent medical treatment related transportation needs.

 Actively pursue 5310 Funds  Human services transportation coordination  Create partnerships with local taxi services and Medicaid recipients

Goal 4: Encourage Local Political Support of Public Transportation Services.

Objective 4.1:

Actively promote existing transportation services to local elected officials

 Continue sending transportation success stories to local media outlets

Objective 4.2:

Create a streamlined route of communication between local elected officials and transportation providers regarding challenges and needs they encounter in their daily operations.

 Continue with RTPC meetings (transportation committee of elected officials)

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Objective 4.3:

Ensure that all local transportation providers are prepared for forecasted Transportation Management Area (TMA) status.

 Coordinate new projects with the regional five-year transportation plan  Include a Congestion Management System into the transportation planning process Objective 4.4:

Encourage and promote sustainable growth techniques and strategies in communities which compliment transit initiatives and create a higher quality of life for all residents.

 Employ new sidewalk ordinances, “road diets,” and increase ADA accessibility  Encourage transit-oriented and infill development  Update public transportation and school bus safety education

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2017 Brazos Valley Coordinated Transportation Plan Update

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Introduction

TxDOT Coordinated Transportation Planning Grant This update of the Brazos Valley Coordinated Transportation Plan is the latest update to the TxDOT health and human service coordinated transportation planning process by regional councils and other agencies statewide which began in 2007. This plan update for the 2017-2021 timeframe is the third update in this planning process, following a plan update which took place in 2011.

Purpose Accessing necessary resources within our region is very difficult for persons without a vehicle in the Brazos Valley region. Very few residents are located within walking distance of vital health, pharmacy or grocery resources needed to sustain themselves independently. In addition to these resources, accessing other aspects of the community which enhance quality of life, whether religious or recreational, or accessing potential employment can also be very challenging. Within the Brazos Valley region, a collection of agencies, including Brazos Transit District, the designated general transit provider for transportation region-wide, provide transportation services to clients region-wide. However, all of these organizations have funding limitations which make providing comprehensive service to the target populations of this planning process difficult. Through transportation coordination, these gaps within transportation funding can be solved through collaboration amongst a variety of agencies and groups (both public and private) to solve the growing transportation needs of the region. Coordination of services allows these public and private transportation and health providers to work in unison with a common goal of region-wide transportation coverage for all service-types and needs within the Brazos Valley.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Mission and Vision Statements

Above: Regional stakeholders take part in a coordinated transportation meeting in Navasota, April 2015.

Mission Statement

“As regional stakeholders, to identify, plan and execute improvements, additions and promotion of health and human service transportation in the Brazos Valley region.”

Vision Statement

“A region-wide system of transportation partners providing transportation service which enhances essential health availability and overall quality of life.”

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

County Profiles Seven counties comprise the Brazos Valley Council of Governments region. Each county has differing levels of transportation services and availability based upon population, demographics, and ability to provide these services.

Region Map

Leon

Robertson Madison

Brazos

Grimes Burleson

Washington

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Brazos County

Introduction Brazos County is located in the center of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments coverage area. The cities of Bryan and College Station are located within Brazos County, which serve as the center of commerce within the county and entire region.

Population: 201,534 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Bryan (Pop: 78,368) Incorporated Communities: College Station (Pop: 98,505); Wixon Valley (Pop: 244); Kurten (Pop: 351)

Burleson County

Introduction Burleson County is located in the western portion of the Brazos Valley region, between Brazos and Lee Counties. Outside of Burleson County, residents receive many services based in Bryan/ College Station, located 20 miles northeast of Caldwell.

Population: 17,236 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Caldwell (Pop: 4,179) Incorporated Communities: Somerville (Pop: 1,430); Snook (Pop: 474)

Grimes County

Introduction Grimes County is located in the southeastern Brazos Valley between Brazos and Waller Counties. Many Grimes County residents rely upon health and human service providers in both BCS and Houston, depending upon location in the county, and type of service.

Population: 26,812 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Anderson (Population: 247) Incorporated Communities: Navasota (Pop: 7,215); Iola (Pop: 603); Bedias (Pop: 315); Todd Mission (Pop: 103)

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Leon County

Introduction Leon County is located in the northern portion of the Brazos Valley region, between Robertson and Houston Counties. Many residents of Leon County rely on services provided in Bryan/College Station, Palestine, and can access Houston or Dallas easily on I-45.

Population: 16,784 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Centerville (Pop: 1,027) Incorporated Communities: Buffalo (Pop: 2,198); Jewett (Pop: 1,198); Leona (Pop: 204); Marquez (Pop: 270); Normangee (Pop: 676); Oakwood (Pop: 485)

Madison County

Introduction Madison County is located in the eastern portion of the Brazos Valley region, between Brazos and Houston Counties. Services outside of Madison County for residents are primarily based in Bryan/College Station, and additional services are easily accessible in Huntsville and Houston via I- 45

Population: 13,771 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Madisonville (Pop: 4,479) Incorporated Communities: Midway (Pop: 410)

Robertson County

Introduction Robertson County is located in the northern portion of the Brazos Valley region, between Brazos and Falls/Limestone Counties. Robertson County lies just north of Brazos County, and many health and human service providers in Bryan/College Station.

Population: 16,546 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Franklin (Pop: 2,045) Incorporated Communities: Hearne (Pop: 4,443); Calvert (Pop: 1,200); Bremond (Pop: 854)

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Washington County

Introduction Washington County is located in the southern portion of the Brazos Valley region, between Grimes and Fayette Counties. Washington County is located in between Austin and Houston on US Hwy 290, and receive many services from Bryan/College Station.

Population: 34,049 (2014 ACS 5-Year Estimate) County Seat: Brenham (Pop: 16,029) Incorporated Communities: Burton (Pop: 473)

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Planning Stakeholders

Stakeholders who have provided letters of commitment to participate in the process to develop & approve the regional public transit-human Stakeholder Category services transportation plan during the period Sept. 2015 through Feb. 2017 5307 (small urban transportation providers) Brazos Transit District

5311 (rural Representatives transportation of public providers) Brazos Transit District transportation providers 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Brazos Transit District; Individuals w/Disabilities) Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

Representatives of private transportation providers Navasota Cab & Courier Representatives of non-profit Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living transportation providers Burleson County Health Resource Commission Representatives of human services Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living providers Burleson County Health Resource Commission Representatives of metropolitan planning Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Planning organizations Organization Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging; BVCIL; Texas Individuals with disabilities Veterans Commission Individuals 65 and older Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging Individuals w/low incomes or representatives of/advocates for Housing Voucher Program – Brazos Valley individuals with low incomes Veterans or representative of veterans Texas Veterans Commission; Vietnam Veterans of the groups Brazos Valley Workforce agencies Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley GLI (Sep 2015 to Sep 2016) Advocates for children SERCO (Oct 2016-Feb 2017) Gary Clouse – Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Other members of the public Council

January - February 2017

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Integrated Planning Process Brazos Valley Council of Governments

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments is located within the Center for Regional Services in Bryan, Texas, which partners with numerous agencies under one roof. This “one-stop approach” to providing government services allows enhanced camaraderie between numerous agencies within the region. These partnerships, in addition to agencies outside of our walls allows strong partnerships region-wide to enhance coordinated transportation in the region.

Agencies included:

Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley Housing Voucher Program Workforce Solutions (SERCO) Brazos Transit District Bryan-College Station MPO CHI St Joseph Health Rsc. Centers Texas A&M Health Science Center BVCASA DARS (undergoing transition) Brazos Valley Center for Ind. Living City & County Governments Dept. of State Human Services MHMR of the Brazos Valley Calvert Senior Center Margaret Blizzard Senior Center Texas Veterans Commission Area Agency on Aging Vietnam Veterans Association

Bryan-College Station MPO

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments works in unison with numerous agencies throughout the region partaking in planning efforts to further coordinated transportation throughout the Brazos Valley. BVCOG participates in planning meetings with the Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the BCSMPO actively participates in our planning measures concurrently. The MPO currently undergoes a wide variety of planning initiatives which are actively participated in by the COG, and vice versa.

Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership

The Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership is currently run by BVCOG transportation staff to provide a mechanism for funding and resources for rural health centers to provide transportation for health and human service purposes, grocery, wellness and quality of life purposes. This built-in partnership has provided BVCOG an established, streamlined planning network from Day 1 of this planning effort.

Brazos Transit District

BVCOG and Brazos Transit District (BTD) have been partners in transportation, along with the Bryan- College Station MPO. The BCSMPO and Brazos Transit District are concurrently performing a study of BTD operations within the Bryan-College Station area, where many health and human service resources for the Brazos Valley region are located. BVCOG staff has participated in input related to this BTD operations study, and BTD/BCSMPO staff have been active in this planning effort to ensure these two planning projects compliment and reflect each other’s ideas and objectives.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Existing Transportation Resources in the Brazos Valley Region

Introduction

Phase I of this coordinated planning effort took place from September, 2015 to February, 2016. This phase consisted of a comprehensive inventory of transportation resources within the Brazos Valley region’s seven counties. The Brazos Valley has a wide variety of transportation providers with a wide variety of services provided. However, most providers are dedicated to singular purposes with restrictions of which clients can be provided service.

Purpose

Providing an inventory of transportation resources within the region provides BVCOG, and its region, a comprehensive look at the vehicles and personnel used to provide transportation to senior citizens and persons with disabilities within the region. This inventory will be used in Step II of this process to identify the needs of the region, and perform an analysis of gaps within the network. Once gaps are identified, a comprehensive plan update will be performed in late 2016 and 2017 to create a vision for the region, based upon this initial information.

Methodology

Information was gathered at the guidance of the Transportation Workgroup. All direction was led by stakeholders to BVCOG, as dictated through workgroup meetings and other correspondence. Previous inventory reports, contact with health and transportation providers in rural areas and Bryan/College Station, in addition to help of Chamber of Commerce and other Economic Development authorities guided the information-gathering seen in this report.

