Rural Operating Assistance (ROAP) Program Guidelines
Polk County Transportation Authority
May, 2015
Introduction
The Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) is a state funded public transportation grant program administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division (NCDOT-PTD). ROAP includes the following programs:
- Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP)
- Employment Transportation Assistance Program (EMPL)
- Rural General Public (RGP) Program
Transportation for Polk County Residents
Polk County residents who meet the criteria defined herein are eligible to apply for ROAP funding. An annual application is required, because funding is not automatically renewed each year. A fare may be charged up to 10% of the cost of each trip.
Annual Benefit
An annual application is required by each recipient and may be submitted at any time. However, the passenger is responsible for the cost of each trip until the application is approved. Passengers are encouraged to complete the application promptly to continue receiving service at the discounted fare.
In order to serve the greatest need, servicemay be restricted to a limited number of trips per month, based upon the availability of funding. Trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The passenger application includes a requirement for certification of employment or disability.
Restrictions
EDTAP funds are to be used to provide trips for elderly and disabled individuals onlywhen other funding sources are not available.
Submit Applications
PCTA
3 Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 308
Columbus, NC 28722
Phone: 828-894-8203
Fax: 828-894-5913
Email:
Polk County Transportation Authority
Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP)
Description
The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP), provides operating assistance funds for the transportation of the state’s elderly and disabled citizens. This transportation assistance allows the elderly and disabled to reside for a longer period in their homes, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria
For the purposes of EDTAP, an elderly person is defined as one who has reached the age of 60 or more years. A disabled person is defined as one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, an individual who has a record of such impairment, or an individual who is regarded as having such impairment. Certification of a disability by a medical professional is required as part of the application.
Restrictions
EDTAP funds are to be used to provide trips for elderly and disabled individuals onlywhen other funding sources are not available.
Employment Transportation Assistance Program (ETAP)
Trips are covered for travel to college, work or related activities such as job fairs and interviews.
Description
EMPL funded trips can be provided for:
1. Individuals that have transitioned off the Work First or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program within the last 12 months;
2. Participants in Workforce Development Programs; and/or
3. The transportation disadvantaged public.
Eligibility Criteria
Certification of employment or college enrollment is required as part of the application.
Rural General Public Program (RGP)
Description
The Rural General Public Program assistance funds are intended to provide transportation services for individuals from the county who do NOT have a human service agency or organization that will pay for the transportation service.
Eligibility Criteria
To use RGP funds, the passenger MUST live in or be visiting someone living in the non-urbanized area of a county. Either the origin or destination of the trip must be in the non-urbanized area. The RGP funds cannot be used to provide service from an origin within the urban area or to a destination within the urban area.
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