South Central Kansas Transit Council, Inc.
Coordinated Transit District 11
Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Plan
Planning Document for Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, and Greenwood Counties
Final
Prepared
November 30, 2007
FTA Review Check List
Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan
Section I: Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan
1. Assessment of available services identifying current providers (public, private, non-profit): See pp. 7-14
2. Assessment of need for individuals with disabilities, older adults and people with low incomes. This assessment can be based on experiences and perceptions of the planning partners or more sophisticated data collection efforts, and gaps in service (Note: If a community does not intend to seek funding for a particular program – Section 5310, JARC or New Freedom – then the community is not required to include an assessment of the targeted population in its coordinated plan): See pp. 16-17
3. Strategies and / or activities to address the identified gaps and achieve efficiencies in service delivery: See pp. 18-22
4. Relative priorities for implementation based on resources, time, and feasibility for implementing specific strategies / activities identified: See p. 23
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 5
2. Description of Service Area 6
Counties included in CTD 6
Demographics of CTD by county for CTD 11
Transportation Dependent Populations 6
3. Inventory of Transportation Providers in CTD 11 7
Stakeholder Identification 7
Transportation Providers Funded by KDOT 9
Other Transportation Providers 13
4. Transportation Needs in the CTD 16
Framework for Action Summary 16
Service Gaps: What do we need to do better? 16
5. Prioritized Needs 17
6. Action Plan 18
7. Project Selection Priorities 23
8. Attachments
a. Sample letter of invitation to participate 24
b. Completed Framework for Action 25
c. Stakeholder contact log 32
d. Summit roster 35
List of Tables
Table 1: Transportation Dependent Populations, 2005 Estimates 8
Table 2: Planning Participants 10
Table 3: Transportation Providers in the CTD 11 Service Area 15
Table 4: Other Transportation Providers in the CTD 11 Service Area 16
Table 5: Summary of Survey Results 19
List of Figures
Figure 1: Map of Coordinated Transit District 11 6
Figure 2: Population Density for Counties in CTD 11 by Census Tract 7
Figure 3: Organizations 9
Figure 4: Planning Participation 10
Figure 5: Intercity Bus Routes 17
CTD 11 Coordinated Public Transit-
Human Service Plan 2 November 2007
CTD 11 Coordinated Public Transit-
Human Service Plan 2 November 2007
Coordinated Transit District 11
Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Plan
(Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, and Greenwood)
November 30, 2007
1. Introduction
The goal of this plan is to improve coordination of transportation and human services in Coordinated Transit District 11. It also fulfills the federal planning requirements of SAFETEA-LU, which consist of the following:
· A unified, comprehensive strategy for public transportation service delivery;
· Identifies transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with limited incomes;
· Lays out strategies for meeting those needs; and
· Prioritizes services.
To complete the plan, stakeholders were asked to complete inventories and web-based surveys. They were also asked to participate in a transportation planning summit held on May 15, 2007. Fifteen of the 65 people invited participated in the summit.
By the end of the summit, a draft action plan was completed. A coordinated public transit-human service transportation plan was developed based on data and input received from summit stakeholders. Coordinated Transit District members were given the opportunity to comment on the action plan before it was finalized to be included in this report.
This plan addresses transit coordination priorities for the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010, but may be updated periodically to meet developing needs in the communities of Coordinated Transit District 11.
2. Description of Service Area
Counties included in CTD.
In Kansas, there are 15 Coordinated Transit Districts (CTDs). Each CTD is responsible for coordinating public transit within their service area and membership consists of recipients of public and human service transit funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The CTD is located in the South Central area of the state. Figure 1 contains a map of the 4 counties that are included in CTD 11: Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, and Greenwood.
Demographics of CTD 11 by county for Transportation Dependent Populations
Almost 50,000 people live in the CTD 11 service area. Figure 2 provides the population density of the area by number of persons living in each square mile. The areas surrounding Arkansas City, Eureka, and Winfield have the highest population densities.
Figure 2 Population Density for Counties in CTD 11 by Census Tract
Specialized transportation services are targeted to individuals that are more likely to be transportation disadvantaged. Groups included in this category are older adults and individuals with disabilities, and individuals with incomes below the poverty level. Over 18.2% of the area’s population was age 65 or older, which was higher than the state’s overall rate of 13%. The rate of individuals with a go-outside-of-home disability (6.6%) was slightly higher than the state’s rate (5%). The poverty rate of individuals 18 and older was also higher in the area (8%) than the overall state (6.5%).