Full Transportation Inventory Report

The full Transportation Inventory Report, as submitted to TxDOT, is located in the appendix of this plan.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Provider Profiles Airport Transportation Service Wide ranging demand-and-response Brenham Mobility Burton (979) 251-1660 transportation, including service to Austin, College Station and Houston airports. Airport-only shuttle service between Ground Shuttle College Station (855) 303-4415 College Station and Houston airports (HOU & IAH)

Air Transportation Commercial air service from Easterwood American Airlines College Station (800) 433-7300 Airport (CLL) to Dallas- Fort Worth (DFW) Commercial air service from Easterwood United Airlines College Station (800) 864-8331 Airport (CLL) to Houston (IAH)

Childcare Centers Providing Transportation Brazos County A&M United Methodist College Station (979) 846-1762 Childcare Center Weekday School ABC Dual Language Bryan (979) 703-1822 Childcare Center Learning Center After The Rain Bryan (979) 823-0921 Childcare Center Christian Day Care All Gods Children Bryan (979) 778-9375 Childcare Center Day Care Barbara Murray/Butterfly Bryan (979) 703-6950 Childcare Center Network Beatrice Sheffeld/ Bryan (979) 589-3650 Childcare Center Bumble Bee Becky Gates College Station (979) 458-5437 Childcare Center Children’s Center Big Top Learning Bryan (979) 779-8778 Childcare Center Center Blessings From College Station (979) 693-3010 Childcare Center Above CCC 1 Brazos Valley Kidz Bryan (979) 779-5439 Childcare Center Academy Brenda Oldham Bryan (979) 412-4581 Childcare Center Brinda K Masciale Bryan (979) 778-2345 Childcare Center Brittany Burnett Bryan (979) 530-5425 Childcare Center

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Bullfrogs and Butterflies Child College Station (979) 703-7979 Childcare Center Care Busy Bees Bryan (979) 571-9328 Childcare Center Dayhome Cherrity Rivera Bryan (440) 796-5493 Childcare Center Chubbys Child Care Bryan (979) 779-4782 Childcare Center Center Cuddly Care Daycare /Monique Bryan (504) 473-6587 Childcare Center Berringer Dual After School Bryan (979) 485-2992 Childcare Center Program (DASP) Faith & Family Early Learning Bryan (979) 774-5300 Childcare Center Center Family Montessori Bryan (979) 703-6214 Childcare Center First Presbyterian Bryan (979) 779-6358 Childcare Center Children’s Center Fit for Kids Too Bryan (979) 846-1143 Childcare Center Henrietta Mercer Bryan (979) 436-2573 Childcare Center Jack & Jill College Station (979) 775-5187 Childcare Center Preschool Janette’s Childcare College Station (979) 690-6998 Childcare Center Julia Rhodes Bryan (979) 402-7701 Childcare Center Karla’s Kare Bryan (979) 739-2866 Childcare Center Kiddie Castle Bryan (979) 822-7147 Childcare Center Children’s Center I Kinder Care 839 College Station (979) 693-9900 Childcare Center Kinder Care 841 Bryan (979) 846-1037 Childcare Center Kinder Care 842 Bryan (979) 846-4503 Childcare Center Kinder Care 843 College Station (979) 696-9062 Childcare Center Kinder Ready Bryan (979) 703-1579 Childcare Center Learning Center Little Angels Bryan (979) 775-5175 Childcare Center Monita Harris Bryan (979) 704-2435 Childcare Center New Beginnings Bryan (979) 703-8503 Childcare Center Christian CD Home Peas in a Pod College Station (979) 703-1816 Childcare Center Learning Center Quality Time Home Bryan (979) 224-8597 Childcare Center Daycare Rainforest ChildreNiños College Station (979) 693-1419 Childcare Center School

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Rising Star Learning Bryan (979) 776-3879 Childcare Center Center Sonshine Station Christian Learning Bryan (979) 821-2435 Brazos Center Southwood College Station (979) 693-6556 Childcare Center Learning Center St. Joseph’s Catholic Early Bryan (979) 779-0861 Childcare Center Learning Center Texas Elite Bryan (979) 485-2872 Childcare Center Learning Center Vanessa Smith Bryan (979) 775-5286 Childcare Center Vicky Ransom Bryan (979) 822-6766 Childcare Center Virgia Thomas College Station (979) 595-7705 Childcare Center Burleson County Abundantly Blessed Child Care Caldwell (979) 567-3600 Childcare Center Center Athletic Cheer Power-Twister’s Caldwell (979) 777-8215 Childcare Center Cheer Power Blessings From Caldwell (979) 567-6396 Childcare Center Above CCC 2 Miss Mary’s Day Somerville (979) 596-1009 Childcare Center Care Teresa Sims Caldwell (979) 224-6298 Childcare Center Grimes County A Bright Beginning Navasota (936) 825-2029 Childcare Center ABC Day School Anderson (936) 873-5011 Childcare Center BJs Christian Navasota (936) 825-8500 Childcare Center Learning Center Gods Little Angels Navasota (936) 825-2394 Childcare Center Humpty Dumpty I Navasota (936) 825-2249 Childcare Center Humpty Dumpty II Navasota (936) 419-1088 Childcare Center Kidz Kidz Childcare Navasota (936) 825-1960 Childcare Center Center Rhonda Junek/Happy Daisy Navasota (936) 825-1806 Childcare Center House of Hugs Wells Smiling Faces Navasota (936) 825-6717 Childcare Center Leon County Building Blocks Daycare and Buffalo (903) 322-4966 Childcare Center Academy

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Carolyn Williams/Cradles, Buffalo (903) 258-3944 Childcare Center Cribs and Crayons Cats Kids Jewett (903) 626-5225 Childcare Center Green Acres Centerville (903) 536-1085 Childcare Center Daycare Little Bison Buffalo (903) 390-9779 Childcare Center Academy Madison County Alisha Hill/Rockin Madisonville (936) 348-4238 Childcare Center Rebel Roost Etta Jane Spivey Madisonville (214) 554-8512 Childcare Center Learning Adventures Madisonville (936) 349-0933 Childcare Center Childcare North Zulch North Zulch (936) 399-2150 Childcare Center Learning Center Rita’s Playschool Madisonville (936) 348-5558 Childcare Center and Daycare Treasured Times Madisonville (936) 348-2598 Childcare Center Childcare Robertson County Dragon Fly Franklin (979) 828-1810 Childcare Center Learning Center First Step Learning Hearne (979) 280-5588 Childcare Center Center Kings Daycare Franklin (979) 820-2520 Childcare Center Tender Care Hearne (979) 279-6729 Childcare Center Washington County Christ Lutheran Brenham (979) 277-9008 Childcare Center Day School Grace Angel Brenham (979) 830-7224 Childcare Center Academy Day Care Grace Lutheran Brenham (979) 836-2030 Childcare Center Child Care Center Kiddie Korner Brenham (979) 836-9681 Childcare Center Lil Angels Day Care Brenham (979) 830-1610 Childcare Center 2 Margaret M Cole / Brenham (979) 830-1053 Childcare Center Tender Loving Care Methodist Weekday Child Brenham (979) 830-8661 Childcare Center Development Center St. Paul’s Christian Brenham (979) 836-1145 Childcare Center Day School

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Time Well Spent Brenham (979) 836-0505 Childcare Center Toy Box Child Development Brenham (979) 836-7910 Childcare Center Center Wee Care for All Brenham (979) 836-1600 Childcare Center Child Care Center

Fixed Route Bus Service Brazos Transit provides fixed-route service in Bryan/College Station, in addition to Brazos Transit Bryan (Region- demand and response service in rural areas (800) 272-0039 District Wide) throughout the region. Their services are available to the public, and to TAMU and Blinn students for free. This system serves Texas A&M University in the Bryan/College Station area and goes no Texas A&M College Station further. This system is generally reserved Transportation (additional (800) 272-0039 for students and on campus visitors but a Services (Aggie routes in citizen with proper Brazos Transit District Spirit) Bryan) passes can ride the system anywhere it goes.

Government Operated Health and Human Service Organizations It is the mission of the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. to assist in Brazos Valley Bryan (Region- the empowerment of individuals, families, Community Action (979) 260-4016 Wide) and communities to reach their full Agency (BVCAA) potential economically, educationally, health-wise, culturally, and socially. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer (979) 595-2801 network for people age 55 and over. RSVP invites you to join nearly 500,000 Brazos Valley RSVP Bryan ex 2021 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities. The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS, Texas Department administers programs that ensure Texas is of Assistive and a state where people with disabilities, and College Station (979) 680-5270 Rehabilitative children who have developmental delays, Services enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independent and productive lives. Texas Department (979) 731-0130 of Family and Bryan

Protective Services

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley provides transportation funding for persons using workforce programs. Workforce Solutions Workforce Brazos Valley does not have any Solutions Brazos Bryan (979) 595-2800 transportation services, outside of this Valley funding. This funding may be used with a variety of transportation providers within the region.

Health Resource Centers The Burleson Health Resource Center has offices in Caldwell and Somerville. The Somerville office has one van, while the Caldwell (979) 567-3200 Caldwell office has a wheelchair-accessible bus. Their service area includes Burleson Burleson Health County and trips from Caldwell to Resource Center Bryan/College Station and from Somerville (partnered with to Brenham for doctor appointments and CHI St. Joseph) shopping/recreation. Any Burleson County resident that is without transportation or Somerville (979) 596-2315 who is unable to drive may be approved for the transportation program after completing a needs assessment. This health resource center is run out of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Navasota. This outfit Grimes Health has 2 vans that are not wheelchair Resource Center accessible but are in the process of getting Madisonville (936) 870-4576 (partnered with a 3rd van that will be wheelchair accessible. CHI St. Joseph) These vans create opportunities for citizens of any age to travel around the county and make trips to B/CS. This Health resource center is located at the HealthPoint building in Centerville, the Leon Health county seat of Leon County. They are Resource Center provided with two vans that are not Centerville (903) 536-3687 (partnered with wheelchair accessible much like the Grimes CHI St. Joseph) County vans. These vans help Leon county citizens get around and make trips to Bryan/College Station. This County health resource center is located at the St. Joseph’s Hospital south of Madison Health Madisonville. Much like Grimes and Leon, Resource Center Madisonville (936) 349-0714 Madison also has 2 vans that are not (partnered with wheelchair accessible. This location has 2 CHI St. Joseph) full time staff members and serves Madison County with weekly scheduled

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

trips to Bryan/College Station for doctor visits or shopping options. This association operates out of Brenham in Washington County. They have 1 wheelchair accessible van and 2 cars to pick up citizens and bring them to the center. Washington This association until recently used to have County Healthy Brenham (979) 836-6552 a wheelchair accessible bus until Living Association maintenance issues forced them to give up the bus. This center serves Washington County and makes trips to B/CS occasionally.