Table 1
Transportation Dependent Populations
2005 Estimates
County / Elderly 65+ / Elderly 65+ (%) / 16+; Go-outside-home disability / 16+; Go-outside-home disability (%) / Adults (18+) below poverty / Adults (18+) below poverty (%) / Total Pop.Chautauqua / 1,000 / 24.3% / 345 / 8.4% / 328 / 8.0% / 4,109
Cowley / 5,612 / 15.9% / 2,125 / 6.0% / 2,753 / 7.8% / 35,298
Elk / 778 / 25.3% / 229 / 7.5% / 282 / 9.2% / 3,075
Greenwood / 1,674 / 22.8% / 581 / 7.9% / 600 / 8.2% / 7,338
CTD Total / 9,064 / 18.2% / 3,281 / 6.6% / 3,962 / 8.0% / 49,820
3. Inventory of Transportation Providers in CTD
Stakeholder Identification
The CTD members identified 65 organizations that would be impacted by the Coordinated Plan. Social service agencies represented the highest percentage of the stakeholder organizations. This is not surprising because there are many social service providers in CTD 11 whose clients rely on public transportation, and as a result, these providers often have to coordinate their services with transit providers.
Each organization was invited to the Transportation Summit, as well as asked to either complete a transportation inventory and/or a human service provider inventory. Thirty-two percent of those organizations either attended the Summit or submitted inventories.
Table 2
Planning Participants
Agency Name / City / Inventory Received? / Agency Attended Summit /American Cancer Society / Wichita / YES / YES
Chautauqua County Council on Aging / Sedan / YES / YES
Cowley County Council on Aging / Winfield / YES / YES
Cowley County Mental Health / Winfield / NO / YES
Cowley County Workforce Development / Winfield / YES / NO
Creative Community Living / Winfield / YES / YES
Elk County Council on Aging / Howard / YES / YES
Fall River Transportation / Fall River / YES / YES
Foster Grandparent Program / Winfield / NO / YES
Greenwood County Council on Aging / Eureka / YES / YES
Howard Twilight Manor / Howard / YES / YES
KS Dept. of SRS--Winfield / Winfield / YES / YES
Medicalodges of Eureka / Eureka / YES / NO
Pleasant Valley Manor / Sedan / YES / NO
S. Central KS Area Agency on Aging / Arkansas City / NO / YES
Southwind Community Alternatives / Winfield / YES / NO
The Open Door / Arkansas City / NO / YES
Twin Rivers Developmental Supports / Arkansas City / YES / YES
USD 285 / Cedar Vale / YES / NO
USD 470 / Arkansas City / YES / YES
Winfield Rest Haven / Winfield / YES / NO
Attachment C contains the stakeholder contact log, which is a complete list of organizations who were contacted as part of the planning process.
Transportation Providers Funded by KDOT
Transportation providers who are members of CTD 11 receive capital and operating assistance from the state and federal government. The two primary funding programs are the Section 5310 (Specialized Transportation for the Elderly or Disabled) and Section 5311 (General Public Transportation). The following paragraphs include descriptions of providers funded by KDOT.
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
This non-profit nursing facility provides elderly and disabled clients trips for medical, personal, recreational, and shopping in Arkansas City and its surrounding areas. The Manor utilizes a demand response system to operate its two vehicles of which one is lift-equipped. It receives Section 5310 Capital funds.
Chautauqua County Council on Aging
This county department provides transportation services to the general public. The types of trips made include medical, personal, recreational, shopping, employment, and nutrition within the county limits. The provider operates three lift-equipped vehicles, and utilizes demand response and fixed route systems. Section 5311 and State Operating funds finance these transportation services.
Cowley County Council on Aging, Inc.
This non-profit agency provides general public transportation in Cowley County and to Wichita. All types of trips are provided. The provider operates five vehicles of which four are lift-equipped. It utilizes a demand response system. Section 5311 and State Operating funds finance these transportation services.
Cowley County Mental Health and Counseling Center
This mental health center provides transportation for its clients. Medical, education, recreational, shopping, employment, and nutrition trips are provided in Winfield, Arkansas City, and to Strother field. The Center operates five vehicles of which one is lift-equipped and utilize a deviated route system. Transportation is provided after hours on an as-needed basis for crisis related issues. The Center receives Section 5310 Capital funds.