Hospital and Clinic Shuttles Bryan Two Veterans affairs vans are located (979) 680-0361 within the region. One in Brazos County (Bryan) and Leon County (Centerville). Veterans Affair Hearne Robertson County (Hearne) is located along Shuttle (979) 280-5994 the route of the Bryan van which schedules a pickup in Hearne. These vans take veterans to the VA Hospital in Temple, TX Centerville (903) 907-1181 for their doctor appointments.

K-12 Transportation Service Anderson-Shiro ISD Anderson (936) 873-4500 School District Bremond ISD Bremond (254) 746-7145 School District Brenham ISD Brenham (979) 277-3700 School District Bryan ISD Bryan (979) 209-1000 School District Buffalo ISD Buffalo (903) 322-3765 School District Burton ISD Burton (979) 289-3131 School District Caldwell ISD Caldwell (979) 567-9000 School District Calvert ISD Calvert (979) 364-2824 School District Centerville ISD Centerville (903) 536-7812 School District College Station ISD College Station (979) 764-5400 School District Durham School Brenham (979) 277-0090 School Transportation Provider Services Franklin ISD Franklin (979) 828-7000 School District Hearne ISD Hearne (979) 279-3200 School District Iola ISD Iola (936) 394-2361 School District Leon ISD Jewett (903) 626-1400 School District Madisonville ISD Madisonville (936) 348-2797 School District Mumford ISD Mumford (979) 279-3678 School District Navasota ISD Navasota (936) 825-4200 School District Normangee ISD Normangee (936) 396-3111 School District North Zulch ISD North Zulch (936) 399-1000 School District

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Oakwood ISD Oakwood (903) 545-2140 School District Snook ISD Snook (979) 272-8307 School District Somerville ISD Somerville (979) 596-2153 School District Brenham State State-operated assisted living center & Supported Living Brenham (979) 836-4511 school Center

National Bus Lines Bryan, Greyhound Bus Lines provide a nation-wide Greyhound Bus Navasota, bus service with bus stops in various (979) 822-4346 Lines Centerville & locations throughout the Brazos Valley Hearne region. Kerrville Bus Company is based out of San Antonio and serves as a MegaBus affiliate. The College Station stop destinations include: Dallas, Grand Prairie (MegaBus Kerrville Bus Terminal), Houston, and Waco. Most (800) 256-2757 College Station Company Routes run to College Station on Sundays and Fridays every week. The schedule is heavily correlated with the Texas A&M University schedule (No service during spring break or winter break).

Non-Profit Transportation Providers 211 Texas is a telephone-based information 211 Texas Dial 211 College Station service providing Transportation Resource data in the region. Aggieland (979) 764-6636 Pregnancy College Station

Outreach BBBS of the Brazos Valley partners with Neal Recreation Center in Bryan, Texas to Big Brothers Big match the kids who attend their after Sisters of South (979) 224-3660 Bryan school program with mentors who will Texas meet with their Little Brother or Sister weekly for an hour or more during the school year. The Boys and Girls Club locally provides programs as part of the national Boys and Girls Club. Transportation assistance to and Boys and Girls Club (979) 277-9383 Brenham from programs and events is provided of Washington Co. through the agency. Transportation from schools is provided by Durham Transportation to the Club.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

The Boys and Girls Club locally provides Boys and Girls Club programs as part of the national Boys and of the Brazos (979) 822-7516 Bryan Girls Club. Transportation assistance to and Valley from programs and events is provided through the agency. Brazos Valley Non-profit organization dedicated to the Council on Alcohol (979) 846-3560 Bryan prevention and treatment of substance and Substance abuse. Abuse (BVCASA) BVCIL currently provides transportation to individuals with disabilities. Transportation options include to and from BVCIL for classes, appointments, and events; BVCIL performs community services for some of the local events, government meetings, and forums; BVCIL is able to take Brazos Valley Center for individuals to and from doctor (979) 776-5505 Bryan Independent Living appointments, to and from other agencies, (BVCIL) grocery shopping, etc. in our service delivery area. All transportation is based on availability of driver, schedule openings, and individual’s needs. Through our transportation options manager, we are able to help coordinate other options in the area.

Carpool provides safe, nonjudgmental transportation for students and Non- Carpool (979) 693-9905 College Station students on weekend nights for a charge of Free while Texas A&M University is in session. This volunteer based operation is located within Brazos County and will occasionally service outside of the county to Robertson Elder Aid (979) 823-5127 Bryan or Grimes counties. Their primary “customer” base are elderly individuals who have no access to transportation. Hope Pregnancy Centers of the Brazos Hope Pregnancy Valley provide education and health Centers of the (979) 695-9193 College Station screening regarding reproductive health Brazos Valley and pregnancy issues. Transportation is available upon request.

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Hospice Brazos Valley provides end-of-life Hospice Brazos care to central Texas residents. Their (979) 821-2266 Bryan Valley service area encompasses 17 counties with offices in Bryan, Brenham, and La Grange. The MHMR Authority of Brazos Valley is a public non-profit community MHMR center. Through the Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Mental Health Department of Aging and Disabilities Mental Retardation Services, we have the administrative (979) 822-6467 Bryan Authority Brazos responsibility and authority to provide a Valley continuum of mental health and intellectual and development disability services to eligible individuals who live in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties. Mission Brenham (979) 337-9469 Brenham Phoebe's Home, a component of Twin City Mission's DVS Program. Founded in 1978, Phoebe's Home is a 24-hour emergency shelter for victims of domestic Phoebe’s Home (979) 775-5355 Brenham violence. Services are provided at no cost in all seven counties of the Brazos Valley Region: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington. Project Unity is a social service organization in Bryan providing a variety of services, Project Unity (979) 775-6788 Bryan which include transportation to and from services and meetings. The Salvation Army provides some Salvation Army (979) 361-0618 Bryan volunteer transportation when needed for their various services. Somerville Area Assistance Ministries are a faith based volunteer organization providing utility assistance up to $50, food, Somerville Area clothing and assistance in seeking medical (979) 596-3155 Assistance Somerville attention. Works to supply children with

Ministries school supplies in cooperation with the school district. Does not assist with rent or deposits. Cooperates with the local branch of Salvation Army to assist people. St. Vincent De Paul Society provides faith- based person-to-person service to St. Vincent de Paul (979) 823-4369 Bryan individuals in need. Membership is Society volunteers and transportation is provided when necessary.

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Nursing Homes Providing Transportation Argent Court (979) 836-8000 Brenham Bethel Care Home (979) 402-1085 Bryan Bluebonnet Hills (979) 836-6611 Brenham Care Center Bluebonnet House (979) 836-6611 College Station Bremond Nursing (254) 746-5088 Bremond and Rehab Center Brenham Rest (979) 836-3434 Brenham Home Centerville (903) 536-2596 Centerville Healthcare Center Copperas Hollow Retirement (979) 567-4300 Caldwell Community Country Care (979) 778-1550 Bryan Assisted Living Crestview Retirement (979) 776-9294 Bryan Community Crossroads Nursing (979) 280-0440 Hearne & Rehabilitation Dansby House, Inc. (979) 823-1030 Bryan EF & Bertha Kruse Memorial Lutheran (979) 830-1996 Brenham Village Esperanz of College (979) 694-6496 College Station Station Fortress Health & Rehab of Rock (979) 694-2200 College Station Prairie LLC Franklin Nursing (979) 828-5152 Franklin Home Gazebo Terrace Convalescent (979) 830-7100 Brenham Center Golden Creek (936) 825-4043 Navasota Nursing Home Happy Haven (936) 348-2056 Midway Retirement Ranch Hearne Healthcare (979) 279-5361 Hearne Center High Hope Care (979) 836-6611 Brenham Center of Brenham Hudson Creek (979) 774-0700 Bryan

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Isle at Watercrest (979) 774-3401 Bryan Katie’s Home (979) 535-8248 Somerville Lampstand Health & Rehab of Bryan (979) 822-6611 Bryan LLC Madisonville Care Center Assisted (936) 348-2735 Madisonville Living Magnified Health & Rehab of Anderson (979) 693-1515 College Station LLC Navasota Nursing (936) 825-6463 Navasota & Rehabilitation LP Park Place (979) 778-3003 Bryan Riverwood Healthcare and (936) 348-9097 Madisonville Rehabilitation Generations (Sherwood) Health (979) 776-7521 Bryan Care Inc. St. Joseph Manor (979) 567-0920 Caldwell Burleson St. Joseph Manor (979) 821-7330 Bryan Bryan The Vintage (979) 774-5451 Bryan Garden Trinity Care Center (979) 836-9770 Brenham

Senior Centers This senior center is operated in Calvert in Robertson County. They recently (Late 2014) received a wheelchair accessible bus Calvert Senior (979) 364-2004 Calvert from TxDOT that allows them to drive Center around town and make trips to B/CS. They are open Monday through Friday 8am to 2pm. This Recreation center is operated in College Station in Brazos County. It is located at 10000 Eleanor Street in College Station, Texas within W.A. Tarrow Park. Lincoln Recreation The Lincoln Recreation Center offers a wide (979) 764-3779 Center variety of amenities and services aimed at improving the quality of life of College Station residents. Residents can take advantage of services in the areas of youth programming, senior services, special

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events, and community outreach. The facility includes a gymnasium, game room, fitness room, multipurpose room, zero depth water park, and a 13,000 square foot covered pavilion.

Taxi & Limousine Service AA Aggieland Taxi (979) 696-5532 Bryan Taxi Service

AAA University Taxi (979) 846-2233 Bryan Taxi Service A local limousine service located in College Aggieland (979) 777-8700 College Station Station serving Brazos County and Limousines surrounding communities. BCS Taxi (979) 779-8294 College Station Taxi Service (979) 200-9511 Caldwell Taxi & & Caldwell Taxi Service Shuttle Service (979) 229-1625 Celebrity Limousine Service (with occasional airport (979) 775-9581 Bryan Limousines service) Cowboy Cab (979) 218-1703 Bryan Taxi Service

Ed Cravey (979) 412-2819 College Station Taxi Service

Gold Star Taxi (979) 776-5566 College Station Taxi Service

Howdy Cab (979) 985-1000 College Station Taxi Service

Ken’s Taxi (979) 571-4140 College Station Taxi Service Knight’s Taxi (979) 402-2732 College Station Taxi Service Limousine Service (with occasional airport Legend Limousines (979)224-0582 Bryan service) Mike’s Curbside (979) 437-8107 College Station Taxi Service Taxi Navasota Cab and (936) 825-0005 Navasota Taxi Service Courier (979) 574-6919 Northgate Taxi & College Station Taxi Service (979) 574-7708 Pegaso Taxi Service (936) 348-0356 Madisonville Taxi Service Reserve-a-Cab (979) 574-6919 Bryan Taxi Service Roadrunner Taxi (979) 492-2784 College Station Taxi Service Uber www.uber.com Region-wide* Taxi Service *limited rural service

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Transportation Planning Entities The BCSMPO serves as the Transportation Planning entity for the Bryan-College Station Bryan-College Metropolitan Area, which is comprised of Station Brazos County. Metropolitan Planning Metropolitan (979) 260-5298 Bryan Organizations (MPOs) are entities designated by Planning law with the lead responsibility for the Organization development of the area's transportation plans and to coordinate the transportation planning process. Brazos Transit District performs transportation planning operations which work, assist, and or provide support to the appointed general public Brazos Transit transportation provider on any and all (800) 272-0039 Bryan District current/future projects or studies being undertaken. This work furthers the positive progression of providing general public transportation for the Brazos Valley Region. BVCOG serves as the Regional Planning Organization (RPO/BVRPO) for transportation in Brazos Valley the region, connecting local government leaders with state and federal agencies Council of (979) 595-2800 Bryan providing transportation infrastructure and Governments funding, in addition to being the lead agency for Health & Human Service Transportation Planning through TxDOT. Transportation Planning within the City of Bryan is managed through Planning and Development City of Bryan (979) 209-5030 Bryan Services, Engineering and Traffic Operations Divisions. Transportation Planning within the City of College Station takes place in the Development Engineering Division. Development Engineering is responsible for development review, administration of the flood hazard protection City of College ordinance, impact fees, the Foxfire Sanitary (979) 764-3570 College Station Sewer Master Plan, as well as preparing, Station maintaining and updating the engineering standards manual. Another core service is planning and implementing a multi-modal transportation system that provides a high degree of mobility for citizens and visitors to the city. Texas A&M Transportation Institute conducts Texas A&M over 600 research projects annually with over 200 sponsors at all levels of government and Transportation (979) 845-1713 College Station the private sector. In the laboratory and the Institute classroom, TTI researchers help prepare students for transportation careers.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Texas A&M Transportation Services provide Texas A&M planning for the transportation movements of the university and people who work and study Transportation (979) 845-9700 College Station on campus. TAMU Transportation Planning Services includes planning for Aggie Spirit bus service, and all transportation infrastructure on campus.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Comprehensive Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis Background

The Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis Report of the Brazos Valley Region for FY 2016-17 is Step 2 in a three-step planning effort, as determined by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Public Transportation Division. This planning effort is made possible through a federally funded grant, which BVCOG was awarded through TxDOT for the time period of September 2015 through February 2017.

Defining Need and Gap

Need

A need is identified as a lack of service that is necessary, or is wanted within the region. These needs exist due to circumstances or situations common to elderly persons, persons with disabilities, or even the general public.

Gap

A gap is a break or deficiency which often exists within an existing service, or between multiple services. These gaps often prevent seamless or consistent transitions between transportation services, or the resources (medical, grocery, pharmacy, quality of life).

Purpose

Determining gaps and needs within systems which provide health and human service transportation to residents of the Brazos Valley region is vital in setting a vision for the region. Using data collected during the Transportation Inventory Report, in addition to feedback and collaboration with local government officials, healthcare providers, informed citizens, and transportation riders, this report will provide a comprehensive vision for the region.

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Methodology

Comprehensive needs and gaps have been identified through multiple methods. These methods include qualitative and quantitative data. Information in this report has been gathered through the following sources and methods:

1) Analyzing Census demographic data, using American Factfinder from the US Census 2) Use data collected from previous planning efforts since 2011, including 2015 Transit Open Houses. 3) Analyzing data from the BVCOG Transportation Inventory report and the Service Provider Chart within the report. 4) Establishing, distributing, and collecting a survey of transportation need priorities within the region, and using this survey to guide staff in interviews and future research. 5) Surveying and interviewing transportation providers, health officials, and local government officials, in addition to transportation users within Bryan-College Station, and the Brazos Valley Region.

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Demographic Analysis Summary

The Brazos Valley region features a diverse group of populations and demographic trends. Many areas of the region are experiencing large rates of growth, leading to new and exciting opportunities for residents of the region. However, many areas of the region have not experienced this type of growth, and many of these opportunities have not reached region-wide.

American Community Survey

The following demographic study has been comprised of the 2014 American Community Survey 5-Year estimates from the US Census Bureau to apply to the Transportation Inventory Report information gathered in Phase I of this project.

Geographic Overview

The Brazos Valley seven county region is home to 326,722 people according to 2014 estimates, which is the most recent information available from the US Census Bureau in 2016. There are 167,603 males and 159,119 females to make up that total. The Brazos Valley is 5,108 square miles (very similar in size to the US State of Connecticut), but only features a population density of 64 people per square mile.

*Full Demographic Information is located in the Gap Analysis report located in the Appendix

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Prioritization Survey A survey of transportation system needs was sent to local government officials, stakeholders, and transportation providers within the region in May 2016. Persons surveyed were asked to rank various needs based upon severity or priority, and then rank whether Service, Planning & Promotion, or Funding were of the highest need. The needs and gaps identified in this survey guided staff in the process, and led towards more needs and gaps being identified.

The following priority rankings arose from this surveying. Service Gaps – 1st Priority 1. Fixed stop locations for fixed transit routes 2. No fixed-route bus service in rural counties 3. Limited weekend & after hour demand & response transportation 4. Workplace-provided transportation 5. Interconnectivity outside the Brazos Valley Region 6. Limited taxi service in some rural counties Funding Gaps – 2nd Priority 1. Limited local (government) funding support 2. Funding and demand for health and senior center personnel 3. Skilled drivers (or lack of funding for) with a Commercial Drivers License Planning and Promotion Gaps – 3rd Priority 1. Promotion and education of existing transportation services (transit) 2. Persons without disabilities willing to use transit 3. Funding/demand for health & senior center personnel

Other Gaps (not ranked in survey) - Veteran Transportation - Dialysis Transportation o Including other health transportation (cancer, etc.) which require a high frequency of trips

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Comprehensive Needs and Gap Analysis The following information was received through the following sources:

Initial Prioritization Survey

Local government officials and stakeholders were provided with the prioritization survey, on the previous page. This survey provided initial guidance to planning staff of major needs, gaps and deficiencies within the region.

On-Site Interviews of Health and Transportation Providers

Following that guidance, staff visited all seven counties of the Brazos Valley region, conducting interviews of health and transportation providers, both local and region-wide.

Agencies interviewed include:

 Brazos Transit District (Brazos Transit/ The District)  Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living  Burleson County Health Resource Center  Calvert Senior Center  Grimes County Health Resource Center  Leon County Health Resource Center  Madison County Health Resource Center  Washington County Healthy Living Association

These interviews allowed staff to devise this report, in addition to initial guidance for the following steps of this planning process.

First Friday Transit-Rider Surveying

In partnership with the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Brazos Transit District’s ongoing demographic study of the Bryan/College Station area, surveys of individual transit providers was provided to BVCOG, to assist in this planning process. These surveys were received anonymously, but provide individual trip information regarding ride origination and destinations within the Brazos County region, in particular.

BVCOG extends its public appreciation to the BCSMPO and Brazos Transit District for providing this information to assist in the further completion of this report.

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Note: Many of the issues identified below have been identified as needs, gaps and deficiencies under 2 or more of the categories featured in the original Prioritization Survey.

Fixed stop locations on fixed transit routes Fixed route transit service currently exists within the region in the cities of Bryan and College Station. The two service providers of fixed route service includes Texas A&M Transportation Services (Aggie Spirit) and Brazos Transit District. Current Aggie Spirit routes have dedicated stop locations for buses. Brazos Transit District features routes which will have dedicated stops beginning spring of 2017, while other routes allow riders to enter/exit the bus at any location along the route. Many persons surveyed and interviewed in this process identified the need of more fixed stop locations along routes, to avoid driver confusion, and for safer entry and exit from the transit vehicle.

Fixed-route bus service in rural counties No fixed-route bus service currently serves rural counties of the Brazos Valley region. These areas are currently served by Brazos Transit District “Demand and Response” services, which require 24 hour advanced notice when requesting a ride. This process requires riders/patients to schedule appointments based upon availability of a ride, and make adjustments accordingly. A fixed route with set times servicing rural communities could provide riders/patients with a set time to plan, instead of requiring flexibility. When approached with the idea of fixed route, some local representatives say the demand simply does not exist for this type of service.

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Demand & response transportation limitations Shortened timing and scheduling of Brazos Transit District Demand and Response

Demand and Response Transportation provides a vital service to rural communities within the Brazos Valley Region, in particular to provide service to Bryan-College Station for vital medical, pharmacy and grocery resources that are unavailable in their local communities. Brazos Transit District Weekend and After-Hours Service

Current demand and response service provided by Brazos Transit District is limited to daytime work hours, and does not include service during after- hours or weekend times. Based upon the current funding structure for Brazos Transit District, a certain level of ridership is required to maintain funding. If a certain level of demand does not exist for a service, Brazos Transit District is unable to provide the service, at the risk of losing funding.

Workplace-provided transportation Through various discussions amongst a variety of stakeholders, workplace-provided transportation has been a topic discussed as a viable solution that has worked in the past with larger employers, but has struggled to find consistent funding.

In previous years, a manufacturing company in Bryan provided a daily shuttle to and from Madisonville for its employees, in partnership with the Brazos Transit District. This service was heavily used, but was deemed not cost effective by the employer. This lack of cost effectiveness led the employer to cease funding the shuttle, thus causing the service to end for its workers in Madisonville.

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Interconnectivity outside the Brazos Valley Region Connectivity and collaboration with providers outside the Brazos Valley Region was identified in the prioritization survey, and interview process as an issue of great importance. In particular, counties located further from Bryan/College Station, or closer to other major population centers with health resources, struggle to find transportation services to those resources outside the region. This lack of collaboration has made health and human service transportation services difficult in places including (but not limited to): Palestine, Crockett, Huntsville, Houston, Giddings, Austin and Temple.

The interview process identified that this lack of interconnectivity includes both transportation providers and planning agencies within the region, and in regions adjacent to the Brazos Valley. Rural Taxi Service Taxi service availability, and the degree of service in each county, varies greatly throughout the region. Many persons interviewed identified the taxi services that do exist do not provide an affordable rate for low income seniors or persons with disabilities. Others surveyed identified that the demand simply does not exist in some areas for taxi service to exist.

Counties with taxi service Brazos Burleson Grimes Madison Washington Counties without taxi service Leon Robertson

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Dialysis transportation Region-Wide Issue

Every county interviewed in the Brazos Valley identified transportation for dialysis patients as a priority for this planning effort. Most dialysis patients require appointments three days per week, for treatment that often last between three and four hours.

Demands and Feasibility of Dialysis Transportation

While interviewed, health resource centers and senior centers in the region “Dialysis treatment often requires identified dialysis transportation as a three or four appointments per service that is greatly needed. However, week, lasting up to four hours. consistent and dependable dialysis appointment transportation is not Providing full dialysis treatment feasible at any center, given the length in transportation would occupy all of time, frequency, and cost required in our time and transportation transporting a patient to each resources to provide service for all appointment. Many centers have been dialysis patients in our community able to provide transportation for one without transportation.” appointment, requiring the patient to find other transportation for the remaining appointments during that week.

Inconsistent Funding Mechanisms

In some cases, Medicare does cover transportation services for dialysis patients. However, this service does not cover all circumstances, and does not provide a significant enough stream of income to increase dialysis transportation capabilities for rural health centers or transportation providers.

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Driver Availability Health Resource & Senior Centers Currently, all six rural counties of the Brazos Valley (excluding Brazos County) are provided with transportation resources for demand and response transportation through Health and Resource Centers or Senior Centers. Collaboration between numerous government agencies (local, state, federal) have provided buses and monthly transportation funding for health resource & senior centers. In these communities, finding drivers (paid or volunteer) can be a challenge. Volunteer Drivers Many services struggle to provide a consistent stream of drivers to provide a consistent level of service each day. Many drivers are over age 65, drive as a voluntary activity in retirement, who do not wish to work or perform any “full time” duty, whether paid or volunteer. The level or demand of rides can often be greater than the ability of a driver can or is willing to provide. In addition, a patchwork of funding sources for health centers often makes the hours of paid drivers limited, and the demand for volunteer drivers higher than available. Medical/ Health Skill of Drivers The majority of rides provided by health resource centers are health/doctor visits. Health appointments and treatments can often have residual side effects or an adverse reaction during or after the appointment, which a volunteer driver may not have the knowledge or qualifications to handle if occurring during a ride, or happens during an appointment. Providing transportation for some patients is simply not feasible due to the magnitude of an appointment, and potential liability regarding side effects of treatment. Rider and driver safety Some concerns also exist regarding safety of volunteer drivers, especially in extremely rural areas, related to driving large vans/buses on narrow, windy private driveways which are difficult to navigate. Safety of drivers has led to some volunteers only driving on certain routes, or with someone accompanying them as they deliver riders to their destinations.

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Veteran transportation Veteran’s Affair (VA) shuttles with service to the Temple VA hospital and clinic currently serve Bryan/College Station, Hearne and Centerville within the Brazos Valley region. Other shuttles provide services to Houston.

Current VA shuttles provide transportation for patients capable of entering and exiting the bus on their own, and do not require any assistance or extra help by the driver. If a patient is unable to enter the vehicle on their own ability, they are often unable to use the VA shuttle service.

Filling gaps in VA Shuttle coverage

Local officials in Burleson County have provided transportation assistance from Caldwell to Bryan, for veterans to ride to Temple, but other counties have been unable to provide such a service to fill this need. Transportation of seniors or veterans with disabilities was identified as a critical need in the region.

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Local funding support Local funding support of transportation services was identified as a main contributor to service and planning deficiencies within the Brazos Valley region. Funding of region-wide transit services In regions throughout Texas and the United States, “All of our service governments at the local and county level provide a capabilities are based upon matching amount of funding for transit and other funding. Virtually all needs transportation services. Many services identified as needs and gaps in service within the Brazos Valley and gaps identified in this region are provided in these regions through local planning process come matching of funds, or directly through local funds. back to funding availability.” Funding formulas for regional transportation As the Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Area grows in size, the re-classification of the metropolitan area as population increases will cause a shift in federal funding mechanisms used by Brazos Transit District and other transportation providers. Any shift in funding formulas for these agencies may cause funding for services to change, causing service changes that can directly affect local persons with disabilities or senior citizens. The need for local funding of transit and transportation services will increase within the next five years, and will drastically increase in the next 25-50 years.

Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership The Brazos Valley Council of Governments provides $500 per month to health resource and senior centers in the region. This program is known as the Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership (BVTP) and was established in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging, Brazos Transit District, and local stakeholders within rural communities in the region. Currently, some counties do provide additional transportation funding support to these health resource and senior centers, on top of BVTP- provided funds. This funding allows for rides to medical, pharmacy, grocery and quality-of-life visits. This funding has decreased since its initial creation, and local centers have been required to search for other funding sources to keep services available.

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Promotion and education of transit “Perceived lack of transportation options” Although many transportation needs and gaps have been identified within this report, in hopes of increasing quality and quantity of service in the region, many services within the region go underutilized due to lack of promotion or lack of education of use. Enhanced camaraderie between local planning entities, transportation and health providers, local government, and residents is a vital need within the region, and must continue to work to provide more promotion of transit and transportation services in the Brazos Valley region.

Education In addition to a lack of promotion of transportation services, travel training, or education of transportation service use is also a need within Bryan-College Station and the entire region. Many services which provide transportation to people with sensory disabilities (blind, deaf, etc.) require initial training to ensure a rider is capable to use the service independently. The Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) currently provides this training in the region.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

General Population Transit Use Accessing your community The goal and purpose of transit and transportation services for senior citizens and individuals who have disabilities is to allow them to still access and contribute to our local communities, and still be part of the general population. We can all ride transit! Many vehicles and services which commonly provide transportation service to seniors and individuals who have disabilities are also available to low-income people, in addition to persons with no transportation needs. Transit and transportation services can often be a viable solution for all residents, especially in college communities like Bryan and College Station. Making transit more economically feasible for our communities and region Increased ridership and usage of these services in the region increases demand and funding for services, thus, providing more services for people with transit as their only transportation option. Continuing to promote and increase ridership of all residents within a community is beneficial to all residents, not only those dependent upon transit.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Create a coordinated partnership of transportation providers.

Objective 1.1:

Objective 1.2:

Continue to promote and pursue funding for travel training and disability awareness classes for transportation drivers and riders.

Objective 1.3:

Identify and pursue funding mechanisms for paid skilled drivers for various services including health resource centers and veterans.

Objective 1.4:

Actively pursue Texas Department of Transportation planning pilot project grants.

Goal 2: Promote & maximize utilization of available transportation resources.

Objective 2.1:

Objective 2.2:

Coordinate with other regional councils regarding their Coordinated Transportation Plans to identify services of priority outside of the Brazos Valley of significance to local residents.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Goal 3: Eliminate gaps in transportation services.

Objective 3.1:

Developing new and sustainable workforce transportation programs and identify funding sources to continue these services past the initial start-up.

Objective 3.2:

Work with Brazos Transit, other transportation providers and community leaders to encourage and develop the possible enhancements of services in the Brazos Valley Region.

Objective 3.3:

Develop enhancement of service for users with frequent medical treatment related transportation needs.

Goal 4: Encourage Local Political Support of Public Transportation Services.

Objective 4.1:

Actively promote existing transportation services to local elected officials

Objective 4.2:

Create a streamlined route of communication between local elected officials and transportation providers regarding challenges and needs they encounter in their daily operations.

Objective 4.3:

Ensure that all local transportation providers are prepared for forecasted Transportation Management Area (TMA) status.

Objective 4.4:

Encourage and promote sustainable growth techniques and strategies in communities which compliment transit initiatives and create a higher quality of life for all residents.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Goal 1: Create a coordinated partnership of transportation providers. Objective 1.1: Continue with transportation Workgroup meetings (monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly) so as to encourage the exchange of ideas and an ongoing examination of ways to coordinate and promote transportation services.

Workgroup Structure

The Transportation Workgroup is a subgroup of the RTPC, a technical committee for the RTPO. Its intent is to address health and human service transportation needs. This collection of regional stakeholders allows regional transportation to advance within our region. The continuation of the Transportation Workgroup is important to the success of current projects and the relevancy of older ones. It is the responsibility of the Workgroup to collaborate and address region- wide transportation needs. Each member of the group represents a section of the population to ensure that all citizens are being spoken for. The organizations that participate in the Workgroup include, but are not limited to, TAMU Health Science Center, Vietnam Veterans, Brazos Transit District, BVCCP, BCSMPO, Housing Voucher BV, BVCIL, and Workforce Solutions BV.

Role in Coordinated Plan

During the past year, the Workgroup has produced an inventory report and a transportation needs assessment for the region, as well as this list of objectives to aid in the development of new projects. These updated objectives each relate to a short set of goals created by the group in the past.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Goals:

1. Create a coordinated partnership of transportation providers. 2. Promote and maximize utilization of available transportation resources. 3. Eliminate gaps in transportation services. 4. Encourage local political support of public transportation services.

Moving Forward – Transportation Workgroup The Transportation Workgroup Meetings held at BVCOG have served as the backbone of transportation planning efforts within the region in relation to health and human service transit specifically. These meetings provide pivotal information to regional stakeholders which can often enhance service or enhance camaraderie amongst transportation services with a common goal. This collaboration of regional stakeholders allows a multitude of agencies (listed above, ranging from housing to veterans, etc.) to not only become accustomed to the level of service provided by other, but how to create services which complement each other. This streamlining of services and camaraderie allows persons needing more than one service to seamlessly access these services to maintain their quality of life.

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Objective 1.2: Continue to promote and pursue funding for travel training and disability awareness classes for transportation drivers and riders.

Numerous transportation services and resources currently exist within the Brazos Valley region that are not fully utilized. One major factor causing this issue is riders (and potential riders) not having the knowledge, experience or skillset of using a particular transportation service or program, whether it be planning a trip, navigation, or entering and exiting a vehicle. Travel training programs teach and help riders and potential riders gain the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize transportation services as independently as possible through education and practice.

Travel training for riders

Travel training programs currently exist within the region through the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) to help persons with disabilities plan, navigate and ride transportation services available to them in our region to access work, health or recreation services. These services provided by BVCIL have filled a very large need within the region, but still do not reach all potential riders.

Driver Training

In addition to riders learning how to ride, many drivers within the region are currently unable to assist with elderly or riders with disabilities who may need assistance entering or exiting the vehicle or during the ride. Many transportation services within the region, including the VA shuttle and some vans driven through health resource centers feature volunteer drivers on a volunteer basis with little or no experience dealing with assisting health patients. Training these drivers to become trained in loading and unloading riders, in addition to familiarity or skills related to various health treatments can be very costly and not cost prohibitive for services already experiencing a strained budget or limited service.

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Section 5310 Funds

This program is designed to grant funds to states for enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities when the transportation service provided is insufficiently met. Funds are granted based on the proportion of the population in each state that requires this service. According to the Federal Transit Administration, the goal of this project is to assist in financing innovative projects for the transportation disadvantaged that improve the coordination of transportation services and non-emergency medical transportation services. These funds can be used for a variety of projects including:

 Buses, vans, wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement devices  Mobility management programs, and transit-related information technology systems  Travel training and volunteer driving programs  Construction of accessible paths to bus stops, improving signage, and way-finding technology  Incremental cost of providing same day service or door-to-door service

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Objective 1.3: Identify and pursue funding mechanisms for paid skilled drivers for various services including health resource centers and veterans.

Existing Funding Mechanisms: Area Agency on Aging The Area Agency on Aging in the Brazos Valley acquire their funding through the Older Americans Acts of 1965. A portion of this money goes towards providing transportation options for elderly populations, including paid skilled drivers. This funding does not cover this objective fully, however, because the Area Agency on Aging only focuses on residents who are 60 years of age or older. United Way and Other Charities

The goal of United Way is to “work to achieve Bold Goals for our region in the areas of education, financial stability, and health that will advance the common good for all in our community.” One of the Brazos Valley United Way’s “Bold Goals” is to “maximize health and well-being across the Brazos Valley.” The work of this organization helps those who may not be able to regularly access a doctor’s office due to transportation restrictions. The money that United Way has put towards this “Bold Goal” could be used to help fill these gaps in services by providing drivers for these health centers.

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Leveraging New Funding Sources

Demand for health and human service transportation will rise drastically during the planning timeline of 2017-21. The “baby boomer” generation, which comprises a large majority of residents within the Brazos Valley region will continue to reach retirement age, which will require additional services to combat the needs of that aging demographic.

Relying solely upon existing funding sources will not adequately meet the needs of the region. Using the resources and connections of the Transportation Workgroup will be paramount in leveraging new funding sources, whether public, charitable or private. Goal 4 of the plan (below) will further address the pursuit of federal, state and local dollars, which will be needed in coming years as funding formulas change in various agencies as the Bryan-College Station and Brazos Valley regions continue to grow at such a large rate.

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Objective 1.4: Actively pursue Texas Department of Transportation planning pilot project grants.

In November 2016, TxDOT called for “innovative demonstration projects” for the FY2018. According to their Demonstration Projects Overview, they defined this type of project as a “small-scale, preliminary study to evaluate effectiveness, efficiencies, feasibility, time, cost, or other aspects or effects of a specific attempt to improve services.” Between $500,000 and $700,000 is available statewide to be granted to state or local agencies. Grants that have the best match with their local environment will be given preference when choosing recipients.

A successful pilot project is:  Strategic. o The project must coincide with a strategy or objective listed in its region’s coordinated five-year transportation plan.  Collaborative. o The project must include local agencies and other regional stakeholders to provide a diverse team and unified set of goals for the region.  Evaluable. o The project must be measurable and use “reliable, scientifically sound methodologies for study-design” (TXDOT, 2016).  Thought-through. o The project must be planned out from beginning to completion and include the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the study

More information regarding the TxDOT Pilot Project Grants will be available at the beginning of 2017.

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Goal 2: Promote & maximize utilization of available transportation resources. Objective 2.1: Establish a single source that would allow any organization with a client needing transportation services to book the use of the services of any organization providing transportation services, in addition to continuing the transportation resource guide.

1. Single Booking Source Having a single source for users to book any transportation service in the Brazos Valley region would be an excellent way to bring more business to local providers. It would also increase accessibility to people who require other forms of transportation. The process of finding the fastest, and most cost effective transportation source can be time consuming, so having every local service’s information and booking ability will save the user time and money. A website such as this would include local taxis, rental cars, public transit, shuttles, and airports.

There are already companies that use this online access as a tool such as Uber or Lyft. These services are good for riders, but can leave local transportation companies behind. If the region provided the technology and support for a booking source, it would allow these businesses to keep up with these larger companies. A single booking source can increase efficiency across the region, and give local businesses a new platform to reach its users.

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2. Brazos Valley Regional Transportation Resource Guide

The 2017 Transportation Resource Guide is routinely updated to ensure the most accurate information is being given to the public. Its goal is to provide residents who wish to travel throughout the area without the need for a personal vehicle.

Like a single-source booking website, the resource guide saves the user time by compiling the important information from local transportation agencies in one place. It sorts the public transportation services by including the type of service each can provide, as well as the type of user they will accommodate. The guide also includes a full list of taxi services that operate within the region, as well as their contact information. On the back, there is a Frequently Asked Questions section that addresses important information in further detail.

The information in the 2017 Regional Transportation Guide is subject to change including fare prices, contact information, and hours of operation.

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Objective 2.2: Coordinate with other regional councils regarding their Coordinated Transportation Plans to identify services of priority outside of Brazos Valley of significance to local residents.

The Brazos Valley region is located in the middle of the Texas Triangle, which is bordered by Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Of these cities, Houston (located within the Houston- Galveston Area Council area) is a primary hub for health-related trips within the Brazos Valley region that are made locally to Bryan, College Station or to a rural health center. Frequent visits to the VA hospital in Temple also creates a demand for transportation between the Brazos Valley and Temple, which is located in the Central Texas Council of Governments region.

These nearby large cities also bring special services within the reach of the residents of the Brazos Valley. Expert health care and hospitals, professional sports, art and museum districts, and historical sites can all be reasonably accessed without needing to stay overnight. With all of these unique places and services nearby comes the question of transportation to and from these cities. Questions like “Are the road systems between these cities adequate?” and “What is the most efficient way to bring people in and out of these areas?” are often asked of regional planning organizations. And so, it is important for the Brazos Valley to coordinate with our neighboring regions to manage these kinds of problems well in the future.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Goal 3: Mitigate gaps in transportation services. Objective 3.1: Develop new and sustainable transportation programs (Workforce) and identify and access funding to continue these services past the initial start-up.

Providing transportation services to the labor force or potential job seekers can provide a linkage between a transportation-dependent person and income in order to become more self-sufficient. The Brazos Valley region has seen these types of job-based transportation programs work in the past. Sanderson farms, located in Bryan, provided a bus for workers in Madisonville daily. This service provided a linkage for potential workers to find employment and become more self-sufficient. As a result, many Madisonville workers at Sanderson farms were able to earn a living and eventually no longer be dependent upon the service. Although the service eventually was cut due to funding constraints, the program was still seen as a success story within our region, as it enabled a certain population within the region to access employment and take advantage of their opportunity to become self-sufficient.

These types of programs will be vital in coming years as funding formulas change with government-based funding. Promoting transit to private-sector companies who employ large or small numbers of residents (whether low income, with a disability, or elderly) will be vital in ensuring the success of these programs. The ultimate goal of coordinated transportation is to allow improved access to the communities of the Brazos Valley region. Access to employment can be the cornerstone of improved connectivity to communities for residents, as they find transportation and potentially self-sufficiency.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Objective 3.2: Work with Brazos Transit District, other transportation providers, and community leaders to encourage and develop the possible enhancements of services in the Brazos Valley Region.

Region-wide coordination of transportation services gives the best possible coverage for our residents. Each transportation provider in the area has a unique system and coverage, that when combined gives users many options and makes the Brazos Valley more accessible. Each provider also has a set of challenges that come with their service, and so it is important to frequently meet with these providers to discuss solutions and brainstorm ways to enhance services. By working together, it will be easier to fill gaps in services and provide the best possible transit service for our residents.

Brazos Transit District and Texas A&M University’s Aggie Spirit bus system have already coordinated to provide BTD users with an option to ride the Aggie Spirit buses for a small charge. The pass costs just $35/year for a non-student to have access to all Aggie Spirit routes. Partnerships such as this in the region make our transit more accessible and efficient for residents in the Brazos Valley.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Objective 3.3: Develop enhancement of service for users with frequent medical treatment related transportation needs.

Transportation to important medical treatments with high frequency of appointments (per week or month) such as dialysis and radiation therapy appointments can often be a serious hindrance to a patient’s ability to receive care vital to their livelihood. In many situations, the patient is often too fatigued to drive themselves home from an appointment, and the medical office providing the treatment is often in Bryan- College Station, Temple or Houston.

Limitations: Dialysis and Other Treatments

Local health resource centers and Brazos Transit District have been able to provide occasional transportation services to persons requiring dialysis and other treatment types of high-frequency but providing 100% coverage is often not economically feasible, or possible given staffing available to provide transportation services. In some cases, if a rural health resource center provided every dialysis ride requested in their office, they would not be able to provide any other transportation services due to the number and time required for each visit.

Some agencies have been able to provide assistance to local health resource centers, most notably BVCIL, who has leveraged funding for an ADA-accessible van using 5310 funding.

Most patients will ask a family member or friend to assist them, however, the appointment length (sometimes 3-5 hours) requires a lengthy time commitment from the driver. Many people simply cannot dedicate the time or hours to providing this service for their relatives 2-3 times per week, for 3-5 hours at a time.

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Strategies: 1. Section 5310 Funds This program by the FTA that supports transportation services designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. These funds can apply to programs created for the purpose of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services that are aimed at treatments for diseases that fall under the disability category. For more information about Section 5310 Funds, refer to Objective 1.2, or go to www.transit.dot.gov. 2. Human Services Transportation Coordination

Eighteen states coordinate directly with Medicaid through a state coordinating council. Three states have NEMT fully embedded in their coordinated transportation planning processes. More than half of the states in the US do not coordinate with their Medicaid agency at all, due to a lack of an official coordinating council.

A way to fill these gaps is through human services transportation coordination. This calls for local transportation planners and human service organizations to work together in order to share resources, responsibility, as well as management and funding. With this kind of joint effort region-wide, agencies can work more efficiently to provide services where gaps may exist currently.

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3. Creating a partnership with Local Taxi Services for Medicaid Recipients and other health and human service transportation In Maryland a non-profit organization, MedStar Health, partnered with Uber to provide NEMT service to Medicaid recipients within the region. Patients could schedule rides through the hospital’s website or the Uber app. This type of service in Maryland was completely covered by Medicaid insurance, and provided increased service for those who needed it. A partnership with Uber would be a good way to increase ridership for the service in the Brazos Valley region, and eventually provide increased coverage in rural areas.

For more information regarding NEMT services, please visit: http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/non-emergency-medical- transportation-a-vital-lifeline-for-a-healthy-community.aspx

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Goal 4: Encourage political support of public transportation services Objective 4.1: Actively promote existing transportation services to local elected officials. Elected officials represent a wide range of differing municipalities and municipality types throughout the region, representing various populations, whether a city, county precinct or entire county. Other elected officials include representatives sent to the legislature in Austin or Washington to represent the Brazos Valley region on a state and federal level. Local elected officials sent to Austin or Washington to represent the region have the capability of finding and securing funding for various transportation initiatives within the region. Local officials within the region have the direct ability to make transportation a priority in their jurisdictions as our population (baby boomers most notably) within the region continues to age. Many different communities, agencies and services provide a vast array of transportation options for residents in the Brazos Valley. These services, along with their successes, are often unnoticed by locally elected officials at all levels of government. Providing these success stories and services to these officials, through RTPC, Workgroup or media, showcases these services and stresses the significant role that transportation services play within the region.

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Objective 4.2: Create a streamlined route of communication between local elected officials and transportation providers regarding challenges and needs they encounter in their daily operations.

Objective 4.2 is a continuation of Objective 4.1. The Brazos Valley has a vast array of transportation services and providers which provide certain levels of service to persons requiring transportation to access our communities and region. However, each of these services has limitations (funding, personnel, etc.) which prevent them from providing the full market demand for their service. Creating a strong partnership and line of communication with elected officials in the region, both locally and on state & federal levels is vital towards our goal of enhancing service within the region. BVCOG and regional partners must maintain these partnerships through the BVCOG Board Meeting, the Regional Transportation Planning Committee, in addition to various stakeholder groups held throughout the region.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Objective 4.3: Ensure that all local transportation providers are prepared for forecasted Transportation Management Area (TMA) status.

Transportation Management Area is a classification given to metropolitan areas which surpass a population of 200,000 people per the most recent US Census data. Based upon projections, the Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Statistical Area grew above 200,000 people in 2012, two years after the 2010 census. The next US Census will be tabulated in 2020, three years into the timeframe of this planning horizon. By acquiring this new status, the region will receive certain benefits from the Federal Government, as well as be subject to new requirements to ensure well-managed transportation systems for its sizeable population. Officially, this population requirement will not be recognized by the Federal Highway Administration until the 2020 US Census. This gives transportation providers in the region, such as Brazos Transit District, the opportunity to prepare for the requirements and benefits that come with being within a TMA.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the new requirements for a TMA are:

 The transportation planning process must include a Congestion Management System (CMS).  Transportation plans and programs within a TMA must be based on continuing and comprehensive transportation planning process carried out by the MPO in cooperation with the State and transit operators.  The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration must certify the transportation planning process no less often than once every three years.

BRAZOS VALLEY COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Objective 4.4: Encourage and promote sustainable growth techniques and strategies in communities which compliment transit initiatives and create a higher quality of life for all residents.

The Brazos Valley region is growing, and will continue to grow rapidly in the coming decade. With this growth comes a responsibility to ensure that the techniques being utilized are sustainable and accessible by all residents within the region, with or without a vehicle of their own.

“Sustainability” can be defined as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. There are multiple techniques that address this objective including promoting proximity, increased walkability, and updated public transportation options. Each of these strategies work with each other to ensure that the future of the Brazos Valley region grows sustainably, and can continue to grow in the future decades without strain.

Sustainable transportation infrastructure and accessibility are often two in the same concept. Each concept compliments the other as sustainable communities in the 21st century will require multiple modes of transportation, whether by personal vehicle, transit, or walkability. Walkability and transit are often tied together since access from a person’s place of residence or destination often require a walk between the two locations if a bus does not.

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1. Increased Walkability

1.1 Sidewalk Ordinances

Increasing the “walkability” of a community means developing with the pedestrian in mind, instead of the car. Many communities in the region already have ordinances regarding the placement and maintenance of sidewalks. However, it is important for these communities to enforce these ordinances in order to create a comprehensive sidewalk system that can last the coming decades. Sidewalk ordinances are designed to promote walkability within a community, but also to provide a safe corridor for users, whether for recreational or commute uses. Most sidewalk ordinances are enforced through the building This sidewalk’s maintenance has not been permit process. They are organized into design enforced, and so it is uneven and more specifications, construction materials, and financing of difficult to use. sidewalk projects.

1.2 “Road Diets”

Road diet is generally described as removing travel lanes from roadway and utilizing the space for other uses and travel modes like streetcars, turning lanes, bus stops or bike lanes. Road diets often take four travel lanes and reduce them to two main travel lanes, with a center turning lane, and bike lanes on each side of the roadway. Although diminishing the number of travel lanes, middle lanes of many four-lane streets often become dangerous for vehicles waiting to turn left. Having a central turn-only lane removes this danger, and allows travel lanes to be uninhibited from traffic stoppage. Bike lanes also serve as a buffer between travel lanes and curbs, which can make sidewalks safer for pedestrians, especially roads with sidewalks directly adjacent to the street.

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1.3 ADA Accessibility

Sidewalks are often rendered obsolete if access to a sidewalk is hampered by a curb or other obstacle from the road or a driveway. A lack of wheelchair ramps prevents access to vehicles, whether driving or riding, making it challenging, dangerous, or even impossible for elderly or persons with disabilities to access the road from a sidewalk, or access the sidewalk from the road. As shown to the right, the illustration shows a person in a wheelchair unable to exit the street, into a transit shelter. This creates an inconvenience in inclement weather, and also creates a hazard for individuals with disabilities or elderly persons if traffic on the street exists. The photo below is a good example of what that same shelter should look like to be adequately accessible.

Many individuals with disabilities are reliant on sidewalks and transit as their primary means of transportation, and so it makes sense to provide ADA accessible transit stops. In addition to these stops, it is also important that all local transit options are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes having adequate sidewalk and pedestrian crossings next to stops for safety when loading/unloading, ensuring that accessible vehicles have proper mechanisms and storage for passengers, and training drivers to be able to aid passengers with disabilities when needed.

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2. Promoting Proximity

The second approach to use for increased region-wide sustainability is increasing proximity to businesses. By increasing the proximity of all businesses and services, the central city gains more economic stimulation and the outer city remains preserved for agricultural use.

2.1 Combatting Sprawl

Outward development, commonly referred to as sprawl, provides ease of access for vehicular uses, but is often difficult to navigate for persons not using automobiles as a form of transportation. As businesses and other services and resources become further from homes of people needing those services, not having a car becomes an even greater challenge to live life, whether finding a job, accessing health services, or maintaining a quality of life with friends and family.

Negative Effects of Sprawl:

 Decreased accessibility to local businesses and services  Difficult mobility for the disabled or elderly  Development of health issues such as obesity  Less green space taken over by large roads and highways

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2.2 Infill Development

One method to improve proximity, and prevent sprawl is called infill development. This is the process of redeveloping unused buildings or parking lots that are already connected to public utilities instead of building on the outer edges of a city. This strategy is better for the developer and the city because it cheaper to build on an already existing lot, and the underused areas become revitalized.

The image below shows an infill development proposal along a local Main Street, with many vacant (yet usable) lots, where electric, sewer, water and transit infrastructure already exist. Bringing these buildings and plots of land back to life creates a stronger central business core, without spending large amounts of tax revenue to expand city infrastructure or programs beyond existing boundaries along the periphery of a city. This infill development can not only use existing infrastructure, but can increase foot, automobile and transit traffic on a street, which can expand a customer base in the area, with a positive effect upon the local economy.

Benefits of Infill Development:

 Better location for development compared to undeveloped periphery lots  Revitalization of central city and increased economic opportunity for local businesses  Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), tax incentives for infill development  Lower construction and tax burden of new development than building on undeveloped land

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2.3 Transit-Oriented Development

Another method of development that supports this technique is transit-oriented development (TOD). This approach involves the mixed use of buildings with commercial on the street level, offices directly above them, and residential units on the top floors. The goal of this development is to provide a home, workplace, and access to services and entertainment all within a half mile radius for its residents. In addition to this requirement, it is also characteristic of TOD’s to be located along a transit route, to provide access to outside areas for those without a car.

Benefits to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD):

 TOD helps make the most of public investments o Successful TOD leads to higher transit ridership numbers, which means more revenue from fares. It also supports more walk-and-ride transit trips, which can be cheaper for transit agencies over time than building, maintaining, and operating parking complexes.  TOD increases access to opportunity for people of all walks of life o According to CTOD (Center for Transit Oriented Developments) demand estimates, more than 40 percent of future demand for housing near transit will come from households earning less than 80 percent of area median income.  TOD Strengthens the regional economy

The main components which make Transit-Oriented Development successful are possible in communities of all sizes. Although transit-oriented development is most commonly found in cities and suburban areas across the country, their principles and ideas can still be utilized and implemented in communities at a scale more appropriate for the community. Many small communities across America already have existing downtown infrastructure which can be retrofitted to create places that are walkable, drivable, and transit- capable places, in which all types of uses can coexist, and build upon each other.

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3. Updated Public Transportation

3.1 Health Resources with a Transportation Component

Updated public transit in the Brazos Valley region encompasses many areas in service. The most needed service is for those who need transportation for health visits. The centralization of health resources, whether using a clinic or health fair, can provide one location and time where an efficient transit or ride program can bring patients and residents to a “one stop shop” location. This strategy provides a variety of health resources and care to those who may not have a personal automobile, or are not able to drive one.

3.2 School Bus Safety Education

School buses are often the first introduction to transit, so it is important to make these stops both safe and accessible for students. Communities must make safety and education of routes a priority, to ensure that children are informed and comfortable with buses when they become adults. Children are a primary group identified by TxDOT in this coordinated call, and school bus safety is paramount in ensuring that children find access to school when they are unable to find a ride from their parents or guardians.

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Sustain Planning & Plan Implementation Existing Mechanisms and Infrastructure BVCOG has undergone several planning efforts regarding stakeholder engagement as a Lead Agency. The greatest success of the department has been the creation of the Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership (BVTP). The BVTP provides a common resource for services and planning with local governments, transportation providers, non-profit service organizations, churches, and a variety of other entities. These partners take part in transit services within the Brazos Valley providing much needed trips for medical, shopping and social services. This partnership provides camaraderie between rural health resource centers, senior centers and their local government officials to provide resources to improve connectivity, quality of vehicle fleets, plus additional funding resources and mechanisms. This enhanced partnership has made funding and resources possible for planning initiatives across the region, including new vans and buses at health and senior centers that otherwise would not have happened.

The Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership has leveraged local county dollars, private dollars, and other funding provided by the Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging (BVAAA) and Workforce Development Board. These funds were leveraged through Brazos Transit’s use of the 5310 program to purchase vans for use at senior centers across the region. Buses and vans used by local senior centers have seen high ridership numbers, most notably, Washington County, who sees an estimated 468 riders per month for senior center, health appointments, and grocery uses. These vans and buses are currently in use in 6 of the 7 counties covered by BVCOG.

Organizational Structure BVCOG currently has three employees working in Coordinated Public Transportation. These employees include the Assistant Executive Director, a Transportation Planner, and Intern. All three have degrees in planning, and experience with the comprehensive planning process. BVCOG also has a fully equipped GIS department, with two ArcMap licenses, which will be used to prepare maps and perform geographical analysis of the region. The three transportation committees, led by BVCOG [Policy Committee (RPO); Regional Technical Planning Committee (RTPC); Transportation Workgroup] have all been part of the planning process for this Regional Coordinated Transportation Plan Update.

Continued Stakeholder Engagement Following the completion and approval of this plan, BVCOG will work to ensure its implementation over the next five years. The objectives listed previously will act as a guide to the projects that will be pursued. The transportation committees listed above will also aid in the process of these projects, and will continue to communicate with BVCOG when new limitations or gaps in services are identified. Additional information regarding the integration and measures of these objectives can be found in the Performance Measures section following this one. Continuing to reference these objectives and measures in the coming years will aid in the creation of new projects and measure the success of current ones.

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Performance Measures – Evaluation of Effectiveness The following objectives were identified within this planning process. Below are measures for performance and effectiveness of these objectives. Some objectives have specific goals and measures for success while others are more broad and/or subjective by nature.

Objective 1.1: Continue with Transportation Workgroup meetings (monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly) so as to encourage the exchange of ideas and an ongoing examination of ways to coordinate and promote transportation services.

The continued appearance of local stakeholders at the scheduled workgroup meetings can measure the group’s effectiveness. It is also important to reach out and form new partnerships with other providers, to include a more diverse group environment. By the end of this plan’s five-year effect, this objective can be measured by reviewing meeting attendance lists and ensuring the previous two goals are met.

Objective 1.2: Continue to promote and pursue funding for travel training and disability awareness classes for transportation drivers and riders.

Current programs that exist for travel training and disability awareness classes should be enhanced in the future for this objective to be reached. This can be measured either by an increase in attendees, funding, and frequency of these programs. Evaluation of effectiveness for this objective include:

1. Increase in the number of riders (or potential riders) using the service at existing agencies providing this service 2. Increase in the number of agencies in the region providing travel training and awareness classes 3. Increase in overall ridership of transportation services (as more people become able to ride)

Objective 1.3: Identify and pursue funding mechanisms for paid skilled drivers for various services including health resource centers and veterans.

Multiple performance measures exist regarding paid drivers. These measures can be defined in two categories:

Enhanced training opportunities for CDL Drivers

1. As changes in CDL licensing occurs, new training opportunities become available within Bryan- College Station and the Brazos Valley Region

Funding for Drivers

1. As driver demand increases, funding is leveraged for more paid drivers. This objective is determined effective if a health resource center or transit provider is able to pay more drivers than were able to at the beginning of this planning process.

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Objective 1.4: Actively pursue Texas Department of Transportation planning pilot project grants.

Pilot Project Grants are a new system of funding by TxDOT. Therefore submitting any proposals, and obtaining grant money through this system is an adequate way of measuring this objective. Success in this objective will be determined based upon the following criteria:

1. Whether a TxDOT planning grant was applied for and won 2. Whether the TxDOT planning grant was executed fully within parameters and reimbursed fully

Objective 2.1: Establish a single source that would allow any organization with a client needing transportation services to book the use of the services of any organization providing transportation services, in addition to continuing the transportation resource guide.

The creation of a booking website or app is the ultimate goal of this objective. This objective will be met if a website and/or app is created and is able to be widely used by riders, medical professionals and transportation providers.

The transportation resource guide must also continue to be updated to ensure that citizens are able to refer to it at any time. Making this information available through the BVCOG website can ensure that citizens are always viewing the most up to date version of the guide. If either these or an alternative booking source is created in the coming five years, then this objective will have been met.

Objective 2.2: Coordinate with other regional councils regarding their Coordinated Transportation Plans to identify services of priority outside of the Brazos Valley of significance to local residents.

Coordination with outside regions is currently at a minimal. This objective can be measured by the extent to which we communicate and cooperate with the surrounding regions. Routine communication and the creation of a council or workgroup are ways to establish this contact.

Success in this objective will be determined whether transportation gaps have been filled between the Brazos Valley region and Temple, Houston and other neighboring cities which provide health and human services to transportation riders in the seven counties.

Objective 3.1: Develop new and sustainable workforce transportation programs and identify funding sources to continue these services past the initial start-up.

Successful workforce transportation programs have existed in the past, but they have not lasted. The creation of a new sustainable transportation program that is able to stay in operation for several years is an adequate measure for this objective.

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Objective 3.2: Work with Brazos Transit, other transportation providers and community leaders to encourage and develop the possible enhancements of services in the Brazos Valley Region.

The Transportation Workgroup is an example of the kind of coordination this objective asks for. The continuation of the workgroup, and the inclusion of more providers and leaders are ways to ensure this objective’s completion.

The Brazos Transit District Study is scheduled for a May 1, 2017 roll-out date. Continuing to help Brazos Transit in this implementation phase, in relation to clients served by other agencies represented in the stakeholder groups, is one example of a continued partnership with BTD.

Objective 3.3: Develop enhancement of service for users with frequent medical treatment related transportation needs.

Enhanced or expanded capabilities of all transportation providers within the region will be the main goal of this objective. Success will be found in this objective if more patients can receive transportation without taking away resources for other ride-types.

Objective 4.1: Actively promote existing transportation services to local elected officials.

Providing success stories and services to elected officials, through RTPC, Workgroup or media, showcases these services and stresses the significant role that transportation services play within the region. The continuation of any or all of these strategies will help complete this objective. Promotion of transportation services (along with their needs and successes) allows locally elected officials to prioritize funding based upon the needs of their constituents who are also transit riders.

Objective 4.2: Create a streamlined route of communication between local elected officials and transportation providers regarding challenges and needs they encounter in their daily operations.

Communication between stakeholders in the Transportation Workgroup and locally elected officials on the RTPC (Regional Transportation Planning Committee) will be the main route between providers and officials. Regular meetings including both will meet this objective.

Objective 4.3: Ensure that all local transportation providers are prepared for forecasted Transportation Management Area (TMA) status.

Although the official status regarding TMA status may not be available until 2022 or later (beyond this planning calendar, preparedness for the eventual event is pivotal for continued successes in transportation. All population projections suggest the Bryan-College Station Metro Area surpassing 200,000 people officially. Ensuring that agencies and locally elected officials are made aware of the effects and benefits of this change is pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition.

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Objective 4.4: Encourage and promote sustainable growth techniques and strategies in communities which compliment transit initiatives and create a higher quality of life for all residents.

Under this objective, three main strategies were identified to help in the implementation and measurement of this objective. These long range concepts will see success if initial steps of implementation have begun, which include: sidewalk ordinances enacted, Main Street tax credits are enabled, and general education of the topic is provided to local communities.

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Conclusion The Brazos Valley region of Texas is full of opportunities that will only become greater as the region and greater area continue to see large numbers of growth and prosperity. As a large section of our population continues to age, along with the general needs of persons with disabilities, low income people, and other target populations need transportation, providing access to our communities become paramount in ensuring vitality in our communities for all residents.

The objectives identified in this plan will not only work to enhance connectivity to our region, but also promote transit as a valuable asset to our communities, not only for those dependent upon transportation resources, but to the broader success and vitality of the municipalities, counties and region as a whole.

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments would like to thank the stakeholders who participated in this planning effort between September 2015 and February 2017. Your continued support of transportation efforts within the region allow these enhancements to be made to help our region become more prosperous.

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Appendix Agendas, meeting minutes, sign-in sheets, and other documents supporting this report will be added in this appendix upon submission to TxDOT.