Creative Community Living of South Central Kansas, Inc.
This non-profit agency provides transportation for its developmentally disabled clients, who mostly live in the agency’s ten residences. Medical, education, recreation, shopping, employment, and other trips are made to support its clients. The service area includes Cowley and Sumner Counties. The provider operates 13 vehicles of which 10 are lift-equipped. It utilizes demand response and deviated routes systems. The provider is financed by Section 5310 Capital funds and State Operating funds.
Elk County Council on Aging, Inc.
This non-profit agency serves citizens of Elk County but will transport up to 150 miles from the county line. Outside the county is required to meet the medical and shopping needs of its residents. The provider operates two vehicles of which one is lift-equipped, and utilizes a demand response system. It receives Section 5311 Capital and Operating funds and State Operating funds.
Greenwood County Council on Aging, Inc.
This non-profit agency provides all types of trips to the general public to destinations in Greenwood County and adjacent areas. It operates five vehicles of which one is lift-equipped. The provider utilizes demand response, deviated route, and fixed route systems. It is funded by Section 5311 Capital and Operating funds.
Mosaic
This non-profit agency provides most types of trips with the exception of education. Its clients are disabled persons. The agency operates fifteen vehicles and utilizes a demand response system. The provider is funded by Section 5310 Capital funds.
Twin Rivers Developmental Supports, Inc.
This non-profit agency provides residential service for developmentally disabled individuals, operates a sheltered workshop, and provides transportation for the disabled, elderly, and general public. All type of trips are provided within Cowley County and its surrounding areas. The provider operates nine vehicles of which six are lift-equipped, it utilizes both demand response and fixed route systems. It receives Section 5311 Capital and Operating funds.
Table 3
Transportation Providers Funded by FTA 5310 or 5311
Agency Name / County / Type of service / Clients served / Funding / No. of Vehicles / Lift Equipped /Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor / CL / Demand response / Elderly, disabled / 5310 / 2 / 1
Chautauqua County Council on Aging / CQ / Demand response, fixed route / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 / 3 / 3
City of Howard/ Howard Twilight Manor / EK / Demand response / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 / 1 / 1
Cowley County Council on Aging / CL / Demand response / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 & State / 5 / 4
Cowley County Mental Health and Counseling Center / CL / Demand response / Mental health clients / 5310 / 5 / 1
Creative Community Living of South Central Kansas / CL / Demand response, deviated / Developmentally Disabled Clients / 5310 / 13
(of which 6 KDOT) / 10
( of which 4 KDOT)
Elk County Council on Aging / EK / Demand response / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 & State / 2 / 1
Greenwood County Council on Aging / GW / Demand response, fixed, deviated route / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 / 3 / 1
Mosaic / CL / Demand response / Disabled / 5310 / 15
(of which 7 KDOT) / 3
Twin Rivers Developmental Supports / CL / Demand response, fixed / Elderly, disabled & gen public / 5311 / 9 / 6
Total Vehicles providing General Public Transportation (5311) / 23
Total Vehicles providing Specialized Transportation (5310/other) / 27
Other Transportation Providers in CTD 11
There are also other funding sources for transportation providers. Table 4 consists of an inventory of other transportation providers that serve CTD 11.
Table 4
Other Transportation Providers in CTD 11
Agency Name / County / City / Type of service / Clients servedAmerican Cancer Society / CL, CQ, EK & GW / Wichita / Voluntary health services / Cancer patients, family, friends
Fall River Transportation / GW / Fall River / Demand response / Elderly, disabled & general public
Madison Senior Center / GW / Madison
Sedan School District / CQ / Sedan / School district
USD 282 / EK / Howard / School district
USD 283 / EK / Longton / School district
USD 285 / CQ / Cedar Vale / School district
USD 386 / GW / Madison / School district
USD 389 / GW / Eureka / School district
USD 390 / GW / Hamilton / School district
USD 462 / CL / Burden / School district
USD 465 / CL / Winfield / School district
USD 470 / CL / Arkansas City / School district / HeadStart & developmental disability services
USD 471 / CL / Dexter / School district
Intercity Bus
There is no intercity bus service in the CTD 11. The nearest intercity bus stops are in Wichita, Independence and Coffeyville. Figure 5 illustrates intercity bus routes nearest to CTD 11. The following intercity bus companies were given the opportunity to comment on the plan: